Best Luggage Locks - Reviews 2023 - 2024

Table of Contents

Best Luggage Locks (TSA-Approved) - Reviews And Buyers Guide [Updated 2023]

Editor's Choice
SURE LOCK TSA Approved 3 Digit Luggage Locks with Zinc Alloy Body and Hardened Steel Shackle to Lock Travel Suitcase (Champagne Gold 2 Pack)
9.8
  • PEACE OF MIND WITH AN INSPECTION INDICATOR. Know if your luggage has been inspected as soon as you pick it up at the airport with our pop up inspection indicator. If the TSA has opened your luggage, a button will pop out of the top of the cable lock. You'll know to double check your luggage to make sure nothing has gone missing while you're still at the airport instead of at your hotel or final destination.
  • EASY SET COMBINATION MECHANISM WITH FOUR DIGITS. Setting your combination literally takes less than ten seconds and the use of four digits means that your combination is harder to crack and easier to remember. In addition to this, you can change your combination as many times as you would like.
  • A SECURE LOCK WHICH WORKS WITH NEARLY ANY KIND OF LUGGAGE. The standard size of the steel shackle loop on luggage locks is 21.67mm. We decided to lengthen the shackle on these locks to 25.67mm. This allows them to better fit hard cases such as Pelican or gun cases.
  • International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.
Top Rated
MASTER LOCK Small Padlocks [Key] [Keyed Alike] [Assorted Colours] [Family Pack of 4] 9120EURQCOLNOP - Best Used for Backpacks, Luggage, Computer Bags, Locker, Gym and More
9.5
  • PADLOCK APPLICATION: for indoor use; padlock is best used as a luggage lock, backpack lock, briefcase lock, locker, gym, diary and more
  • FAMILY PACK: pack of 4 padlocks and 4 keys which can be used for all padlocks; great solution for families
  • DURABLE DESIGN: small padlock features a solid aluminum body for durability and corrosion resistance
  • GREAT SECURITY: lock has a 3-pin cylinder for increased pick resistance
  • SPECIFICATIONS: padlock dimensions (H x W x D) 2 x 3.4 x 1.4 cm; shackle dimensions (A x B x C) 0.3 x 1.1 x 1 cm; 4 keys and 4 coloured padlocks (blue. green. pink. dark blue)
Best Selling
Yale YP1/28/121/1G Combination Travel Padlock, Grey, 28mm, pack of 1, suitable for travel bags and luggage
9.1
  • STRESS-FREE SECURITY - The Yale Travel Combination Padlocks keep your valuables secured for peace of mind
  • MULTIPURPOSE DESIGN - This product helps you secure your luggage, rucksack, suitcases or sports bags
  • RESISTANT COMPOSITION - The zinc body and steel shackle, make this padlock great for any travelling bag
  • PACK INCLUDES - 1x combination padlock, eliminating any key-related stress
  • TRUSTED BRAND - Yale is one of the best-known names in the security industry

Short on time?

Our recommended best luggage locks are the SURE LOCK TSA-Approved 3 Digit Luggage Locks!

It is understandable for passengers to be concerned about the safety of their valuables while entrusting their belongings to the care of an airport. Still, it is of equal significance that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) be able to inspect passengers' checked bags whenever such an occasion presents itself.



Luggage locks recognized and accepted by the TSA are necessary for this situation. These specifically crafted locks were developed to protect your belongings and bags, but they are meant to be opened by the TSA if required.

According to Caroline Crossland, founder of Crosswalk Clan and resident gadget expert,

"TSA-approved locks are vital for securing your suitcase while still allowing TSA officers easy access, should they need it, during the screening process. TSA-approved locks are vital for securing your suitcase while still allowing TSA officers easy access. Because a good TSA-approved lock can be unlocked with master keys, it eliminates the need to damage bags or cut the locks on them to gain access to the contents of the suitcase."

TSA-approved luggage locks are marked with the Travel Sentry insignia, so you can find them simply by looking for them on the packaging.

This seal is an alert indicator that the manufacturer has worked directly with the TSA to develop a product that is not only permitted to be carried on commercial board aircraft but also guarantees that your bag will not be damaged if it is chosen for additional screening.

It is essential to keep in mind that you do not need to be concerned about having your luggage damaged without being notified once you have landed.

While many of the locks (including key locks) the TSA approves will change color or alert you if the TSA opens your luggage, Crossland notes that the TSA will leave you a "Notice of Baggage Inspection" slip if this occurs.

Some of our favorite trusted brands offer quality and value if you're shopping for a TSA-approved travel locker to secure your belongings when traveling by air. From simple and budget-friendly to ultra-high-end and techy, we've got something for everyone.

Our list of the best luggage locks (Updated 2023)

1. SURE LOCK TSA-Approved 3 Digit Luggage Locks - Editor's Choice

When traveling long distances, it's essential to pack light and travel smart. Sure Lock three-digit combination luggage locks are the perfect lock option to protect your belongings during transit.

