Complete Guide to Finding the Best TSA Lock

There are several types of TSA travel locks for suitcases and bags, so how do you choose which one is best? Well, Passport and Piano is here to help.  Having travelled widely across the globe on all modes of transport, I’ve put together this guide to the best TSA lock and locks for luggage.

If it’s a luggage lock, you’re after click here to see my recommendation for the best TSA Luggage lock.

If your a backpacker worry not as I’ve also included the top locks for bags, check out the best one here.

When travelling, I try to use a combination lock suitcase so that my packed items have that little bit more security, but not all my cases have one. Hence sometimes I need to use a travel luggage lock.  This gives me peace of mind while flying and I also find it very useful when leaving my belongings in hotel rooms.  You can never be sure how trustworthy the staff are.  However, I’ve always struggled when travelling with just my backpack and a smaller weekend bag as these don’t have a lock.

Finding the best travel lock is not as straight forward as it may seem. TSA luggage locks come in an array of styles so its essential to consider which one is best for your luggage and which will meet your requirements.

This article may contain compensated links. Please read my disclaimer policy for more info.

If you’re pushed for time, you can quickly use the table below to compare TSA approved luggage locks. You will also find reviews further down for the very best TSA locks, general travel key padlocks and ways to lock bags.

BEST TSA LOCK COMPARISON CHART

Make	Image	Material/ Features	Lock Type	Rating (/5)	Check Price
Forge TSA Lock		Zinc Alloy / shackles are hardened steel RED INDICATOR LIGHT if opened	3 Digit Combination	4.5	Check Price
Tarriss TSA Lock		Zinc Alloy with Steel Cable	3 Digit Combination	4.5	Check Price
Master Lock TSA Approved		Durable metal with heavy duty shackle	Word Combination	4.0	Check Price
Lewis N Clark Triple Security Lock		Zinc alloy with ABS plastic housing	3 Digit Combination	4.0	Check Price
Talon Keyless TSA Lock		Solid metal NONE PICAKABLE LOCK	Card	4.0	Check Price
Anvil TSA Lock		Zinc alloy with a high carbon steel shackle	4 Digit Combination	4.5	Check Price
TravelMore TSA Lock		Zinc alloy with hardened steel shackle	3 Digit Combination	4.5	Check Price
TravelMore Barrell TSA Lock with Key		Zinc Alloy Casing ultra-strong steel cable	Key	4.5	Check Price
Pacsafe Backpack Lock		Stainless steel 360 DEGREE PROTECTION great for backpacks	Key -can change lock	4	Check Price
Pickproof TSA approved Seals		Plastic	Single Use	4.5	Check Price

A comparison chart is useful but what does TSA mean and what benefit is it to you?

What is a TSA Lock

TSA stands for Transportation Security Administration, and a TSA approved travel lock is one which has been validated by Travel Sentry.  Travel sentry was created in 2003, and they are in charge of overseeing the approval of luggage locks.  Approved TSA Locks always have the logo on them. 

The advantage of using TSA approved locks is that airport security has a TSA  lock master key which will open your lock.  This means that if the security agent searches your bag, they have a key to open it whereas luggage with locks that are not approved are cut off using bolt cutters.  The lock is then of no use.

Why use TSA approved locks

It’s a well-known fact that even the best travel locks don’t offer that much security from thieves.  At the end of the day, if someone wants to steal your luggage, they will, but it does deter those opportunists who are after a quick steal.

Thousands of claims are made against the TSA each year for losing items such as jewellery and clothing.  How can you be sure that when you say goodbye to your luggage at check in an opportunist bag handler doesn’t take an occasional peak? While this is unlikely, a lock acts as a deterrent.  If you want to know if anyone has opened your bag make sure you buy a lock with an indicator such as the Forge TSA lock.

Additional Uses for Your Lock

Locks for suitcases when travelling are useful in many ways. The most obvious one being that a zipper-lock prevents your luggage from coming undone during transit.

Many travellers also like locking luggage in hotel rooms, and while it’s always advisable to carry with you anything of value, it can be useful to be able to lock your case.  For example, when I travelled across Russia on the Trans-Siberian railway, our sleeping compartment didn’t always have a lockable door.  My travel lock came in handy when I wanted to leave the train at the brief station stops.

I also use suitcase padlocks when leaving my baggage in hotel storerooms after checking out. Often if your flight is not departing till late in the evening, you have no choice but to leave your bag with the concierge, and there’s no way of knowing how safe these rooms are.  Locking my luggage gives me that extra peace of mind so I can enjoy a last bit of sight-reading without having to carry my bags with me.

