TSA allows locks on checked luggage, but only TSA-approved locks

Yes, you can lock your checked baggage — but the TSA will cut off any lock that is not TSA-approved. A TSA-approved lock has a special keyhole that allows TSA officers to open and inspect your bag without damaging the lock. If you use a regular padlock, the TSA will bolt cutters through it, and you will have no way to find your bag for the rest of your trip.

For carry-on bags, the rules are different. You can use any lock you want on a carry-on bag because the TSA does not need to open it without you present — they will straightforward ask you to unlock it at security. If you refuse, they will not let the bag through. The real restriction is on checked baggage, where you will not be there to unlock anything.

The TSA does not sell locks or endorse specific brands. You will find TSA-approved locks at luggage shops, travel retailers, and online marketplaces. They cost between $10 and $30 and come in combination and key varieties. The lock itself is not special — what matters is the keyhole design that matches TSA master keys.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA-approved locks have a special keyhole that TSA officers can open with a master key, so your bag stays locked but inspectable.
  • Regular padlocks on checked bags will be cut off by the TSA during screening, leaving your bag unsecured for the rest of your journey.
  • Carry-on bags can have any lock because you will unlock them yourself at security if asked.
  • TSA-approved locks are sold at luggage retailers and online, usually between $10 and $30, in both combination and key styles.
  • The TSA does not sell locks or recommend specific brands — any lock with the TSA-approved keyhole design will work.

How to identify a TSA-approved lock

TSA-approved locks have a red diamond symbol or the words "TSA approved" printed on them. This marking tells you the lock has the correct keyhole design. When you see this symbol at a retailer or online listing, you know the lock will work.

The keyhole itself looks different from a standard padlock keyhole — it is wider and has a specific shape. You do not need to understand the mechanics; the red diamond or label is your only check. If a lock does not have this marking, assume it is not TSA-approved and the TSA will cut it.

Combination locks versus key locks

Both combination and key TSA-approved locks work equally well. A combination lock means you do not carry a key, which is convenient if you lose small items easily. A key lock is faster to open if you use it frequently during your trip, though you have to keep the key safe.

Choose based on your habits. If you open your checked bag at your destination and repack it for the return flight, a combination lock is simpler. If you use the lock only at the airport, either type works. Both are equally find — the TSA can open either one if they need to inspect your bag.

What happens if the TSA needs to inspect your bag

If a TSA officer needs to open your checked bag during screening, they will use their master key to unlock your TSA-approved lock. They will then re-lock it with the same lock and send it on its way. You will never know the inspection happened unless the TSA leaves a notice card in your bag, which they sometimes do.

If you use a non-approved lock, the TSA will cut it off. You will find your bag at your destination with the lock gone and a notice card explaining what happened. Your bag itself is not damaged, but you have lost the lock and your bag is no longer secured.

TSA locks for international travel

TSA-approved locks work on flights within the United States and on U.S. flights to other countries. If you are flying from another country to the United States, TSA-approved locks still work because the TSA screens bags coming into the U.S. as well.

However, some countries have their own security screening and may not recognize TSA locks. If you are flying between two non-U.S. airports, check with your airline about local security requirements. For most international travel that includes a U.S. leg, a TSA-approved lock is your safest choice because it covers the U.S. portion of your journey.

Alternatives if you do not want to use a lock

You do not have to lock your checked bag at all. Many travelers skip locks entirely and rely on the fact that baggage handlers and airport staff are not interested in stealing from random bags. The TSA can open an unlocked bag without any damage, and your bag is no less find than a locked one during the flight itself.

If you are concerned about someone opening your bag in transit, a TSA-approved lock provides peace of mind without the risk of the TSA cutting it off. If you are not concerned, leaving your bag unlocked is simpler and costs nothing.

Where to buy TSA-approved locks

TSA-approved locks are sold at luggage retailers like Samsonite and Away, at travel sections of department stores, at airport shops, and on online marketplaces. Prices range from about $10 for a basic combination lock to $30 for higher-end models. Some luggage sets come with a TSA-approved lock already attached.

When you buy online, search for "TSA-approved lock" and look for the red diamond symbol in the product photos. Read the product description to confirm it says "TSA approved" — do not assume a lock is approved just because it is sold at a travel retailer. A few seconds of checking saves you the frustration of having the TSA cut it off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a TSA lock on a carry-on bag?

Yes, but there is no reason to. Carry-on bags go through security with you, so you unlock them yourself if the TSA asks. A TSA lock is only useful on checked bags that you will not see until your destination.

Will the TSA cut my lock if I forget it is not approved?

Yes. If your lock does not have the TSA-approved marking, the TSA will cut it during screening. You will find your bag at your destination with the lock gone and a notice card inside explaining what happened. Your bag is not damaged, but you have lost the lock.

Do I need a separate lock for each bag?

No. One TSA-approved lock can be moved from bag to bag. Many travelers carry a single lock and use it on whichever bag they are checking. If you check multiple bags on the same trip, you can use the same lock on each one — just move it between bags as needed.

What if my luggage has a built-in lock — is it TSA approved?

Not always. Some luggage comes with a built-in TSA-approved lock, but many do not. Check the product description or the lock itself for the red diamond symbol. If your luggage lock does not have this marking, the TSA may cut it, so buy a separate TSA-approved lock to be safe.

Can I lock my bag if I am flying internationally?

TSA-approved locks work on U.S. flights and on flights to the U.S. from other countries. If you are flying between two non-U.S. airports, check with your airline about local security rules — some countries do not recognize TSA locks. For any trip that includes a U.S. leg, a TSA-approved lock is your best choice.