Buying guide for best TSA-approved luggage locks
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Nothing is better than traveling to your favorite destination. However, before heading out on your next adventure, you’ll want to ensure you have everything you need so everything goes smoothly. That includes a TSA-approved lock to keep your bag secure while traveling.
A TSA-approved lock makes it easy for screeners to check your bag if they have to, and it also means they’ll secure it once they’re done. It’s recommended to attach a lock to your bag to prevent theft, so that it doesn’t accidentally open during transit. There are many locks to choose from, but the best one for you ultimately depends on what security system you prefer.
Our top pick is the small but mighty Master Lock 4696D TSA-Approved Luggage Lock, which lets you choose your own combination so it’s easier to remember.
Editors’ picks for 2025
Best of the Best
Type: Combination | Weight: 0.22 oz | Dimensions: 1.4” W x 0.24” D x 1.9” H
The Master Lock 4696D TSA-Approved Luggage Lock is ultra-lightweight, weighing just 0.22 ounces. Despite its compact size, it has a durable metal body that makes it highly cut-resistant and an extended steel shackle for easily fitting it onto various types of luggage.
The resettable four-dial combination lets you personalize your code, so you can set it to something you won’t forget easily. It’s TSA-approved, meaning TSA screeners can inspect your luggage without damaging the lock.
Best Bang for the Buck
Type: Combination | Weight: 2.4 oz | Dimensions: 1.22” W x 0.58” D x 2.3” H
If you have several pieces of luggage you want to secure before heading to the airport, the Forge TSA Luggage Combination Lock (4-Pack) is a terrific bargain pick. These locks have a durable alloy body and are designed with patented internal mechanisms to withstand the rigors of travel.
The open-alert indicator lets you know when a TSA screener has searched your luggage, and you can set your three-digit combination code in seconds. Plus, these locks come in a variety of colors including silver, black, blue, green, pink and orange.
Simple to Open
Type: Card Key | Weight: 0.32 oz | Dimensions: 1” W x 0.5” D x 2.75” H
Some combination travel locks can be surprisingly frustrating to open, whether it’s because of the small dials or because it takes a while to get the right combination. The Talonport Keyless TSA-Approved Luggage Locks do away with combinations and instead use card keys to open.
They have a durable yet slim build that makes them easy to attach to any piece of luggage. Plus, they include four card keys for effortlessly unlocking them; two are the size of standard credit cards, while the other two are smaller and designed to fit on any keyring. Also, if you lose all four key cards, Talonport will send you a replacement free of charge.
Easy to Read
Type: Combination | Weight: 3.2 oz | Dimensions: 1.25” W x 0.75” D x 2.5” H
The Samsonite Travel Sentry 3-Dial Combination Cable Lock is one of the more flexible locks, thanks to its stainless steel cable loop that makes it easy to thread through zippers.
Unlike other combination locks with small dials, this lock’s dials are oversized, making them easy to move and the numbers easier to read. The body is made of a sturdy zinc alloy for superior durability, and the triple-dial mechanism can be customized to a code that’s easier for you to remember.
Includes Built-In Tracker
Type: Combination | Weight: 3.88 oz. | Dimensions: 3.33” H x 2.28” W
The MiLock Luggage Lock is an Apple-licensed lock with a premium feature that you won’t find on many other travel locks, making it the top choice for iPhone users. In addition to keeping luggage secure during travel, this lock is equipped with Bluetooth location technology and is designed to work seamlessly with the Apple Find My app, so you’ll know where your bag is at all times.
It has a Left-Behind feature that alerts you when your bag is out of Bluetooth range (50 to 100 meters). Plus, it has a battery life of up to eight months and an integrated fingerprint scanner for added biometric security. Its durable body with IP65 protection for water resistance ensures it should last you for years of adventures.
How we analyzed
The best TSA-approved locks offer excellent security yet are also easy for TSA screeners to open and close. We analyzed several models for specs and performance. Whether you prefer a combination or key lock, we rounded up the five best models based on customer reviews and other performance metrics.
