Travel with peace of mind by purchasing a TSA-approved luggage lock. Attaching a lock to your suitcases, carry-on backpacks, or gym bags ensures that your belongings won’t be removed from your luggage during transit, at the hotel, or locked at the train station.
Any luggage lock will do for this type of protection, but a TSA-approved luggage lock is even better and, in our opinion, always worth the extra expense. These luggage locks make it easier for TSA agents to do their job, should they need to search your luggage. They also won’t damage your lock in the process, as they have their own way of opening it.
With travel on the rise this leaf-falling time of year, we’ve rounded up the best TSA-approved luggage locks you can find online. Check out our top picks, all of which are loved by our customers and have a rating of four stars or higher.
Best TSA Approved Luggage Locks:
Best TSA Approved Luggage Lock: Forge TSA Approved Cable Luggage Locks
These are the best-selling luggage locks on Amazon, with a 4.7-star rating from over 17,000 customer reviews. And it’s easy to see why. First, you’re getting great value for your money. The price of one luggage lock in this set is less than you’d pay for some individual locks, so you might as well buy the four-pack. Those extra locks will come in handy, as you can put one on your checked baggage, hand luggagetravel backpack and more. This bag will be especially practical for families on the move.
We like that it has an alert that goes off when TSA agents have unlocked your lock, not to mention the color options, which range from lime green to lavender. Plus, you can change your combination at any time, which isn’t common with combination locks in general.
The Forge TSA-Approved Luggage Cable Lock Set of Four has over 14,500 five-star reviews from buyers. One reviewer wrote, “These work great. I bought the cheapest ones. They were poor quality. These are great.”
Another customer said, “I travel a lot by plane and I appreciate these locks. Not only do they work well, they look great too. It’s a win-win!”
Best TSA Approved Keyed Luggage Lock: Master Lock 4689T TSA Approved Keyed Lock
For maximum security, some people will feel more comfortable with a keyed lock. This Master Lock offers that level of assurance. The key ring has a hole that you can easily pass through your key ring. And with two, you can put one on your suitcase as well as a personal item with zippers. Plus, you can get them with 31% off for a limited time.
The Master Lock 4689T TSA Approved Keyed Padlock has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon. One reviewer wrote, “The locks held up well during a two-week vacation in Japan, where I had to visit seven cities in 13 days. I was relieved every time my luggage got off another flight to see that the locks had done their job!”
Another customer said: “We often have to store our luggage when traveling in Europe. These bags are perfect for securing our luggage.”
Best Affordable TSA Approved Luggage Lock: Master Lock TSA Luggage Lock
Aside from their value, if you don’t need a two- or four-pack of luggage locks, don’t buy them. If you’re the type of person who travels with just one suitcase, get this single luggage lock from Master Lock. It’s only $9, and thanks to its metal materials, including steel, it can take a beating during transport. It comes in four colors and has a thin shackle cable, which can be easier to thread through zippers.
The Master Lock TSA Luggage Lock has a 4.3-star rating on Amazon. One reviewer wrote, “Works perfectly! We’ve used these locks on our backpacks in the most ~infamous~ cities we’ve visited in Europe, and we’ve had no issues!”
Another customer said: “Well made and feels great. Easy to access. Exactly what I needed for a recent trip. Was able to secure the backpack zippers that were awkwardly placed.”
The most versatile TSA approved luggage lock: BV Store TSA Approved Luggage Travel Lock
This set of two luggage locks stands out for its long, thin shackle cable. Some traditional shackle types are too thick to fit over certain zippers, but with this thin cable, you’ll likely have more success with zippers on a wider range of travel bags and luggage. They can also be used to secure your gym locker, a cabinet, or a shed door at home.
In addition to its multi-use capabilities, we also love that it has a red button that reveals itself if someone has opened your lock.
The BV Store TSA Approved Luggage Travel Lock has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon. One reviewer wrote: “[The lock] “gives you more flexibility than traditional TSA locks for various bags where the traditional lock wouldn’t work.”
Another customer said: “I love these travel locks. The length and flexibility of the chain portion is very useful, that’s what drew me to these locks.”
Best TSA Approved Luggage Locks: Assortment of three TSA Tumi padlocks
Leave it to Tumi to create a sleek and luxurious take on something as purely functional as a TSA lock. If you have some extra cash and want to upgrade to a high-end lock for your luggage, splurge on this Tumi set.
The set comes with luggage locks in three different colours, including red, shiny silver and striking gunmetal black. The contrasting colours of the Tumi logo ensure that the designer’s name is visible to all.
We’ve written extensively about Tumi as a luggage brand, so we’re confident you’ll get style and quality with this purchase.