The TSA screeners have access to special tools that allow them to open TSA-Approved locks in the event that your bags must be opened for inspection.
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The point is that the TSA can, but only the TSA. If you are not a TSA baggage inspector and on the clock, you do not have access to the special tool needed to open TSA-approved baggage padlocks without breaking them.
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.
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.
Indeed in Europe you're still allowed to lock it with whatever lock you want, so it's perfectly acceptable to attach that, a standard padlock, a combination lock, or any other kind of lock. If they want to inspect it and can't locate you (in the queue or by paging you) they will simply cut the lock off.
Although the use of a TSA lock is not mandatory, it can save a lot of hassle and prevent a damaged suitcase. Customs staff can quickly and easily check luggage with a TSA lock. Luggage that is not equipped with a TSA lock might be forced open by the customs officer.
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.
If you want to know if your lock was opened by a TSA master key, purchase a lock with a red/green indicator. The indicator is set to green and only switches to red if the bag was opened for inspection.
It is optional to use a TSA lock but if you do want to lock your luggage (recommended), it must be TSA approved locks that have a back door key and can easily be opened by the TSA. Any other lock will be cut and destroyed if the TSA selects your luggage for inspection.
Legally speaking, no. TSA locks are there so that when the TSA needs to open your luggage, they can do so without destroying your lock. One thing to keep in mind is that the master keys for all TSA locks have been leaked. They're not as safe as non-TSA locks.
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.
Yes, you can lock your luggage, but you'll need to use a TSA-approved lock so that TSA screeners can open it if your bag is selected for inspection. If you don't use this type of lock, TSA screeners will simply cut off the locks if they need to get into your bag.
Lock your gun case before you and the counter agent take it to be checked by TSA. Stay in the immediate area. If TSA needs the case opened for some reason or has questions, you must be present. At most airports you can stand in an area that provides you with a visual of the space where TSA checks special baggage.
Suspicion of Illegal Activities: If customs officials suspect that you are carrying items related to illegal activities, they may open and search your luggage. Random Inspections: Customs officials may conduct random inspections to ensure that all passengers are complying.