The main places to find TSA-approved locks

You can buy TSA-approved locks at most major retailers that sell luggage and travel gear. The easiest options are Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy — all carry multiple brands in stock online and often in physical stores. Luggage specialty shops like Away and Samsonite sell them directly through their websites. Airport shops also stock them, though prices run higher than online retailers.

Department stores including Macy's, Kohl's, and Bed Bath & Beyond carry travel lock sections. If you need a lock the same day you travel, an airport shop or nearby Walmart is your fastest option. For the widest selection and lowest prices, online retailers like Amazon typically have 20 to 30 TSA-approved models available, with delivery in one to two days if you have Prime membership.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy stock TSA-approved locks online and in stores, with prices typically between $8 and $25 per lock.
  • Look for the red diamond-shaped TSA logo on the packaging to confirm the lock works with TSA screening equipment.
  • Luggage brand websites like Samsonite and Away sell their own locks, which often match their luggage colors and designs.
  • Airport retail shops carry TSA locks but charge 30 to 50 percent more than online prices, so buy before you travel if possible.
  • Costco and Sam's Club members can find TSA locks in the travel section, sometimes bundled with luggage at discounted prices.

What to look for when shopping online

The most important thing is the red diamond-shaped TSA logo on the package or product listing. This symbol means TSA agents can open the lock with a master key without damaging it. Without this marking, a TSA officer will cut the lock off if they need to inspect your bag.

When you search "TSA-approved luggage lock" on Amazon or Walmart's website, filter results to show only items with the TSA logo in the image. Read the product title carefully — some locks say "TSA-approved" in the title but do not have the logo, which means they are not actually approved. Check the first few customer photos; real TSA locks show the red diamond clearly on the physical lock.

Price varies based on lock type. Combination locks (no key needed) run $8 to $15. Key locks cost $10 to $18. Cable locks that wrap around luggage handles are $12 to $20. Dual locks that find two zippers together are $15 to $25. All work equally well for TSA screening — the type you choose depends on whether you prefer remembering a combination or keeping track of a key.

Buying from luggage brand websites

Samsonite, American Tourister, Away, and Delsey all sell TSA-approved locks directly on their websites. This route makes sense if you already own luggage from one of these brands and want a matching lock, or if you are buying luggage and a lock together.

Brand websites often bundle a lock with luggage at a discount, saving $5 to $10 compared to buying separately. Shipping is usually free on orders over $50. The downside is that brand websites typically stock fewer lock styles than Amazon — usually two to four options — so your color and design choices are limited. Return policies are the same as buying luggage from the brand, typically 30 days.

Warehouse clubs and in-store shopping

Costco and Sam's Club both carry TSA-approved locks in their travel sections, usually priced $2 to $5 lower than retail chains. Costco's selection changes seasonally, with the most locks available in spring and summer. Sam's Club tends to stock locks year-round. Both warehouses often bundle locks with luggage sets during travel season.

If you need a lock the day of travel, Walmart and Target are your fastest options — most locations have locks in stock in the luggage or travel accessories aisle. Best Buy carries them near the travel tech section. Prices at these stores are competitive with online prices, so you are not paying extra for same-day pickup. Call ahead if you want to confirm stock before you drive to the store.

Comparing prices across retailers

A standard TSA combination lock costs $10 to $15 at Amazon, Walmart, and Target. The same lock at an airport shop costs $18 to $25. Luggage brand websites price their locks at $12 to $18, sometimes lower if bundled with luggage. Costco and Sam's Club undercut all of these by $2 to $5 if you have a membership.

Shipping costs matter if you are buying online. Amazon Prime offers free two-day shipping on most locks. Walmart and Target offer free shipping on orders over $35, or free same-day pickup at many locations. Luggage brand websites usually offer free shipping over $50. If you are buying a single lock and do not have Prime, in-store pickup saves you the shipping fee.

What to avoid when shopping

Do not buy locks labeled "TSA-friendly" or "TSA-compatible" without the red diamond logo visible in the product photos. These terms are not official and do not may provide TSA agents can open the lock. The only mark that matters is the red diamond with "TSA" inside it.

Avoid very cheap locks under $5, which are often counterfeit or do not actually have TSA approval. These locks may look correct but will not open with TSA master keys, and agents will cut them. Stick to locks from known brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, Master Lock, and Delsey, which all produce genuine TSA-approved locks.

Do not buy locks from third-party sellers on Amazon without checking their ratings and reviews. Some sellers list locks as TSA-approved when they are not. Read the first 10 reviews to see if customers mention the TSA logo and whether the lock actually opened with TSA master keys at airports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a TSA lock at the airport if I forget one?

Yes, most airports have retail shops that sell TSA locks, usually in the travel accessories section near the gates or in the main terminal. Expect to pay $18 to $28 for a single lock. If your airport is small, call ahead to confirm stock. Buying before you travel is cheaper and faster.

Do I need a TSA lock if I am flying domestically?

You do not need one, but TSA-approved locks are useful because TSA agents can open them without cutting them if they need to inspect your bag. A regular lock will be cut off. If you prefer privacy, a TSA lock gives you both security and the ability to keep the lock intact.

What is the difference between a TSA lock and a regular padlock?

A TSA lock has a red diamond logo and can be opened by TSA agents using a master key. A regular padlock cannot be opened by TSA, so agents will cut it if they inspect your luggage. Both locks prevent theft equally well — the difference is only whether TSA can open it without damaging it.

Are TSA locks more expensive than regular locks?

No, TSA-approved locks cost about the same as regular padlocks of similar quality — typically $10 to $20. You are not paying extra for TSA approval. The main brands that make TSA locks also make regular locks at the same price point.

Can I use the same TSA lock on multiple trips?

Yes, TSA locks are reusable. You can use the same lock on every trip as long as you remember the combination or keep the key. Many travelers buy one or two TSA locks and use them for years. If you lose the key or forget the combination, you will need to buy a new lock.