Best TSA-Approved Luggage Locks In 2024 | Expert Advice

Are you a frequent or leisure traveler who is always worried about the security of your belongings during travel and looking for locks that are not only TSA-approved but also can withstand the wear and tear and rough life of a suitcase?

You’re concern is valid. In modern travel, security has become one of the major concerns for almost every traveler, but don’t worry at all. You’re totally covered, and by the end of this guide, you’ll be capable enough to make an informed decision.

In this guide, we’ll not only guide you about the best TSA-approved luggage locks but also tell you about the essential things that you should keep in mind when purchasing a piece of TSA-approved luggage lock. So get ready to learn about the TSA-approved locks that will ensure a smooth journey, especially when passing through security checks.

Guide: Things to Consider When Buying Lock for Your Luggage

There are some factors that you must keep in mind when choosing a TSA-approved lock, because finding a TSA-approved luggage lock is not just about choosing a lock but a travel companion that will ensure the safety and security of your belongings and give you peace of mind throughout your entire journey.

So let’s take a look at each factor one by one.

Build Quality and Durability

When we talk about the durability of locks, we mean how strong the lock is and how much it is capable of enduring bumps and wear and tear. When choosing the luggage locks, make sure they’re sturdy enough to survive the rough handling, especially when passing through a conveyor belt.

Usually, TSA-approved locks are manufactured using steel, which is an extremely durable material, so make sure to choose a lock that is made of either strong metal or strong plastic so that it can prove to be the perfect companion and stay with you for a long time.

Compliance with TSA Regulations

Another one of the most essential things to consider is whether the lock complies with TSA regulations or not. For this, you don’t have to worry about measuring and ensuring everything. You simply have to look for the Travel Sentry logo, which is simply a red diamond shape in a red color.

If you find that logo on your lock, that clearly means that the lock is TSA-approved, and you don’t have to worry about anything. In the case of luggage inspection at the airport, TSA can simply open your luggage, inspect it and relock it accordingly.

This TSA-approved lock reduces any potential risk of damage during security checks and provides a hassle-free travel experience.

Versatality

Generally, all types of locks are designed in such a way that they can adapt to different types of bags, including luggage, backpacks and duffel bags. But there are a few locks that are especially designed for a specific purpose. Some are especially designed for backpacks, some for luggage and some are duffel bags.

So make sure to go with something that not only fits on your luggage but also backpacks and duffel bags as well, so you don’t have to buy them separately for any other purpose.

Pricing and Affordability

There are plenty of luggage locks that come in different prices, but most of them are available under $20. The cost of locks varies from brand to brand and quality to quality. Two types of locks are pricier than other locks: one with steel shackles and the other with a keyless lock option.

So whatever you choose, make sure to go with those options that don’t compromise on security, so spending a bit more on your lock can be worth it for better security.

Also read: How to unlock Samsonite luggage when you forget the code.

Forge 3-Digit TSA-Approved Luggage Lock

When we talk about shackle locks, the Forge TSA-approved combination luggage lock is always our first choice. The lock body is extremely sturdy and tough, made from zinc alloy, and the shackle is made from hardened steel.

There are especially two things that make it our favourite choice. The first is the inspection indicator, which means if your luggage is inspected by any TSA agent, a red indicator will pop up right below the steel shackle. So you’ll be able to know, with the help of the Open Alert Indicator, and can double-check if everything is in place or not.

The second thing is that a Forge TSA-approved lock doesn’t let TSA leave your suitcase open. There’s a chance that after the inspection, the TSA agent may forget to relock your luggage, but if your luggage is locked by a Forge TSA lock, it won’t release the TSA master key unless the lock is relocked.

The design of the lock looks stylish and modern, and the dials are shiny enough and easy to read. On top of that, you also get an unconditional lifetime guarantee. So you’re totally covered, and because of these qualities, the Forge TSA Approve Shackle Lock scores first in our list.

Also read: How to set and reset the Samsonite lock?

