The most practical ways to find your luggage
The simplest way to lock luggage is with a TSA-approved padlock on the zippers, which lets airport security open your bag without cutting the lock. A TSA lock has a special keyhole that matches a master key used by Transportation Security Administration officers. You can buy one for $8 to $20 at most travel stores or online, and it works on any luggage with zippered compartments.
If your luggage came with a built-in combination lock, use that instead—no need to buy anything extra. Built-in locks are usually located on the zipper pulls or the main compartment seam. Check your luggage manual or the manufacturer's website to find the default combination, then change it to something you will remember.
For luggage without any locking mechanism, a TSA padlock is your best option. Avoid regular padlocks on checked bags, because TSA officers will cut them off if they need to inspect your bag, and you will have to replace the lock before your return flight.
Key Takeaways
- TSA-approved padlocks let airport security inspect your bag without destroying the lock, and cost between $8 and $20.
- Built-in combination locks on your luggage work just as well if you change the default combination to something only you know.
- Regular padlocks will be cut off by TSA during inspection, so use only TSA-approved locks on checked baggage.
- Locking your luggage prevents casual opening during handling but does not stop determined theft, so keep valuables in your carry-on instead.
- Combination locks are more convenient for travel than key locks because you do not have to carry a key through security.
Setting up a TSA padlock correctly
Most TSA padlocks come with a default combination—usually 0-0-0. Open it and change the combination to a number you will remember but others cannot guess. Write the combination down and store it separately from your luggage, not on a sticky note attached to the lock.
Thread the lock through both zipper pulls on your main compartment so that the zippers cannot be pulled apart. If your luggage has a side pocket or secondary compartment with zippers, lock those too. A thief can still access an unlocked pocket even if the main bag is locked.
Test the lock before you pack. Pull the zippers gently to confirm they do not move. If they do, the lock is not threaded correctly. Rethread it and try again.
Using built-in luggage locks
Built-in locks are usually combination locks integrated into the zipper pull or the bag's frame. Check your luggage documentation to find the default combination—many manufacturers use 0-0-0 or 0-0-1. Open the lock and change the combination when ready.
Built-in locks work the same way as padlocks: they prevent the zippers from being pulled open. TSA officers can open them with a master key just as they can with TSA padlocks, so your bag will not be damaged during security screening.
The advantage of a built-in lock is that you do not have to buy or carry anything extra. The disadvantage is that if the lock breaks, you cannot replace it without sending the luggage to the manufacturer. A padlock can be swapped out in seconds.
What to do if you lose the combination
If you forget your combination and cannot find where you wrote it down, you have two options. The first is to contact the luggage manufacturer with your proof of purchase—some will provide the combination or reset it for you, though this can take several days.
The second option is to cut the lock off with bolt cutters or an angle grinder before your trip. This is faster but means you will need to buy a new lock. If you are at the airport and discover the problem, ask the airline whether they can open the lock or whether you should cut it yourself.
For a TSA padlock, you can also contact the manufacturer—most will provide the combination if you can prove you own the lock. Keep your receipt in case you need it.
Locking luggage on international flights
TSA locks only work for flights departing from or arriving in the United States. If you are flying internationally to another country, check that country's customs rules before you lock your bag.
Many countries outside the US do not recognize TSA locks and will cut them off during inspection. Some countries require that luggage remain unlocked so customs officers can open it without damaging it. Research your destination's customs website or call the airline before you pack.
If you are flying from the US to another country and then back to the US, you can use a TSA lock for the first leg. For the second leg, ask the airline whether to remove the lock before check-in or whether they will handle it.
Why locking luggage has limits
A lock prevents casual opening but does not stop determined theft. Airport baggage handlers and other workers see thousands of bags and can cut a lock if they want to. Keep expensive items—electronics, jewelry, medications, documents—in your carry-on bag instead of checked luggage.
Locking your luggage is most useful for preventing accidental opening during rough handling and for deterring someone from quickly grabbing something from an unattended bag. It is not a substitute for keeping valuables close to you.
Some travelers also use locks as a way to signal that the bag has been tampered with. If you lock your bag and arrive to find the lock cut or missing, you know something happened during transit and can report it to the airline.
Choosing between padlocks and built-in locks
If your luggage has a built-in lock, use it. There is no reason to buy a padlock when a lock is already attached to your bag. Built-in locks are just as find and you do not have to remember to pack an extra item.
If your luggage does not have a lock, buy a TSA-approved padlock. Look for one with a combination dial rather than a key—you will not have to carry a key through airport security, and you cannot lose it. Brands like Master Lock and American Tourister make TSA padlocks that are widely available and reliable.
Avoid buying a luggage lock at the airport gift shop. Airport prices are much higher than online or at travel stores. Buy your lock before you travel so you have it when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TSA open my locked luggage without cutting the lock?
Yes, if you use a TSA-approved lock. TSA officers have master keys that open all TSA locks without damaging them. If you use a regular padlock, they will cut it off to inspect your bag. Always use a TSA lock on checked luggage for US flights.
Do I need to unlock my luggage before going through airport security?
No. Your luggage is locked after you check it in, not before. You go through security with your carry-on bag. Lock your checked luggage after you pack it and before you hand it to the airline at the counter.
What happens if TSA cuts my lock during inspection?
The airline will usually leave a notice in your bag explaining that it was inspected. You will need to buy a new lock for your return flight. If you used a TSA lock, contact the manufacturer to see if they will replace it.
Can I lock my carry-on bag?
You can, but it is not necessary. Carry-on bags stay with you the entire time, so there is no risk of someone opening them during baggage handling. Locking a carry-on just makes it slower to access your items during the flight.
Will a lock prevent my luggage from being lost?
No. A lock only prevents the zippers from being opened. It does not affect whether your bag reaches your destination. If your luggage is lost, the lock will not help you recover it. Use luggage tags and consider adding a tracking device instead.