How to Choose the Best TSA approved luggage locks

When looking for the best lock, you need to keep in mind the type of bag or suitcase you use to travel.  Travel padlocks can secure most luggage, but you need to make sure that the lock will go through the hole in the zips.  If the diameter is too small, a luggage cable lock may be more suitable.  You also need to decide whether you want to use a combination TSA lock with a numbers code, word password, key or key card.

Reviews of TSA Suitcase Locks

Within this section of the article, you’ll find out everything you need to know about why these locks are recommended.

Forge TSA Lock 4 Pack with Open Alert Indicator

Forge TSA locks are some other best TSA luggage locks on the market. This pack comes with four padlocks that are 100% TSA approved luggage lock with a wide variety of coloured locks for suitcases available.

You can use the Forge locking luggage TSA approved lock on a wide range of items, including suitcases, backpacks, travel purses, laptop bags and briefcases. You can set the three digit combination lock quickly which makes securing your suitcase easy.

The body of the lock is made from a special alloy, and the hardened steel shackles and mechanisms have a lifetime guarantee.  This lock is one of the most durable luggage padlocks on the market.

Its constructed from hardened steel and is resistant to cutting and bending. The shackle will not twist or warp even its subject to rough handling by baggage handlers.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICES

The lock comes with an open alert indicator, so you’ll know if your luggage has been inspected or opened.  The red indicator will light up so you’ll know to check nothings missing while still at the airport.

This lighting system unlike some does not need batteries to operate.

The white numbers on a black background make it easy to read in all lighting conditions.

The lock also has to be relocked to remove the TSA lock key.  This is a handy feature which will ensure that your padlock is secured again should a TSA agent inspect your luggage.

Tarriss TSA Lock 

This lock by Tarriss is one of the best luggage locks if the zipper holes in your luggage are small — the flexible yet ultra durable steel cable threads through smoothly. The Tarriss TSA cable luggage lock also comes backed by a lifetime warranty.

The lock is made from a high strength Zinc Alloy body which is both sturdy and durable.  Each lock is hand tested before it leaves the factory to ensure its reliability. 

You can set the three-dial TSA combination lock to any combination of numbers, and the clear marker line makes them easy to line up.

The lock has a modern design which is both secure and visible.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICES

Master Combination Lock for Luggage – TSA approved.

If your not good at remembering numbers this master TSA lock is for you.  Its the best luggage lock TSA approved that uses a combination of letters rather than numbers. 

The lock has four dials and is capable of 10,000 combinations. You can use either numbers or letters. It’s easy to use and reset so you can change the word whenever you like.

The shackle of the lock is both heavy duty and as its more substantial than many it useful for heavy baggage or a bag with integrated hasps.  The combination luggage lock fits a wide variety of suitcases, and the shackle is resistant to bolt cutters.

Its body is made from a durable metal that can withstand heavy handling and substantial knocks on the conveyer belt.  The black and white colour combination of the numbers and letters make it easy to read in all light conditions, and TSA agents can open it without damaging the lock.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICES

Lewis N Clark Triple Security Lock-TSA approved.

This TSA combination lock is great if you have multiple bags that need locking or you want triple security lockdown for your case. You can fasten the zips to the handle and then secure the bag or case to a fixed object.

Suitcase and laptop bag can be locked together with this 3-way system which gives added security when walking through the airport or city.  Its an excellent choice for people travelling on business.

The 3-way system also means your suitcase padlocks to any fixed object, providing extra security particularly in hotel rooms. The three dial combination lock is easy to reset, and it doesn’t rely on a key which prevents the added stress of losing the key.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICES

There is, however, a key to reset the lock. Once you insert this red key, you can change the 3-dial combination whenever you like.  

The padlock TSA approval means that the TSA agent can search your luggage without destroying the lock and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your belongings are secure.

The lock is made from zinc alloy and is both sturdy and durable. The ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic housing makes it easily visible, and the two braided cables are made from a strong steal.  This TSA luggage lock is built for heavy duty and will take considerable knocks from carousels and rough baggage handlers. Its triple security also acts as an extra deterrent for potential thieves

Talon Keyless TSA Approved padlocks for suitcases

The Talon Keyless TSA approved luggage lock is excellent in that it doesn’t require the use of any keys or combination codes.  Unlike most other TSA luggage locks a key card is used to open the padlock. 

It comes with two credit card size keys that are easy to carry in your wallet or travel purse and two keys that will fit on any keyring.  If you misplace all four cards, there’s still no need to worry as the company will replace them with its lifetime guarantee.

The lock is constructed from a solid metal that is both durable and none pickable. Its slim design means that it does not get in the way and you can use it on more than just your suitcase. 

The Talonport travel lock is one of the best locks for hostels as its slim design fits well on storage lockers. Its slender shape also makes it suitable to use as a briefcase lock, a travel purse lock, laptop bag, backpack or in a hostel.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICES

Anvil TSA Approved 4 Dial Luggage Combination Lock

This lock is a 100% TSA approved travel combination padlock. Its made from a durable zinc alloy and the hardened steel shackle is sturdy and will stand up to considerable knocks through rough airport handling. 

