Whether traveling on a brief business trip or a long vacation, the journey can be as stressful as it’s exciting. Among all the travel-related stressors—getting to the airport on time, ensuring the luggage isn’t overweight, and weather-induced delays or disruption—the last thing you want to worry about is the security of your luggage.
Bag locks are the most common luggage security measure used by travelers. However, using a cheap lock can still leave your belongings at risk of theft. Additionally, if you’re traveling to, from, and throughout the United States, security might need to break a regular lock to inspect your bag.
By locking your luggage with TSA locks approved for international travel or domestic trips, you can be assured that your personal items are safe, secure, and free from damage. These special locks ease your security concerns by adding an extra level of security for your prized possessions.
This blog will answer some frequently asked questions about TSA security locks and how they help keep your constant travel companion—your luggage—safe and secure.
What Are TSA Approved Locks?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the federal authority that authorizes and secures transportation systems in the United States while ensuring the security and safety of all passengers. Under the law, this agency has appointed officers to screen and check all carry-on and checked baggage and its contents if needed.
State-of-the-art tech enables the electronic screening of bags. However, there are times when luggage needs to be physically checked. To reduce passenger inconvenience, TSA has worked with companies to avoid cutting the locks on luggage that need to be screened. Also known as TSA safe locks, these locks are specially designed by two TSA-authorized manufacturers, Travel Sentry and Safe Skies.
TSA security locks are available in multiple types, such as in-built luggage locks, padlocks, smart locks, cable locks, key locks, three-number combinations, and four-number combination locks. The individual locks are available in various colors, shapes, and sizes.
The hard-shell suitcase range at Mystics of the Maya has in-built TSA-approved luggage travel locks, so you don’t need to worry about purchasing another locking mechanism for your luggage. Browse our collection here.
Why Should You Choose Heavy-Duty TSA-Approved Locks?
TSA security locks are invaluable for all travelers to, from, and within the United States, especially those frequently traveling internationally.
During security screenings, officers may need to open your luggage. If they can’t open the lock, they may break your bag open, possibly resulting in damage to your bag and belongings. As per federal law, TSA agents can’t be held responsible or liable for damage to your lock or baggage for inspection.
With special TSA security locks on your luggage, TSA staff can open them for inspection whenever necessary without causing any damage. TSA-approved locks have a master key, allowing TSA officers access. After inspection, staff will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag and re-lock and secure it again.
If you’re concerned about missing belongings, some TSA-security locks have additional features, such as built-in alarms or indicators that show if the lock has been tampered with. Some manufacturers include a TSA indicator on the lock to show if your luggage was inspected. It changes color if your bag has been opened using a TSA key, which you can reset after opening the bag the usual way.
3 Key Reasons Why TSA Security Locks Are a Travel Necessity
1. Added Protection
Without a lock, anyone can pry open your bag and expose its contents. TSA safe locks provide an added security layer to luggage, safeguarding it from theft and unwarranted access.
2. Save Money and Time
TSA locks approved for international travel allow authorized transportation security officers to inspect your luggage without causing any damage to your bag or belongings. This move saves you time and money caused by having to replace a broken lock or bag.
3. Required by Law
TSA safe locks are mandated by federal law in certain circumstances. For example, your bag must have a TSA security lock if you’re carrying firearms.
How Do You Know If Your Luggage Has a TSA-Approved Luggage Travel Lock?
It’s easy to determine whether a luggage padlock or in-built luggage lock is approved by the TSA.
When shopping for luggage or a set of locks, pay close attention to a horizontal red diamond symbol of Travel Sentry, an approved TSA lock manufacturer. If you spot a red torch symbol on the padlock or suitcase, it denotes Safe Skies manufactured it. These symbols enable TSA agents to easily recognize and identify bags that can be opened and inspected without causing any undesirable damage.
Mystics of the Maya’s hard-shell suitcase range has a built-in locking system with an unmissable symbol to show that it’s TSA-authorized. With our line of visually appealing hard-shell suitcases, you can travel in style and ensure your belongings are safe. Check out our collection.
Shop the Best Luggage With TSA Safe Locks at Mystics of the Maya
Mystics of the Maya is your online destination for all lifestyle products, ranging from hard-shell printed luggage sets to patterned yoga mats and colorful clothing. Our attractive range of printed and patterned suitcases is all the rage among travelers who love to show their personality on their luggage.
Inspired by the artwork of Indigenous artists, each piece in our luggage range tells a different story, evoking the essence of Mesoamerican culture and tripartite cosmology. Not only are our suitcase pieces attractive, but they also feature heavy-duty, built-in TSA-approved locks for added security.
Browse our luggage collection for a stylish and secure travel companion.