As most of us already know, flying can be a stressful experience, from arriving on time- to airport security- to lift off. And the thought of someone possibly tampering with or stealing personal belongings at any point in time is what urges so many travelers to purchase locks.
And as a result of international treaties, airport security must check your luggage and ensure no prohibited items will board the flight. Meaning the TSA can open your luggage if chosen. However, one of the most common complications at the security check-point is that travelers secure their luggage with non-TSA-approved locks. So, if your luggage requires inspection, and you either forget the combination or don't have your key, TSA staff can cut off any non-approved lock. Thus, making your luggage vulnerable to theft, manipulation, and tampering later on. That's why it's imperative to use a TSA-approved lock when traveling internationally.
What is a TSA lock?
A TSA lock is a specific type of lock approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). And it is the TSA that supervises the security of public transportation services within the United States.
If you have a TSA-approved lock on your baggage, airport security will open it quickly and easily using their master key. Allowing for the completion of the inspection without causing any damage to your lock or luggage; thus, saving you the hassle of replacing a cut lock.
How do TSA locks work?
All TSA-approved locks have a keyhole at the bottom, which allows an airport security inspector to use their TSA master key to open the lock.
How do you know your luggage is safe with TSA locks?
Only a specific type of key opens TSA locks. This key gets administered solely to airport security officials, not buyers or sellers of TSA-approved locks. Therefore, the only way for anyone other than airport security to open your lock is to use the correct combination chosen upon setup. Click here to watch our tutorial to set up the TSA locks!Which countries use TSA-approved lock systems?
What's the point in buying a TSA-approved lock if countries outside of the US don't accept them? Not to worry, all major airports in Canada use tools provided by Travel Sentry.
Many other countries use the Travel Sentry lock system in at least some major airports, this includes, but is not limited to:
- Japan
- Israel
- Finland
- Germany
- Austria
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- South Korea
- Germany
- New Zealand
- China
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Switzerland
- Togo
How to identify TSA locks?
To identify a TSA lock, look for the Travel Sentry logo on the packaging. All TSA- approved locks display the Travel Sentry logo, which is the red diamond.
Hikolayae's TSA Approved Luggage Sets Keep You Safe and Secure on Your Travels
The best part about having a TSA-approved lock built-in to your luggage is the ease and simplicity of using it. With just some adjustments to the combination pad, you can ensure that your luggage is safe and secure while you travel. And, in turn, removes any hassle of remembering to carry a separate key with you. Fortunately, our brand prides itself on creating high-quality, 3-piece luggage sets with TSA-approved locks integrated into the design. So, you never have to feel apprehensive about traveling without TSA-approved locks again.