What is a TSA Lock?
A TSA Lock is a luggage lock that can be opened by authorised security officers using special master keys.
This prevents damage to your suitcase during screening while keeping your belongings protected. Look for the Travel Sentry Red Diamond symbol to ensure your lock meets global TSA-accepted standards.
- Used by security agencies in 80+ countries
- Helps prevent lock breakage during inspection
- Ensures your bags remain protected after screening
Travel Sentry
Look for the red diamond
All our TSA accepted locks bear a Red Diamond logo. Each lock has a special code which is used by the security agencies to know which secure tool to use to open the TSA lock.
How it works
How Do TSA Locks Work? A Global Security System
Here’s our mini step-by-step guide:
- You lock your suitcase using a TSA-approved lock.
- Security officers screen your luggage.
- If inspection is needed, officers use a secure master key to open your lock.
- Your bag is checked and then relocked, no damage, no cut locks.
Find more information on understanding TSA locks.
Country Check
Travel Sentry is used in most countries in the world
- Australia
- Cambodia
- China
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- New Zealand
- Philippines
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Bermuda
- Brazil
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Netherlands Antilles
- Panama
- Peru
- Uruguay
- USAUnited States,America
- Albania
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Bosnia & HerzegovinaBosnia Herzegovina
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Holland
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Kosovo
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- UKUnited Kingdom,Great Britain,England,Wales,Britain
- Bahrain
- Cape Verde
- Ghana
- Israel
- Ivory Coast
- Kenya
- Morocco
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi ArabiaKingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- UAEUnited Arab Emirates
Who we work with
Find your favourite brand
Need Support With a TSA Lock?
If you need help setting up, identifying, or troubleshooting your TSA Lock, our team is here to assist. Visit our Support Centre for FAQs, guides, and dedicated product support.
Want to know more?
More information on TSA locks
FAQs
Travel with confidence
Travel with confidence
Do I need a TSA Lock for international travel?
While a TSA Lock isn’t legally required, it is strongly recommended if you are checking in luggage, especially when travelling through airports that use Travel Sentry security standards. Many countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, most of Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia, use enhanced luggage screening where bags may need to be opened for inspection.
If your suitcase is secured with a non-TSA-approved lock, security officers may have to cut, break, or remove it entirely to access the contents.
How Does a TSA Lock Work?
A TSA Lock allows the authorities to inspect luggage for security reasons, such as dangerous items, without breaking the lock. This means your luggage and its belongings will remain safe and secure throughout your travelling experience and your luggage will remain damage-free.
The Benefits to Travellers
There are a range of benefits for travellers using a TSA lock (Travel Sentry® Approved Lock):
Security Compliance:
TSA accepted locks comply with the security regulations set by the Transportation Security Administration. This is important for air travel, as TSA agents have the authority to inspect luggage for security purposes. If you use a non-TSA lock on your luggage, TSA security agents may need to break it to access your bags, potentially causing damage.
TSA Access
TSA accepted locks have a special feature that allows TSA agents to open and relock the lock without causing damage. This ensures that if your luggage requires inspecting, there is no need to destroy the lock.
Convenience
Using a Travel Sentry Approved lock provides convenience for both travellers and security personnel. It streamlines the inspection process, allowing TSA agents to quickly check the contents of the luggage. Travellers can use these locks without worrying about potential damage during security checks.
Peace of Mind
Travellers can have peace of mind knowing that they won’t arrive at their destination to find a broken lock. Using a lock that the TSA can open and relock provides an added layer of security and reassurance.
Wide Availability
TSA-accepted locks are widely available, and many luggage manufacturers incorporate them into their designs. This makes it easy for travellers to find suitable locks that meet TSA standards, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
How do I know if my padlock is a Travel Sentry TSA lock?
Simply look for the ‘Red Diamond’. Travel Sentry® Approved locks feature a red diamond which symbolises its acceptance by TSA and other security agencies around the world.
Do TSA Locks protect against theft?
These locks provide a reliable level of security for travellers, but it is important to understand their purpose. These locks are designed primarily to allow authorised access during airport screening, while preventing unauthorised tampering.
They help deter opportunistic interference with your suitcase, such as someone casually opening zips or trying to access your belongings in transit.
However, no travel lock can guarantee total protection against determined theft. What TSA Locks do offer is a practical balance between convenience and security: your luggage can be inspected without damage, remains locked for the rest of the journey, and is far less vulnerable than bags left unsecured or with broken locks.
Here are some tips for preventing luggage theft at airports.
