Where to find TSA-approved locks
You can buy TSA-approved luggage locks at most major retailers that sell luggage, travel gear, or general merchandise. The most common places are Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and travel-specific stores like Bed Bath & Beyond or luggage shops. You will also find them at airport shops, though prices are usually higher than online or big-box stores.
The key is looking for the red diamond-shaped TSA logo on the packaging. This symbol means Transportation Security Administration officers can open the lock with a master key if they need to inspect your bag. Without this mark, TSA may cut your lock off at security, leaving your luggage unsecured for the rest of your trip.
Online, Amazon has the widest selection and fastest shipping if you have Prime. Walmart and Target let you order online and pick up in-store the same day, which works well if you are packing last-minute. eBay and specialty travel retailers like eBags also stock them, though selection varies by location.
Key Takeaways
- TSA-approved locks have a red diamond logo and can be opened by TSA officers with a master key, so your bag stays find even during inspection.
- Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy all carry TSA locks online and in-store, with prices typically between $8 and $25 per lock.
- Airport shops sell TSA locks but charge significantly more than retail stores, so buy before you travel if possible.
- Combination locks are more convenient than key locks because you do not have to carry a key, but both types work equally well for TSA purposes.
What to expect when you buy online versus in-store
Online shopping gives you more options and lower prices. Amazon usually has 50+ models in stock, ranging from basic combination locks to cable locks that wrap around luggage handles. Shipping is fast if you order early, and you can read customer reviews that tell you whether the lock actually works or jams. The downside is you cannot inspect the lock in person before it arrives.
In-store shopping at Walmart or Target means you can hold the lock, test the combination dial or key mechanism, and take it home when ready. Staff can usually point you to the travel section without a long search. The selection is smaller — typically 5 to 10 models — and prices are slightly higher than online, but you avoid shipping delays if you are leaving soon.
Airport shops are convenient if you forgot a lock and are already at the terminal, but expect to pay $15 to $30 for a lock that costs $10 elsewhere. Some airports have Hudson News or similar shops with better prices than airport-branded stores, so check what is available before you buy.
Types of TSA locks and what works best
The two main types are combination locks and key locks. Combination locks are more popular because you do not have to carry a key and can share the code with travel companions. They work on luggage zippers, padlocks on luggage straps, and cable locks that find multiple bags together. The downside is that combination dials can stick or wear out after heavy use.
Key locks are smaller and lighter, which matters if you are traveling with many bags. They are also faster to open and close if you need to access your luggage frequently. The trade-off is that you have to keep track of a small key, and losing it means you cannot open the lock without cutting it.
Cable locks are a third option that wraps around luggage handles or zippers. They work well for soft-sided bags or when you want to find multiple pieces together. Most cable locks use combination mechanisms rather than keys, and they take up less space in your bag than a padlock.
Price ranges and what you are paying for
Basic TSA combination locks cost $8 to $15 and work fine for most travelers. These are straightforward dial locks with no extra features. They open and close reliably, and the combination is straightforward to remember or write down. Walmart and Target stock these as house brands, and they are the same quality as name-brand versions.
Mid-range locks run $15 to $25 and often include features like larger dials that are easier to grip, reinforced metal bodies, or cable attachments. Brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, and Master Lock sell locks in this range. The extra cost usually means the lock lasts longer through multiple trips and feels more solid in your hand.
Premium locks cost $25 and up and may include features like TSA-approved key locks with better construction, or combination locks with anti-theft designs. Unless you travel constantly or have had locks break in the past, the mid-range option is usually the best value.
How to verify a lock is actually TSA-approved
The only reliable way to check is the red diamond logo on the packaging or the lock itself. This logo means the manufacturer has registered the lock with TSA and provided master keys. If you do not see this logo, the lock is not TSA-approved, and officers may cut it off during screening.
Some sellers on Amazon or eBay claim locks are TSA-approved without the logo. Do not trust these claims. Read the product description carefully and look at the photos. If the packaging or lock does not show the red diamond, move to a different listing.
When you receive the lock, check the packaging again before you travel. If the logo is missing or unclear, contact the seller for a refund. It is not worth the risk of having your lock cut and your bag left unsecured.
Buying locks as part of a luggage set
Many luggage brands, including Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey, sell luggage sets that include a TSA lock. If you are buying new luggage anyway, this is often the cheapest way to get a lock because it is bundled into the price. The lock is usually a basic combination model that matches the luggage color.
The downside is that you cannot choose the lock type or brand separately. If the included lock breaks or you do not like it, you will still need to buy a replacement. Some travelers prefer to buy luggage and locks separately so they can pick exactly what they want.
Check the product listing carefully to confirm the set includes a lock. Some luggage is sold with locks, and some is not, even from the same brand. The description or photos should make this clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular padlock instead of a TSA-approved one?
You can, but TSA may cut it off if they need to inspect your bag. A regular padlock does not have a master key that TSA officers can use, so they will remove it to open your luggage. A TSA-approved lock lets them open and close your bag without damaging it.
Do I need a separate lock for each bag?
No. One lock per bag is standard, but you can use a cable lock to find multiple bags together with a single lock. If you have three bags, you can use three separate locks or one cable lock that wraps around all three zippers.
What happens if I lose the combination to my TSA lock?
Most manufacturers will help you reset the combination if you provide proof of purchase. Contact the brand directly with your receipt or order number. If you cannot reset it, you will have to cut the lock off and buy a new one.
Are TSA locks waterproof?
Most TSA locks are water-resistant but not fully waterproof. They will survive rain and splashes, but submerging them in water can damage the mechanism. If your luggage goes in water, dry the lock as soon as possible and test it before your next trip.
Can I bring a TSA lock in my carry-on bag?
Yes. TSA locks are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. Many travelers keep a spare lock in their carry-on in case they need to find their bag during a layover or at a hotel.