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Travel Sentry certified locks, otherwise known as Tsa Locks are simply locked with the TSA logo on them. Created in 2003, Travel Sentry serves as the group in charge of monitoring the production and approval of locks used on luggage. TSA locks were made so they can be opened by the security agency of aviation services like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It also helps ensure that your luggage is only accessible by you or authorized TSA agents.

This article will be answering some of the most important questions being asked about TSA locks. So, without further ado, here we go:

WHAT IS A TSA LOCKING SYSTEM?
The TSA locking system is one that is being used globally. It provides users with the ability to lock their luggage while ensuring that the authorities can go through it with no hassle if the need arises. An agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security, the Transportation Administration Security, was the first agency to make use of this system.

Like we stated earlier, a TSA locking system is a luggage lock that has the TSA logo on it and can be opened with your personal key and a universal key that’s in the possession of only the TSA. These locks come in different shapes, styles, and sizes including TSA lock with key, TSA 4 dial locks, TSA cable locks, and so much more.

When purchasing a TSA approved locking system, you should check for a red diamond logo on the body of the lock. This logo is the unique Travel Sentry logo and it serves as a surety that the lock has been approved by TSA.

IS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE A TSA LOCK?
While it is important to have a TSA lock, it isn’t mandatory that you use a TSA certified lock.
You are free to use any lock you want on your luggage, but the thing is, if your lock isn’t certified by the TSA and an issue arises where the TSA needs to go through your luggage, they have the absolute right to break your lock as they have no key to that luggage lock. But if you are using a TSA lock, the security agency will simply use the universal key with them to open your luggage.

CAN YOU PUT A LOCK ON YOUR SUITCASE WHILE FLYING?
Although it is highly recommended that you do not put a lock on your luggage when flying due to the screening carried out by the Transportation Security Administration, you can put a TSA lock on your baggage as it does not require the TSA to break your lock before being able to get into your luggage.

A TSA lock will not only help you keep your things safe, it will also ensure that no one but a TSA agent with a master key has access to your luggage. According to a recent study, between the first month of 2016 and February 2017, nearly eight thousand claims were filed by passengers against the TSA stating that possessions such as jewelry, personal electronics, and clothing had been lost. Half of these claims were denied by the agency.

Using a TSA lock will save you from this kind of stress given the fact that only you and the TSA agents will have the keys to open your TSA certified lock.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A TSA LOCK?
There are a wide variety of TSA locks. These locks come from different companies and in different styles, shapes, and sizes, therefore their prices vary. The average cost of a TSA lock is $15.

WHICH COUNTRIES NEED TSA LOCKS?
The list of countries where TSA locks are accepted is getting longer. Airports across the United States, Japan, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Germany, Austria, South Korea, Netherland, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Togo make use of TSA locks. The list is expanding every day, which means more countries are agreeing to use these locks every day.

HOW DOES TSA OPEN TSA  APPROVE LOCKS?
TSA approved locks are opened with a universal master key that’s only available to TSA agents. Each and every lock has an identifier that allows the locks to be opened by the master key.

HOW DO I OPEN A TSA LOCK?
When you purchase a TSA lock, the default security code is 000. You can change this code to your own unique code, which means that the lock will be opened by only those who know the unique code as well as the TSA universal master key. If you forget your unique code, you’ll need the help of your lock’s manufacturer in order to be able to use or open it.

CAN A TSA LOCK BE PICKED?
TSA locks can be picked, but these locks are difficult to do so. The reason why they are difficult to pick is that one has to be rightfully skilled to be able to unlock them. Without great hacking skills and tools, picking a TSA lock is almost impossible.

ARE TSA LUGGAGE LOCKS SECURE?
These locks were initially built in order to allow the Transportation Security Administration go through any luggage without having to break the locks on the luggage. This simply means that only TSA agents have the master keys that can unlock your luggage. While there have been cases where TSA locks have been unlocked by people that are not TSA agents, these cases are very rare. Only someone with great hacking knowledge and tools can unlock a TSA approved lock.

CAN I PUT A ZIP TIE ON MY LUGGAGE?
Alternatively, you can put zip ties on your luggage. This will ensure that the TSA can go through your luggage without having to break your expensive lock (that is if you’re not using a TSA approved lock). Zip ties are also easy to replace, but a lot more insecure than TSA locks.

IS TSA LOCKS REQUIRED IN CANADA?
These locks are not mandatory. They are accepted in all Canadian airports.

CAN I USE TSA LOCKS IN ASIA?
Yes, you can. TSA locks are now approved in major Asian airports. Unlike before when the concept was new and security agents were breaking the locks, TSA locks are now popular and are being handled well by security agents across major airports.

CAN I USE TSA LOCKS IN AFRICA?
Yes, you can. A lot of African countries are now familiar with the concept of TSA locks including South Africa, Togo, Nigeria, and more.

IS TSA LOCK REQUIRED IN EUROPE?
While it is not mandatory that you use a TSA lock in Europe, these locks are accepted in European airports.

CAN YOU USE ANY LOCK ON YOUR LUGGAGE?
Yes, you certainly can. But any other lock apart from a TSA approved lock will be broken if the TSA needs to screen your luggage.

HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY LUGGAGE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY TSA?
You’ll get a note by the TSA indicating that your luggage has been checked. In the U.S, a “Notice of Baggage Inspection” will be placed in your bag if your bag was opened.

LUGGAGE SAFETY TIPS
We have also decided to provide you with a few important tips on how to safeguard your luggage when traveling:

• Use the appropriate locks for your bag. When traveling by air, you can make use of TSA locks or zip ties so as to avoid the breakage of your more expensive or secure lock. If you are not traveling by air, you can use your heavy duty or any other secure lock.

• If possible, do not let your luggage out of your sight.

• Do not pack your precious items with your luggage. You can put them in a small carry-on bag instead.

• Make a list of the possessions you are traveling with. This will make it easy for you to know if one of them is missing.

• Place two tags on your luggage. Put one in and the other outside your luggage. This will make it easy for you to identify and claim your bag.

• Do not trust any co-passenger that acts too friendly.