What Is the TSA Keyhole on Your Luggage Combination Lock

If you’ve ever looked closely at your luggage lock, you’ve probably noticed a small keyhole next to the dials.

And you may have wondered: “Where’s the key?”

The answer is simple: The keyhole on your TSA-accepted combination lock is not designed for passengers.

You won’t receive a key when you buy your luggage with a Travel Sentry-approved combination lock. And you’re not supposed to use one. Instead, that keyhole serves a very specific purpose.

What the TSA Keyhole Is Actually For

The keyhole is used by airport security agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

If your bag is selected for inspection, officers may need to open it. With a TSA-accepted lock, they can:

• Open your luggage using approved secure tools
• Inspect the contents if required
• Relock your bag afterward, without damage

This is what makes TSA-accepted locks different from standard locks.

Why This Matters for Travelers

Before TSA-accepted locks existed, locked bags were often:

• Cut open
• Damaged during inspection
• Left unsecured after checks

Now, with Travel Sentry-approved locks:

• Your belongings stay protected
• Your luggage remains intact
• Security can still do their job

It’s a win for both travelers and airport authorities.

As a traveler, you’ll always use the combination dials on your lock.

That means:

• Setting your own personal code
• Opening and closing your bag using that code
• Resetting it when needed

If you forget your combination, you’ll need to recover it before resetting the lock—there’s no backup key for personal use.

How to Spot a TSA-Accepted Lock

Look for the Travel Sentry red diamond logo on your lock. This symbol tells you:

• Your lock is recognized by security agencies worldwide
• It can be opened safely using secure tools
• Your luggage lock won’t be damaged during inspection

That small keyhole on your luggage lock might look like a backup option, but it’s there for security, not for you.