Key features to consider
Type
Combination
Combination locks are typically in three- and four-digit formats. Three-digit combinations are easier to remember, but they don’t offer the level of security four-digit locks provide. Some combination locks let you personalize your own code, so you don’t forget it as easily as you might forget a factory-set code.
Key
Key locks are convenient because you don’t have to remember any combinations, which can become a frustrating problem if you forget the code to your combination lock. With a key lock, all you need is the corresponding key to open and unlock it. However, if you lose your key while traveling, you might have some issues accessing the contents of your luggage.
Card key
Card key locks are similar to standard key locks. However, instead of a traditional physical key, you use an included card key to lock and unlock them. These are convenient because they eliminate the need for you to carry an additional set of keys or insert them into the locks. All you need to do is touch the card key to the lock, and it automatically opens and closes. Many card keys are the size of credit cards or can be attached to key rings. However, as with standard key locks, you run the risk of losing your card key, which can leave you in a predicament.
Wireless
Wireless locks usually have other security mechanisms. For example, some are combination locks that also have wireless connectivity. Most wireless locks can sync with your phone via Bluetooth and alert you when your bag is out of range. Those compatible with iPhones typically work with the Find My app, which lets you locate your bag from virtually anywhere.
Cable
Cable locks are much more flexible than standard locks because they allow you to thread the cable through zippers. They’re easier to attach and remove from bags, but they can also be a bit less reliable and easier to cut than standard locks.
Our top picks: Type
- Master Lock 4696D: Set Your Own Combination TSA-Approved Luggage Lock: This durable lock allows you to set your own four-digit combination.
- Forge TSA Luggage Combination Lock (4-Pack): These locks allow you to personalize your three-digit code.
- Talonport Keyless TSA-Approved Luggage Locks: These locks can only be opened with the corresponding card keys.
- Samsonite Travel Sentry 3-dial Combination Cable Lock: This cable lock features a customizable three-digit combination mechanism.
- MiLock Luggage Lock: This lock offers a three-digit combination, a fingerprint scanner and Bluetooth connectivity. It also works with the Find My app, which lets you locate it from almost anywhere.
Size and weight
Size
TSA-approved travel locks aren’t much different than standard travel locks in terms of size. Most locks do not exceed 5 by 3 inches, but it’s worth noting that larger locks are naturally more durable than smaller ones. Also, the digits on combination locks are easier to read on larger locks. Smaller locks, however, are more convenient for smaller bags and aren’t as bulky.
Weight
Most locks weigh no more than 4 ounces. Some weigh less than 1 ounce, but others with a more durable body often weigh about 3 to 4 ounces.
Our top picks: Size and weight
- Master Lock 4696D Set Your Own Combination TSA-Approved Luggage Lock: This lock is extremely lightweight at just 0.22 ounces and has a very compact design, measuring 1.4” W x 0.24” D x 1.9” H.
- Forge TSA Luggage Combination Lock (4-Pack): These locks are a bit on the heftier side at 2.4 ounces, but they have a standard build with dimensions of 1.22” W x 0.58” D x 2.3” H.
- Talonport Keyless TSA-Approved Luggage Locks: This ultra-lightweight lock weighs just 0.32 ounces and features a slim design that measures 1” W x 0.5” D x 2.75” H.
- Samsonite Travel Sentry 3-Dial Combination Cable Lock: The Samsonite Travel Sentry Lock has a sleek build and measures 1.25” W x 0.75” D x 2.5” H, but it’s also surprisingly hefty, weighing 3.2 ounces.
- MiLock Luggage Lock: Because of its added features, it’s a bit larger than other travel locks, measuring 3.33” H x 2.28” W and weighing 3.88 ounces.
FAQ
Q. How much does a TSA-approved luggage lock cost?
A. You can find a single TSA-approved lock or a pack of up to four for as cheap as $10 to $20. However, if you want a durable lock with more security features or advanced card key technology, you can expect to pay up to $50 for a single lock.
Q. Is a TSA lock really required?
A. No, but it’s worth noting that TSA is more likely to inspect a bag without a TSA-approved lock. Not only that, but TSA-approved locks make it easy for TSA screeners to unlock and relock them if they check your luggage. Screeners often break non-TSA locks, leaving your bag unsecured.
