How Is A TSA-Approved Lock Different From A Regular One?

Each day, the Transport Security Administration (TSA) screens 1.4 million checked and 5.5 million carry-on items across nearly 440 airports. While the vast majority of these will pass through tests without so much as a second glance, if any suspicions are aroused, the TSA staff will open the suspect item. Unfortunately, even if the contents of the baggage are completely legal, this could mean breaking the lock to gain access. Simple things like TSA unsanctioned electronics in your bag can result in a broken lock. Unless, of course, you're using a TSA-approved lock. 

While airport security now uses technology like facial recognition and electronic baggage scanners, there are still times when physical access to luggage is required. In these instances, a TSA-approved lock allows officers to access the baggage using a universal master key. These locks have been developed by several companies in collaboration with the TSA and are marked with a prominent red diamond symbol. This allows TSA officers to easily identify such locks and lets them know that the luggage can be accessed without breaking it. 

The major advantage of TSA-approved locks is that TSA officers can access baggage at their discretion without compromising the locking mechanism. This can be incredibly convenient for travelers flying within the US or internationally from US airports, as there may be circumstances when the TSA can unlock your luggage. However, the standard isn't applicable to all countries. For instance, Canada has its own locks approved by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), but it can also access TSA-approved locks. Other countries that can access TSA locks include EU countries, the UK, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and many others. If you're unsure, then it's always good practice to check with the relevant local bodies before purchasing TSA-approved locks like the Master Lock Combination Luggage lock. 

However, there is also a potential downside to TSA-approved locks. Specifically, there are security concerns surrounding these locks. The most troubling of these was the publication of photos of the complete set of master keys in the US press. Using these photos, Which Magazine in the UK was able to 3D-print these keys and then get stainless-steel copies made. While the incident dates from 2014, it does demonstrate how such systems can be compromised. It's also worth noting that the Which Magazine copies were made four years after the master key patterns were leaked, and the manufactured copies still worked. 

TSA-approved locks come in a variety of different flavors to suit most circumstances. Among the most common are combination-type locks like the Anvil Advanced TSA008 Core with an alert indicator. These locks operate like standard combination locks. However, they can also be opened by TSA officers using the appropriate master key. 

Another common type of TSA-approved lock is the traditional "lock and key" padlock. Locks like the Master Lock TSA-Accepted Luggage Lock have their own unique key but can also be unlocked by TSA officers using a master key. Another option for those who prefer a little more tech in their security is keyless TSA-approved locks. Examples like the Talonport Keyless TSA-approved lock use card keys that open a luggage lock with a simple swipe. 

While the above covers the most common types of TSA-approved locks, there are also some other options. For instance, some luggage, like the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable suitcase, comes with integrated TSA-approved locks. There are also several other types of locks, including cable locks, retractable cable locks, and even TSA-approved locks for firearm cases. Ultimately, choosing the right TSA-approved lock depends on your travel needs, your security concerns, and how you prefer to manage access to your belongings while on the move.