In the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. government instituted new regulations for luggage on airlines. One of these includes the TSA-approved lock. The Transportation and Security Administration requires that locks on luggage be TSA-approved, or they may be cut off if a TSA official needs to visually inspect the contents of a suitcase. Where are these locks available? How much are they?
- TSA-approved luggage locks are made by various companies, but they must bear either the Safe Skies torch and flame logo or the Travel Sentry red diamond. These logos alert security personnel that they can safely open the luggage lock without cutting it off. All TSA-approved locks have a mechanism that any TSA official at any U.S. airport can open if necessary.
- These locks come in many varieties. Some have a combination that the traveler sets; some open only with keys. The traveler can decide which locks he feels are most secure. Some locks also have alert windows that change from green to red if a TSA official or an unauthorized person opens the lock. Most locks are metal but can be purchased in bright colors as well.
- TSA-approved locks are widely available online. A search for TSA luggage locks will turn up dozens of hits, and the traveler can search a variety of manufacturers, styles, and prices. Most travel-oriented websites sell these locks, but they are also available from websites selling items as diverse as handbags and backpacks.
If a traveler would rather get a close look at a lock before purchase, he can find them at many brick-and-mortar stores as well. They are available at discount stores that sell luggage, at department stores in the luggage department, and even at some office supply stores with other travel accessories.
Some stores sell complete luggage accessory kits that include identification tags, nylon straps to secure smaller pieces of luggage to larger pieces, and TSA-approved locks. These kits often come in neon colors that help a traveler easily identify his luggage in the baggage claim area.
- TSA-approved luggage locks vary widely in price. It all depends on what features are offered. A set of three simple key locks will be about $6 to $8 in a discount store, while a set of combination locks with alert windows can run up to $25. The choice all depends on what level of security a traveler thinks he may need.
Caution:
- Always put identification tags on luggage with all contact information, including a cell phone number.
Quick Tips:
- Even if the locks say they are TSA-approved, always look for the Travel Sentry or Safe Skies logo on the lock itself.
- Only lock baggage to be checked. Travelers clear security faster if the TSA agent does not have to fumble with luggage locks.
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In the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. government instituted new regulations for luggage on airlines. One of these includes the TSA-approved lock. The Transportation and Security Administration requires that locks on luggage be TSA-approved, or they may be cut off if a TSA official needs to visually inspect the contents of a suitcase. Where are these locks available? How much are they?
- TSA-approved luggage locks are made by various companies, but they must bear either the Safe Skies torch and flame logo or the Travel Sentry red diamond. These logos alert security personnel that they can safely open the luggage lock without cutting it off. All TSA-approved locks have a mechanism that any TSA official at any U.S. airport can open if necessary.
- These locks come in many varieties. Some have a combination that the traveler sets; some open only with keys. The traveler can decide which locks he feels are most secure. Some locks also have alert windows that change from green to red if a TSA official or an unauthorized person opens the lock. Most locks are metal but can be purchased in bright colors as well.
- TSA-approved locks are widely available online. A search for TSA luggage locks will turn up dozens of hits, and the traveler can search a variety of manufacturers, styles, and prices. Most travel-oriented websites sell these locks, but they are also available from websites selling items as diverse as handbags and backpacks.
If a traveler would rather get a close look at a lock before purchase, he can find them at many brick-and-mortar stores as well. They are available at discount stores that sell luggage, at department stores in the luggage department, and even at some office supply stores with other travel accessories.
Some stores sell complete luggage accessory kits that include identification tags, nylon straps to secure smaller pieces of luggage to larger pieces, and TSA-approved locks. These kits often come in neon colors that help a traveler easily identify his luggage in the baggage claim area.
- TSA-approved luggage locks vary widely in price. It all depends on what features are offered. A set of three simple key locks will be about $6 to $8 in a discount store, while a set of combination locks with alert windows can run up to $25. The choice all depends on what level of security a traveler thinks he may need.
Caution:
- Always put identification tags on luggage with all contact information, including a cell phone number.
Quick Tips:
- Even if the locks say they are TSA-approved, always look for the Travel Sentry or Safe Skies logo on the lock itself.
- Only lock baggage to be checked. Travelers clear security faster if the TSA agent does not have to fumble with luggage locks.