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.
Travel Sentry products come with a bold red diamond logo on every product they produce. If you've purchased a TSA approved product through Safe Skies Luggage Locks, your lock will come with a red torch logo on the front instead.
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.
A TSA lock is one to which only TSA officials have a key. You set the combination yourself and, if a TSA agent has to look inside your bag because they see something suspicious on the scanner, it can be easily opened with their master key.
All locks are set to a default of 0-0-0 at the factory. If you've forgot your unique combination you are going to need assistance from a Samsonite Authorised Repair Centre to unlock your combination lock.
Checking in for a FlightThe 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.
What happens if you forget to lock your luggage? For unlocked luggage, it's possible that it might be opened by airport security even without the TSA lock. If your luggage is selected for a random search or flagged for any reason, airport security may open your luggage to inspect its contents.
These locks are available at most airports and many travel stores nationwide. The packaging on the locks indicates whether they can be opened by TSA. In some cases, TSA officers will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process.
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.
You can put a lock on your luggage if the zippers are designed for an external lock. But a much better and safer choice is luggage that comes with TSA-approved luggage locks built in.
Use TSA-approved locks to keep your bag locked. If your airport allows other types of locks, use those. They could be better and unique. In case you take anything out of the bag at the airport or when on board, remember to zip up the bag.
Once you receive your electronic boarding pass, you can head straight to security if you're traveling carry-on only. If you're checking a bag, you'll still need to stop by the... The answer is yes! You can go straight to your gate, where your hand luggage will be labeled and then stowed in the aircraft.