Checking in for a Flight The TSA has worked with these manufacturers so security agents are able to open any of these locks with a master key, but no one else can. If you're using a lock that isn't approved by TSA, agents have the authority to break open that lock to search through a bag.

Yes, airport security—specifically the TSA in the U.S. and similar authorities globally—will break your luggage lock if it is not TSA-approved. In 2026, security protocols require that all checked baggage be accessible for physical inspection if an automated X-ray scan triggers an alert. If you use a non-compliant lock (one without the red diamond logo), agents are authorized to use bolt cutters or saws to open the bag, often leaving the lock destroyed and your bag unsecured for the remainder of the journey. However, if you use a TSA-approved lock, agents possess a "master key" that allows them to unlock, inspect, and relock your bag without damage. It is important to note that even with an approved lock, a bag can occasionally be damaged if the lock malfunctions, but the agency is generally not liable for replacing broken non-approved locks.