Best TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

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A TSA-approved luggage lock secures your bag while still letting screeners inspect it without cutting the lock off, which is the whole point, since any lock without that approval risks being destroyed if your bag gets flagged. These locks carry a recognized mark and a master keyway that authorized agents can open with their own tools, then relock. Your first real decision is combination versus keyed. Combination locks free you from carrying a key you can lose and let you set your own code, which most travelers prefer, though you must remember the number and reset it carefully out of view. Keyed locks are simple and quick but add a small key to track, and losing it is a genuine hassle. A genuinely useful feature to look for is an open-alert indicator, a small window that turns red if a screener has opened the lock with the master key, so you know your bag was inspected and can check the contents. Beyond that, weigh build quality against bulk, since a heavy steel lock resists cutting but adds weight, while a lighter travel model keeps your one-bag setup trim. Look for a flexible steel cable shackle if you want to thread through zipper pulls easily, or a solid shackle for a bit more resistance. Expect to pay around 10 to 25 dollars, with multipacks bringing the price down if you lock several zippers. Remember that these locks deter the casual opportunist and keep zippers together in transit rather than defeating a determined thief, so treat them as sensible friction, not a vault.