The shackle is made from high carbon steel which won’t warp easily, and it’s highly resistant to cutting. The lock has four digits to make it harder for thieves to crack the combination and more simple for you to remember. 

The well-contrasted white on black dial numbers makes it easy to read the combination, and the window design protects the lock dials from getting damaged. You can reset the code as many times as you like and the design means that TSA agents have to re-lock it if they inspect your bag. 

Its easy to lock with a simple twist and push of the shackle and it comes with a lifetime guarantee.  For extra security, there is no reset code on the lock, so you do have to make sure you remember the combination. This is a lock to consider if you’re looking for the best combination lock for your luggage.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICES

Travel More Cable Luggage Lock

You won’t miss your suitcase on the luggage carousel with these bright orange suitcase locks.

The flexible yet ultra strong steel cable on these TSA luggage locks makes it easy to thread through small zipper holes, so it works well on all types of zipped luggage.

The cord is weatherproof which prevents it from rusting, and you can also use the lock in a multitude of other ways, such as on a backpack, a chain, a travel purse or bag.

It has a zinc alloy casing and a hardened steel shackle with a three digit combination code. This travel combination cable lock has 1000 possible combinations, and there’s no key required. 

The TSA can unlock the padlock without causing any damage, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Each TSA lock is tested before it leaves the factory to ensure that it’s in full working order so you can have complete peace of mind with this three digit combination -cable luggage lock.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICES

Travel More TSA Cable Lock with Key

If you’re looking for something with a unique design and a TSA key lock, this one by travel more will tick the box.  Its unusual and sleek barrel design makes it easy to distinguish on the luggage carousel and looks stylish on any travel bag.

The straight cable stem is detachable, and it’s easy to slip through the zipper pulls on hand luggage, travel purses, computer bags, backpacks, duffle bags as well as suitcases. It’s lightweight and comes with a money back guarantee and lifetime warranty.

The lock is made from high strength Zinc alloy, and the ultra-durable cable is made from steel.  The lock is weatherproof, so there’s no need to worry if your bags get wet as the durability of this lock is excellent.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICES

Best Bag Lock for Back Pack

If you’re looking for the best travel lock for backpackers, this is the ultimate security lockdown lock for your rucksack especially if there are no storage lockers at a hostel or on a train. It comes with a standard padlock but you could easily change it to a more substantial one or a lock TSA approved.

Pacsafe Back Pack and Bag Protector

If your travelling with a backpack or large rucksack a travel lock may not be suitable by itself due to the way, the clips work.  However, there is a solution, so you do not need to worry anymore about leaving your backpack in hostels, train stations or when you’re checking it in at airports.

These stainless steel bag protectors wrap 360 degrees around your backpack or bag and secure with a padlock.  The eXomesh lock system ensures your contents and is available for 55L, 120L and 140 L bags. The bag protectors fold down to the following sizes.

 55L folds down to 5.5 x 4.7 x 2 inches; the 120L folds down to 6.7 x 4.7 x 2.4 inches, and the 140L folds down to 7.5 x 4.7 x 2 inches.

A carrying pouch is provided for secure storage when not in use.

The eXomesh locking system using anti-theft technology that incorporates a robust, flexible and slash proof wire mesh.  Most of all its lightweight and can easily be fitted to bags externally, and you can change the lock if desired.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICES

Pick Proof Seals

Looking for an alternative to TSA Padlocks – these pick proof anti-theft seals are brilliant.

There’s still a risk of a dishonest agent being able to open your suitcase with TSA lock key, and unless you purchase a lock with an indicator, you’d never know. 

With Pick proof seals there is no lock. 

Each one has a unique id and can only be opened by hand using clippers.  Standard zip ties are not the same as they don’t have an ID; therefore they can be cut off and replaced without you knowing. These can be used on any checked in luggage, baggage left in your hotel room, medicine cabinets, backpacks, cruise liner bags and so much more.

They are a great deterrent from thieves, and they prevent someone from putting something in or out of your bag without your knowledge. 

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICES

Are you interested in reading other buying guides? Click here to find all of our buying guides.

Passport and Piano is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Fiona

Hi, I’m Fiona Berry- I live in Lancashire in the North of England, but my job as an instrumental music examiner takes me all over the world. Travel has enriched my life in so many ways and allowed me to experience different cultures, make new friends and see extraordinary sights. Through this blog, I share my knowledge and expertise so that my readers have all the resources they require to ensure their travels provide unique and unforgettable memories to destinations that are beyond the ordinary.

Find me on: Web