Even if you aren't worried about thieves, locks keep your bags zipped so nothing falls out on accident. While hard luggage is unlikely to unzip, it's very easy for backpacks to open on their own after being thrown around.
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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.
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.
Countries with TSA Lock RequirementsHence, several countries (USA, Canada, Japan, Israel, Finland, Austria and South Korea) require travellers to have their suitcases locked with a specific brand of locks that can be unlocked by aviation security.
I always use a TSA lock and have never had a problem. TSA has opened the bags on occasions and used the locks to secure the bags afterwards. Cable ties can be a pain if you don't have access to a knife. To buy or not to buy is very much individual choice, there's no right or wrong answer.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), yes, you can zip-tie your luggage shut so no one would be able to simply unzip your luggage and go through it. You are allowed to zip-tie it because the TSA can snip it open if they need/want/desire to go through it for some reason.
Inspection Notices: TSA may inspect your checked baggage during the screening process. If your property is physically inspected, TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag. This is to inform you that an officer conducted an inspection of your property.
Most domestic airlines specify 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches as the maximum size for carry-on baggage. There are some exceptions as listed below in our airline specific summary. Maximum dimensions include the wheels and the handles of your bag, so factor those into your measurements when assessing your bag.
The TSA combination lock has been designed to prevent damage to the locked suitcase when it is forcibly opened by the airport authority. The TSA lock can be easily opened and closed by the staff at the airport with a master key.
International Travel and Luggage LocksActually, TSA-approved locks are recognized worldwide. If there is a red diamond (the Travel Sentry logo) on your lock, you know it is TSA-approved and recognized outside the U.S.
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.
Most people tend to buy black or navy suitcases, says Phil Dengler, co-founder of the travel site The Vacationer. It can hide normal wear and tear—such as scratches—better than a light-colored one, and let's face it, darker tones can be a simple choice to default to when shopping for baggage.
Stick with TSA Approved LocksTSA agents have a master key to open TSA-approved locks, including multiple-digit combination locks. If they're unable to open your bag's lock with their master key, they will end up cutting the lock to gain access to your bag. Only use TSA-approved locks to avoid this happening.
Do I need to remove electronics from my carry-on bags? Yes, you should plan to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and put them in a separate bin with nothing placed on or under them for security screening. (This does not apply to TSA PreCheck™ passengers.)