Luggage Locks

Luggage Locks

It used to be that people didn’t spend much time thinking about their luggage locks. They were a way to keep your personal belongings inside your suitcase safe during a long trip, and for most people, the lock that came with their suitcase it good enough. In the wake of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, however, luggage locks came into the spotlight. New bag search requirements mean that having the wrong kind of lock on your bag can lead the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or other security agency to break into your bag to search in, possibly damaging your luggage and compromising the safety of your personal belongings in the meantime. If you don’t fly, that is not an issue for you of course, but anyone who travels should know about luggage locks.

About Luggage Locks

Most suitcases come equipped with their own locking system, like Samsonite luggage locks. If your suitcases travel mostly with you in your car, then that may be adequate. But if you are on public transportation often, or if you spend long stretches in hotels during which your suitcase is left unattended while people clean your room, you may need a stronger lock. Combination locks, 20mm luggage locks, and solid brass locks are all good options. Search Alert luggage locks are a popular choice for additional lock security. You can find good luggage locks on the internet, including discount luggage locks and disposable luggage locks, and you can also find information you need, like how to set combination luggage locks.

TSA Luggage Locks

If you’re a frequent flyer, however, just any old lock won’t do for you. You have two choices when you fly. You can either leave your luggage unlocked, which leaves your possessions vulnerable to everyone who works at the airport, or you can use a TSA approved luggage lock. TSA luggage locks look like combination luggage locks or pad locks and are impenetrable by outside forces, but TSA members can unlock the lock with the use of a special TSA key. With TSA luggage locks, you can keep your luggage secure and allow the TSA to search your bags with ease. There are currently only a few companies who have an agreement with TSA on luggage locks, but the list of TSA approved luggage locks is growing. Most luggage manufacturers are realizing this new reality of air travel and equipping their suitcases with locks that protect you while allowing the TSA to do their jobs.