The Best TSA Approved Luggage Locks

TSA-Approved Master Lock 4688D Luggage Lock

No list of the best luggage locks would be complete without a Master Lock. There are more than a few reasons Master Lock has been the biggest name in locks for decades, and this TSA-approved luggage lock is one of them in our eyes. This non-invasive lock clips right onto your suitcase bag via its vinyl-covered steel cable. The cable is flexible, which means you will be able to slip it through your luggage no matter what size it is. Just set your three-digit code, stick it on your luggage, and you are ready to head to the airport. Master Lock offers five different color options for this highly affordable TSA-approved luggage lock, so there’s sure to be one for everyone.

Pros:

• Durable, strong steel design
• Master Lock brand reliability
• The flexible steel cable can fit many different types of luggage

Cons:

• The vinyl-covered cable could be stronger

TSA-Approved Forge Luggage Lock Four-Pack

Forge offers a slew of options with this highly functional TSA-approved luggage lock. Firstly, you can buy a four-pack, two-pack, or single lock, all featuring various vibrant colors to choose from. The four-pack is an eminently affordable option that gives you great added value for each lock. Forge also includes two 47-inch cables with their four-pack, which allow you to lock multiple suitcases together, making family travel much more manageable. We love Forge’s innovative feature that doesn’t allow the agent to remove the key until your luggage is re-locked. Forge is a company looking out for its customers, and that’s just one of many reasons we recommend these TSA-approved luggage locks.

Pros:

• Many different purchase options for color and quantity
• Comes with 47-inch cables
• Doesn’t allow TSA agent to remove their key until they’ve re-locked your luggage

Cons:

• If you get the four-pack, some locks may perform better than others

TSA-Approved Lewis N. Clark Luggage Lock

Keeping checked bags together for one person is hard enough, let alone an entire family, and this TSA lock from Lewis N. Clark is here to help give you a little peace of mind. We always like to see products that think outside the box, and this TSA-approved luggage lock from Lewis N. Clark does just that. Instead of a small steel cable loop or traditional U-Lock, Lewis N. Clark shoots for something a little different. This lock features a 30-inch retractable braided stainless steel cable that’s perfect for looping in and around multiple pieces of luggage. The durable ABS frame offers a sturdy, secure base where you can easily set and reset your combination.

Pros:

• Innovative design perfect for families with multiple pieces of luggage
• Allows you to keep your bags together, saving you time at baggage claim
• Durable ABS frame and stress-free combo resetting

Cons:

• The thin braided steel cable isn’t the strongest

TSA-Approved Anvil Luggage Lock Two-Pack

Sitting around at baggage claim waiting to scope out your suitcase in a sea of nearly identical bags is a real drag. But these TSA-approved locks from Anvil provide security and individuality. Anvil offers a slew of bright, bubbly colors for their luggage locks that you can see from long distances away. Any frequent flyer knows that adding an easily recognizable feature to your luggage saves time, and it’s a big bonus if that adds some added layers of security as well. Anvil’s locks are stronger than most, featuring solid steel traditional U-locks that are a lot harder to cut than braided steel cables. These locks are the perfect pick for those looking to add security and distinctiveness to their luggage for less stress at baggage claim.

Pros:

• Easy to spot, vibrant colors
• Utilize the more secure U-lock structure
• Affordably priced

Cons:

• U-Lock doesn’t offer as much flexibility as braided steel cables

TSA-Approved Master Lock 4689Q Luggage Lock Four-Pack

What better way to keep your family’s luggage safe than by matching every suitcase with the gold standard in luggage locks? Master Lock comes through again with these inconspicuous yet highly effective TSA-approved luggage locks. They come as a very affordable four-pack in a random assortment of colors. These luggage locks from Master Lock separate themselves from the field by favoring a key lock over a combo lock. Also, these locks utilize a secure U-lock structure instead of the more common braided steel cables. Every key opens every lock, which we think is ultimately a very smart and convenient feature. You can’t go wrong with Master Lock, and these high-quality luggage locks are just another reason why that is.

Pros:

• Key lock instead of combo lock, which might be more convenient for some
• Very affordable four-pack

Cons:

• The fact that every key opens every lock could cause some unwanted snooping among families

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a TSA-approved luggage lock different than a standard luggage lock?

The only real difference between TSA-approved locks and other locks on the market is the TSA locks’ inclusion of a master keyhole at the bottom that allows TSA agents to enter with their universal key. If TSA needs to get into a bag, it’ll be much easier and less intrusive for them to do so if the luggage bears a TSA lock.

Are TSA-approved locks mandatory?

No, TSA doesn’t mandate the use of their approved locks. It’s not like you won’t be allowed on the plane if you have an unsanctioned lock. However, if TSA needs to get into any piece of checked luggage that bears an unsanctioned lock, they will just cut it off and enter the bag, leaving you with the job of buying another one. That’s why we highly recommend saving yourself some trouble and just getting the TSA-approved lock instead.