Anvil 4-Digit TSA-approved Luggage Lock

If you’re highly concerned about your belongings and don’t want to compromise on security, then you should definitely check out the Anvil TSA-approved lock because of it’s 4 digit combination instead of 3 digits; it’s more secure and almost impossible to crack combination even by thieves.

The lock is highly durable, made of zinc alloy and hardened steel shackles and ensures the safety and security of your belongings and the rough handling that your suitcase goes through during travel. TSA-approved mechanisms also ensure that TSA agents can easily access your belongings without causing damage to your locks.

The good thing about dials is that they’re highly visible because of the side window and black-and-white color combination. That’s why you won’t have any problem reading the dials, even in low light.

If you’re traveling with a single piece of luggage or backpack, you can get a single piece, but if you want a set of two, four or six, you can get them as well, even in multiple color options. Beyond that, the lock is also backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Forge TSA-approved Cable Luggage Lock

When talking about luggage cable locks, we couldn’t get anything better than Forge TSA-approved cable locks. This cable lock is also from the same brand. If you’re a fan of cable locks and don’t want to compromise on security, then this lock is definitely the best choice.

This TSA-approved product complies with all the regulations of the TSA and won’t leave you in trouble. The lock is extremely durable with a robust zinc alloy body and the cable is made of braided steel that is easy to thread through zippers and any other type of hole.

This Forge TSA lock also ensures that the lock is relocked after the inspection, which means the lock doesn’t leave the master key of TSA agents until the lock is relocked. So with this lock, you don’t have to worry about your luggage lock being left open.

The best thing is that you get a lifetime, unconditional warranty with this lock. If your lock is broken in any way, you’ll easily be able to get a refund or replacement for it. If you love to have different color locks, you can get them as well, as there are plenty of color options you can choose from and make your journey stress-free.

Anvil Luggage TSA-Approved Cable Lock

The Anvil TSA-approved cable luggage lock body is purely made from zinc alloy, which makes it extremely robust and durable, while the cable is made of braided steel and covered in tough and flexible vinyl, which ensures your journey to be smooth and stress-free.

Whether you travel with a single bag or multiple bags, you can go with Anvil, as it comes in a single piece as well as in sets of two, four and six. You can get a set of four locks for all of your bags for under $25, which is comparatively affordable.

The best thing I like about this lock is its combination dials. The dials are black, and the digits are white. This color combination makes it much easier to read quickly and easily. So you don’t have to worry about light or glass like traditional chrome dials.

The cable is thin enough that it can go through almost all the standard zippers without any issue. Beyond that, you also have a lifetime guarantee with Anvil Lock; if somehow the airport authorities break your lock, you can easily get a replacement for it.

Talonport Keyless TSA-approved Luggage Lock

If you’re a tech-savvy person or don’t love key or combination locks and are ready to spend a little more on convenience, you should take a look at the Talonport keyless lock. This becomes unique because of its unique seamless design and working mechanism.

The Talonport lock can be unlocked with the cards that come with it and these cards come in two different size options; you can unlock any of them and have them in your wallet as well. In case you lose your card, you can get a replacement without any cost.

The best thing that makes it unique is the lack of combination and ease of use and it’s almost impossible to pick. This is also a TSA-approved lock, so you don’t have to worry; it follows all the guidelines of TSA authorities.

On top of all these things, you also get a lifetime guarantee, so if your lock breaks for damages, you’ll be able to get either a refund or a replacement. All these things make this lock a perfect pick.

Conclusion

We’ve shared locks from the most reputed lock brands; you can choose whichever suits you best. All the locks were tested properly; they performed as per expectations, so whatever you choose, you’ll get the best security, quality and performance.

So no matter how much your budget is and how much you’re carrying with you, there is definitely a way to fulfill your requirements. But the most important thing to keep in mind is to always go with a TSA-approved lock and always remember the TSA combination code.

If you still have any issues with regards to luggage, you should read this extensive guide on TSA-approved locks.

We hope this guide has helped you and if you still have any questions, please let us know in the comment section below so that we can help each other.

Thanks for reading.