Is it illegal to put a lock on your luggage?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now suggests you lock your checked baggage with TSA-Approved and recognized locks. Travel Sentry® Approved locks are approved and recognized by the TSA. Look for the Travel Sentry® symbol when shopping for these TSA-Approved products.



No, it is not illegal to put a lock on your luggage, but in 2026, it is highly recommended that you only use TSA-approved locks. These locks have a special master-key cylinder that allows security officers (like the TSA in the US or similar agencies globally) to open and inspect your bag without destroying the lock. If you use a non-approved padlock and your bag is selected for a random manual search, security personnel are legally authorized to cut or break the lock to gain access, and they are not liable for the damage. While locking your bag provides a deterrent against casual theft and prevents the zippers from accidentally opening during transit, it does not provide absolute security. Many travelers in 2026 also use tamper-evident seals or zip-ties as a low-cost alternative. It is also important to note that while locking your checked luggage is standard, many airlines discourage locking "carry-on" bags in case they need to be gate-checked at the last minute for safety or weight reasons.

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US Customs officials are allowed to open your case to inspect what's inside. Bags are screened and if needed, they are opened but can be chosen at random. If your bag is locked, they are legally allowed to cut that lock, whether it be an integral part of the case or an external padlock.

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The Benefits of Locking Your Luggage Using a suitcase lock makes it more difficult for baggage handlers or strangers to riffle through your goods at the airport. Not to mention, luggage locks are a great way to ensure your personal belongings won't fall out because the zippers are held together.

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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.

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Your baggage is usually checked in front of you. Customs officers keep a record of: all baggage they open and check. any damage to your baggage or belongings during a check.

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Your baggage is usually checked in front of you. Customs officers keep a record of: all baggage they open and check. any damage to your baggage or belongings during a check.

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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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Simply look for the 'Red Diamond'. Every lock that carries the Travel Sentry® Approved mark is accepted by the TSA and other security agencies.

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If you don't have any luggage locks, cable ties will serve the same purpose in a pinch. If your luggage has lockable zips (two zip pulls, with small loops at the base of each), just thread the largest cable tie that fits through the loops, and pull tight.

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Lewis says that he always recommends that customers use luggage locks to protect the contents of their bags but that less than half of them do. If you're checking your suitcase with an airline, be sure to use a lock labeled TSA compatible so that agents can open it with a master key if it's selected for scrutiny.

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Alcoholic drinks above 70% ABV. All firearms need to be declared and packed separately. Loose bateteries/larger lithium-ion batteries: Laptops with batteries tend to be fine, but loose spare batteries aren't allowed and larger lithium-ion batteries are generally prohibited. Chemicals like spray paints or turpentine.

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Hand luggage must not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm and the small item must be no bigger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm. Both items can weight up to 23kg each. If your hand baggage exceeds the limit, it will be checked into the hold.

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Yes, once you check them in and they go off on the conveyor belt, your baggage will be screened by an X-Ray machine and also often with chemical sniffers. If there is any doubt or something suspicious about your bag, a member of security personnel will inspect it by hand.

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For example, TSA guidance is very clear: If prohibited items are found during security checks, they won't be returned to their owners. That may vary in other countries, but the general rule is that confiscations are permanent.

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The groin area between the abdomen and thigh contains several lymph nodes, blood vessels, and muscles. Airport body scanners often target the groin area because it contains sensitive areas that could be mistaken for weapons or explosives.

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While many people prefer carry-on bags, luggage tags are an important part of your checked baggage as they help identify suitcases (especially in the case of loss or delays). Always make sure your luggage tag is durable enough that it won't come off throughout your many journeys.

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