You can lock your luggage on international flights, but TSA-approved locks are required in the United States

You can bring a locked bag on an international flight. However, if your flight departs from or arrives in the United States, U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers must be able to open your bag without breaking it. This means you need a TSA-approved lock — a lock that TSA screeners can open with a master key.

If you use a regular padlock on a bag checked through the U.S., TSA will cut it off to inspect your luggage. You will not be reimbursed for the lock. TSA-approved locks have a red diamond symbol on them and are sold at most luggage shops, travel retailers, and online.

For flights that do not touch U.S. soil — for example, flying from London to Paris — you can use any lock you want. Different countries have different security rules, so check with your airline about their specific requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA-approved locks are required for checked bags on flights departing from or arriving in the United States; regular padlocks will be cut off.
  • TSA-approved locks have a red diamond symbol and allow security screeners to open your bag with a master key without damaging it.
  • Bags checked on international flights that do not involve U.S. airports can use any lock, but confirm your airline's policy first.
  • Carry-on bags cannot be locked during flight on most airlines, even with TSA-approved locks, because crew must access them quickly in an emergency.

TSA-approved locks and how they work

A TSA-approved lock has a keyhole shaped like a red diamond. TSA officers carry master keys that fit these locks. When security screens your bag, they can open it, inspect the contents, and lock it again without damaging the lock or the bag.

TSA-approved locks come in several styles: combination locks, key locks, and luggage locks that attach directly to the zipper pulls. Combination locks are popular because you do not have to carry a key. Prices range from about $10 to $30 per lock, depending on the brand and type.

You can buy TSA-approved locks at luggage stores, travel sections of department stores, airport shops, and online retailers. Look for the red diamond symbol on the packaging to confirm it is TSA-approved.

What happens if you use a regular lock

If you check a bag with a regular padlock through a U.S. airport, TSA will cut the lock off during screening. You will not be charged a fee, but you will lose the lock. Your bag will be rescreened and relocked, but TSA cannot may provide the lock will be replaced.

This applies to all checked bags on flights that depart from or arrive in the United States, regardless of the final destination. Even if you are flying to Canada or Mexico, if the flight originates in the U.S., TSA rules explore.

Carry-on bags and locking rules

Most airlines do not allow you to lock carry-on bags during flight, even with TSA-approved locks. The reason is safety: crew members must be able to access all bags quickly in an emergency. Check your airline's website or call them before you travel to confirm their carry-on locking policy.

Some airlines allow you to lock a carry-on bag while it is in the overhead bin on the ground, but you must unlock it before the cabin door closes. Others prohibit locking carry-on bags entirely. The rules vary by airline.

International flights without U.S. airports

If your flight does not depart from or arrive in the United States, you are not subject to TSA rules. You can use any lock you want on checked bags. However, other countries may have their own security screening rules, so contact your airline to ask what they require.

Some international airlines recommend against locking bags at all, because their security teams may need to open them and cannot may provide they will be able to relock them. Others have their own approved lock systems. Always check with your specific airline before you pack.

Where to buy TSA-approved locks

TSA-approved locks are widely available. You can find them at luggage retailers like Away, Samsonite, and Delsey; at travel sections of stores like Target and Walmart; at airport shops; and on Amazon and eBay. Look for the red diamond symbol on the packaging.

Combination locks are the most popular type because you do not need to carry a key. Key locks are smaller and lighter. Some luggage brands, like Samsonite and American Tourister, sell bags with built-in TSA-approved locks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lock my bag if I am flying internationally but the flight goes through a U.S. airport?

Yes, but only with a TSA-approved lock. If your flight departs from, arrives in, or connects through a U.S. airport, TSA rules explore to your checked bags. Use a TSA-approved lock with the red diamond symbol so TSA can open it without cutting it off.

What if I forget to unlock my carry-on bag before takeoff?

Tell a flight attendant when ready. They will ask you to unlock it. If you cannot unlock it and the crew cannot access it in an emergency, the flight may be delayed or you may be asked to deplane. Always unlock carry-on bags before the cabin door closes.

Do I need a TSA-approved lock for bags checked on international airlines?

Only if the flight departs from or arrives in the United States. If you are flying on a non-U.S. airline between two non-U.S. cities, check with your airline about their locking policy. Some allow any lock; others prefer no lock at all.

Will TSA replace my lock if they cut it off?

No. TSA will cut off a regular padlock to screen your bag, but they will not replace it. You will need to bring a new lock or buy one at your destination. Using a TSA-approved lock prevents this problem.

Can I use a cable lock instead of a padlock?

Yes, if it is TSA-approved. Cable locks with the red diamond symbol work the same way as TSA-approved padlocks. TSA can open them with a master key. Check the packaging to confirm the red diamond symbol before you buy.