Hooray! You’ve finally made it through check-in and sent off your suitcase (which met TSA weight standards to the not-so-tender mercies of airline baggage handlers and TSA agents). Which obviously calls for celebration because that’s no easy feat. Yet, now you might be wondering…“should I have locked my luggage?” Macy’s helps give you peace of mind with TSA-approved luggage locks—we’ve got it on lock!
After all, the last thing you want to worry about when you’re headed out on a new adventure is whether your luggage locks are going to stand up to security scrutiny and everyday travel.
Shop Macy’s for TSA-approved luggage locks from top travel brands such as Samsonite, Go Travel and Tumi. So, what are you waiting for? Your next vacation is calling! Lock up your luggage now with TSA locks—you (and your luggage) will thank us later!
What Is a TSA-Approved Luggage Lock?
In short, a TSA-approved luggage lock is any lock that has the Travel Sentry logo on it. Travel Sentry was created in 2003 and is a group that develops and licenses standards used in travel security. This includes standards and approvals for luggage locks that can be opened by aviation security agencies like the TSA. Any lock with the Travel Sentry Logo means that the TSA has a universal key to open your lock. TSA-accepted locks come in a range of different types and styles including TSA locks with keys, TSA dial locks and more.
This begs the question…
What Does TSA Mean, Anyway?
TSA stands for Transportation Security Administration. The TSA is the US government agency that is in charge of airport security at all US airports.
Travel safer—and easier! Keep reading to discover the reasons why you need TSA-approved luggage locks.
1. Protect Your Personal Belongings. The biggest benefit of a TSA lock is that they allow you to secure your suitcase and the valuable items that are stored within. This makes it easier to enjoy your vacation and protect your property when your luggage is out of your hands. Avoid an embarrassing situation—a TSA lock can also help hold your bag’s zippers together, so they don’t accidentally open while in transit, leaking socks and underwear all over the baggage carousel—yikes! You also may want to use a lock while traveling on a crowded train or bus, and even during the day at hotels to deter theft.
2. TSA-Approved, Of Course. While ordinary padlocks should keep your valuables secure, they won’t always adhere to travel rules. You can be sure TSA locks will adhere to travel rules because they are approved by the TSA. At an airport, security officials have the right to search inside any piece of your luggage to ensure that it is safe for travel. If you use a non-TSA-approved padlock to keep your suitcase secure, the authorities may have to cut the lock off in order to access the inside of your luggage. With a TSA-approved luggage lock, the TSA will have a universal key to open the lock to check your bag and then re-lock it to ensure it remains secured.
3. Damage-Free Search. Did you just buy a brand-new (and possibly quite expensive) luggage set for your next vacation? Do you want to make sure it stays damage-free, safe and secure while traveling? Invest in TSA-approved luggage locks! If the TSA determines your luggage needs extra screening and you have a TSA lock, they will use a universal key that can easily unlock your suitcase. Without one, and with an ordinary padlock, they will have to cut the lock off completely. Failing that, if officials still cannot remove the lock, they may need to damage your new, expensive luggage to get into the contents.
Travel Tip: Not all security officers outside the U.S. have the same universal keys, so even a TSA-approved lock could be cut off if you’re traveling internationally.
1. TSA Lock with Key. This style TSA lock allows you to secure the lock with a provided key. Make sure to stow the key in a safe location that only you know about.
2. TSA Dial Lock. This type will require you to use a TSA dial lock combination to secure your suitcase. Typically, they feature three or four dials with hundreds of possible combinations.
Travel Pro Tip: Write down your combination (and keep it in a safe location) once it’s set, so that you have a reference if you ever forget it.
Frequently Asked Questions: You’ve Asked, We’ve Answered!
1. Do TSA Locks Come with a Key? Some TSA-approved luggage locks do come with a key but not all of them do, so it is important to check if your lock comes with a key. Other TSA-approved locks may only feature an easy-to-use dial combination lock.
2. How Do You Reset a TSA Lock? Unfortunately, if you forget the combination to your TSA dial lock, for security reasons there is no way to reset a TSA lock to factory default settings.