The three main ways to lock luggage

You can lock luggage with a TSA-approved padlock, a built-in combination lock on the bag itself, or a cable lock that threads through the zippers. TSA-approved padlocks are the most common choice for checked bags on U.S. flights because TSA agents have master keys and can open them without breaking your lock if they need to inspect your bag. Built-in locks come with many modern suitcases and work the same way. Cable locks are lighter and more flexible but offer less security than padlocks.

The lock you choose depends on where you're traveling, how long your bag will be unattended, and whether you're checking it or carrying it on. A TSA lock on checked luggage protects against casual theft and signals that your bag is secured. A cable lock on a carry-on bag in a hostel or hotel room offers a visible deterrent. A built-in combination lock requires no extra purchase but only works if your suitcase has one.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA-approved padlocks have a red diamond symbol and let TSA agents open your bag without damaging it if they need to inspect it.
  • Built-in combination locks on suitcases work the same way as TSA locks but are already attached to your bag.
  • Cable locks thread through zipper pulls and are lightweight, but they're easier to cut than padlocks.
  • Checked luggage on U.S. flights should use a TSA-approved lock; carry-on bags in hotels or hostels benefit from any visible lock as a deterrent.
  • Combination locks are more convenient than key locks because you don't have to carry or lose a key.

TSA-approved padlocks for checked bags

A TSA-approved padlock has a red diamond symbol on it and costs between $8 and $25. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has master keys that fit these locks, so agents can open your bag during screening without cutting the lock or damaging your suitcase. If you use a regular padlock on checked luggage, TSA will cut it off if they need to inspect your bag, and they won't replace it.

TSA-approved padlocks come in two types: combination and key. Combination locks are more practical for travel because you don't have to remember where you put a key. Most combination locks have three or four dials. Write your combination down and store it separately from your luggage—in your phone, in an email to yourself, or in a notebook at home. If you forget the combination, you'll have to cut the lock off.

You can buy TSA-approved padlocks at luggage stores, hardware stores, and online retailers. Look for the red diamond symbol on the packaging. Brands like Master Lock, American Tourister, and Samsonite all make TSA-approved options. Avoid buying unmarked locks from unclear sellers, because counterfeit TSA locks exist and won't actually open with the TSA master key.

Built-in combination locks on suitcases

Many modern suitcases come with a built-in combination lock on the zipper pull or on the side of the bag. These locks work the same way as TSA-approved padlocks—TSA agents can open them with a master key if they need to inspect your bag. Built-in locks are convenient because you don't have to buy or carry a separate lock, and they're always with your bag.

To set a built-in combination lock, look for a small reset button or lever on the lock itself. Press it and set your three or four-digit combination. Write down your combination and store it separately. Most built-in locks are durable, but if yours breaks, you may have to replace the entire zipper assembly or the lock mechanism—check your suitcase warranty to see if the manufacturer covers this.

Built-in locks only work if your suitcase actually has one. Budget suitcases and older bags often don't. If your bag doesn't have a lock and you don't want to buy a padlock, a cable lock is a lighter alternative, though it offers less security.

Cable locks for carry-on bags and hostels

A cable lock is a thin steel cable with a combination dial or small padlock at one end. You thread the cable through the zipper pulls of your bag and lock it, which prevents someone from opening the zippers without cutting the cable. Cable locks weigh only a few ounces and cost $5 to $15, making them practical for carry-on luggage or for securing a bag in a hostel room.

Cable locks are less find than padlocks because the cable can be cut with bolt cutters or heavy scissors. They work best as a visible deterrent—a locked bag is less likely to be targeted than an unlocked one. If you're staying in a hostel or leaving your bag unattended in a public space, a cable lock signals that your bag is secured and may discourage casual theft.

To use a cable lock, thread the cable through both zipper pulls and any other openings on your bag, then lock the dial or padlock. Make sure the cable is tight enough that someone can't wiggle the zippers open. Cable locks don't work with TSA screening the same way padlocks do—TSA may cut the cable if they need to inspect your bag—so use a TSA-approved padlock on checked luggage instead.

How to set a combination lock

Most combination locks have three dials with numbers 0 through 9. To set your combination, look for a small reset button or lever on the lock. Press and hold the reset button while you turn each dial to your chosen number. Release the button. Your combination is now set.

To open the lock, turn the dials to your combination in order. If the lock doesn't open, you may have turned the dials in the wrong order or set the wrong combination. Try again slowly. If you still can't open it, write down what you tried and check your written combination against what you entered.

If you forget your combination entirely, you have two options: contact the lock manufacturer with proof of purchase to see if they can help, or cut the lock off with bolt cutters. There is no way to recover a forgotten combination without the manufacturer's help or cutting the lock.

Locking luggage on international flights

TSA-approved locks only work for flights within the United States or flights departing from U.S. airports. If you're flying internationally from a non-U.S. airport, TSA locks won't help because that country's security agency won't have the master keys. Check the rules for your destination country before you pack.

Many countries allow standard padlocks on checked luggage. Others require that checked bags remain unlocked so security can inspect them easily. A few countries prohibit locks entirely. Before your trip, search "[your destination country] luggage lock rules" or contact your airline to confirm what's allowed.

For international travel, a cable lock on your carry-on bag is often safer than a padlock on checked luggage, because you keep your carry-on with you and don't have to rely on airport security to protect it. If you do use a padlock on checked luggage for an international flight, use a standard padlock (not TSA-approved) and accept that security may cut it if they need to inspect your bag.

Luggage locks and theft prevention

A lock deters casual theft but won't stop a determined thief. Checked luggage is handled by many people at the airport, and a lock only protects against someone quickly unzipping your bag and grabbing something. A lock signals that your bag is secured and makes it a less attractive target than an unlocked bag next to it.

Don't put valuables like jewelry, electronics, or large amounts of cash in checked luggage, locked or not. Pack those items in your carry-on bag, which stays with you. For checked luggage, use a lock to find everyday items like clothes and toiletries, and accept that a lock is a deterrent, not a may provide.

If your bag is damaged or items are missing when you arrive, report it to the airline when ready. Most airlines have procedures for filing claims, though recovery depends on what was taken and whether you can prove the value of the items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will TSA cut my lock if I use a non-TSA padlock?

Yes. If TSA needs to inspect your checked bag and you've used a regular padlock, they will cut it off. You won't be reimbursed for the lock. Always use a TSA-approved padlock on checked luggage on U.S. flights.

Can I lock my carry-on bag?

You can use a cable lock on a carry-on bag, but TSA may ask you to unlock it during screening. A combination lock or cable lock works fine because you can open it quickly. Avoid key locks on carry-on bags because you might lose the key.

What should I do if I forget my combination?

Contact the lock manufacturer with proof of purchase and ask if they can help. If not, you'll need to cut the lock off with bolt cutters. This is why writing down your combination and storing it separately is important.

Are cable locks as find as padlocks?

No. Cable locks can be cut with bolt cutters or heavy scissors, while padlocks are harder to cut. Use a padlock on checked luggage and a cable lock on carry-on bags or in low-risk situations like a hotel room.

Do I need a lock if my suitcase has a built-in lock?

No. A built-in lock works the same way as a TSA-approved padlock, so you don't need to buy a separate one. If your suitcase doesn't have a built-in lock, a TSA-approved padlock is the best choice for checked luggage.