Most suitcases sold on the market have locks. When traveling by plane, locking your checked baggage gives travelers a sense of security. But how do suitcases with added locks pass through the security checks of the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at airports?
With the arrival of summer, traveling abroad has become a vacation choice for many families, making a convenient suitcase an essential preparation before heading out.
Traveling abroad involves going through customs of other countries. Some countries require opening and inspecting luggage at customs, even if the suitcases are locked, giving customs officers the authority to pry them open. To avoid such awkward situations, using a suitcase with a customs lock can be very convenient.
There are two main types of luggage locks. One type is built-in locks inside the suitcase, while the other type is detachable locks that can be purchased separately from the suitcase.
Customs locks, also known as TSA (Transportation Security Administration) approved locks or Travel Sentry locks, are essential for clearing customs globally. TSA-approved locks come with a universal TSA key that allows customs officers to perform security checks on transit baggage and regulated cargo. Not all suitcases with built-in locks are TSA-approved, so it’s crucial to check carefully before purchasing a new suitcase.
Currently, 55 countries use TSA customs locks, available in both combination and key versions.
According to TSA, locks on checked baggage are more common than those on carry-on luggage. Customs locks are identified by a red diamond-shaped symbol, indicating to customs officers that they need to use a TSA key to unlock them (the corresponding key number is marked on the lock), avoiding the need to break them open.
People use luggage locks for various reasons when traveling by plane, from theft prevention to securing the suitcase. But is your luggage safe when in TSA custody or during inspections?
Travel + Leisure magazine mentioned that TSA implements strict accountability measures, including recording CCTV footage during any possible inspection. Passengers need not worry about TSA employees stealing items. However, individuals outside of TSA, such as third-party baggage handlers or people waiting by the luggage conveyor belt, may have access to suitcases. Visible locks, whether built-in or external, can deter potential theft.
Once checked in at the counter, all luggage goes through an explosive detection system. The system employs 3D scanners to identify potential explosives. If a suitcase is flagged by the scanner, officials will review the X-ray image and either clear the luggage or mark it for a physical inspection.
TSA Transportation Security Oversight Officer, Jeff Church, told Travel + Leisure, “If your luggage is labeled and equipped with a TSA-approved lock, we will conduct a search and relock it before boarding.” He highlighted that only specific TSA officers have access to keys for TSA-approved locks, which are securely stored and tracked for accountability.
Barry explained, “We must safeguard the keys every day and night to ensure total control, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring no one takes keys they should not have.”
If your luggage does not have a TSA-certified lock and is labeled for inspection, the lock may be broken open. Barry mentioned that TSA carries a cutting tool to remove locks if necessary. Though the lock cannot be repaired, officials will try to secure the suitcase with zip ties before sending it off.
Only about 5% of luggage undergoes physical inspection by TSA. Barry stated, “If your suitcase does require inspection, we will open it at all costs.”
Among the 5% of inspected luggage, Barry estimated that 25% to 35% are locked, making the process simpler if the suitcase is TSA-approved.