These locks feature a robust stainless steel shackle longer than most traditional luggage compact locks. This allows the lock to hold luggage straps, even those with hard cases.
These locks also have TSA-approved designs, so you don't have to worry about getting caught with something illegal, unlike other non-approved locks.

They're also straightforward to set, making them ideal for travelers who aren't great at remembering complicated combinations.

Sure Lock luggage locks offer business and leisure travelers peace of mind.

Pros

  • Simple locking mechanism 
  • Easy to use
  • Durable

Cons

  • Heavyweight

2. MASTER LOCK 9120EURQCOLNOP Small Padlocks - Top Rated

If you're looking for a good quality padlock that won't cost you a fortune, look no further than Master Lock Small Padlocks.

These locks are designed to fit into smaller spaces, such as suitcases, backpacks, briefcases, gym bags, and even diaries.

They're also very secure thanks to their three-pin cylinder design, making them ideal for securing items to walls or fences. They're also highly durable, so you don't have to worry about breaking after years of use.

These locks are available in four color options, blue, green, pink, and dark blue. So whether you're looking for something subtle or bold, these locks should catch your eye.

Pros

  • Rust resistive
  • Handy
  • Assorted colors

Cons

  • Only for backpacks

3. Yale YP1/28/121/1G Combination Travel Padlock - Best Selling

You don't want to carry around a bunch of keys and locks when you're traveling. Instead, why not bring along something that keeps your belongings safe and sound?

This Yale YP1/28 combo lock is designed to fit most standard-sized luggage, making it easier to find the right lock for your suitcase. It is a durable luggage lock.

Plus, it has a built-in keypad, so you can easily access your luggage without fumbling around with many different keys. Moreover, it has easy-to-read dials.

This travel lock is made from durable materials that won't rust or corrode, so you can rest assured knowing that your valuables are protected.

And since this padlock is compatible with most types of luggage, you can count on it to stay put even during rough trips.

If you're worried about losing your keys, you can always rely on this travel lock to provide you with the ultimate level of security. After all, who wants to lose their keys?

Pros

  • Strong and sturdy
  • Easy to reset and set pin
  • High-quality product

Cons

  • Old fashioned design

Moreover, we have also written a detailed buyer's guide for buying the best luggage bags in 2023. If you are someone who travels a lot, then this article will help you.

What to look for when buying the best luggage locks?

best luggage locks

1. Price

Locks can range in price quite a bit, but you won't find many that cost more than £40. It is dependent on the layer of protection that you are looking for.

Locks with steel shackles and keyless entry systems (such as card-access locks or other high-tech locks with a metal lock body) that require a card to be inserted to unlock them both tend to be more expensive.

Be wary of incredibly cheap options; investing a few extra dollars in a secure lock for your luggage could make all the difference.

2. Durability

Most locks acceptable by the TSA are fabricated from steel, an exceptionally long-lasting material.

Stay away from locks made entirely of rubber or plastic and with cables made of any material other than steel.

3. Style

Locks that the TSA approves typically come in a few varieties, including lock combination locks, flexible cable locks, and keyless smart locks. When deciding, you should consider your personal preferences: Do you have a habit of misplacing your keys?

Steer clear of locks that one person can only open. Do you need a little leeway to secure a bag with only small zipper holds? Look for a cable lock that has a thin cable but is still extremely strong.

Are you concerned that someone might decipher the combination to your safe? Choose a lock that requires a card to open it.

Usually, women's bags contain more precious and valuable items, and if you are a woman, you should have at least one TSA-approved luggage lock that will protect your luggage.

Moreover, if you don't know how to set a 3-digit combination lock, you can watch the video below:

Moreover, if you are looking for a nice women's travel bag that you can buy in 2023, you can read our article about it.   

Why do you need a luggage locker in 2023?

best luggage locks

Reason #1 To protect your luggage

The most important advantage of a TSA lock is that it allows you to keep your baggage and the expensive stuff you pack inside safe.

When your bags are safely stored, you will have more time to relax and enjoy your trip without worrying about the safety of your belongings.

A TSA lock may also assist hold your bag's zippers together so they don't unintentionally open while your suitcase is in transit, pouring socks and underwear all over the baggage carousel—yikes!

This can help you avoid an awkward scenario and avoid embarrassing situations. To prevent theft, you should also consider using a lock whether traveling on a busy train or bus or at hotels throughout the day.

Reason #2 For extra safety

While traditional padlocks are designed to protect your possessions, there is no guarantee that they will comply with security regulations when you travel; they are just an extra layer of security.

Because the TSA has approved them, you can be sure that TSA locks will conform to travel standards. When you check your luggage at an airport, the security personnel have the authority to inspect the interior of any of your bags to confirm that they are suitable for travel.

If you keep your suitcase locked with a padlock that the TSA does not permit, the authorities may have to break the effective lock to access the contents of your bag.

If your luggage lock has been certified by the TSA, the TSA will have a universal key that allows them to open the lock, check your bag, and then re-lock your baggage to ensure it is safe.

Reason #3 To avoid damages

Do you want to ensure that it travels without getting damaged and stays safe and secure? Invest in convenient locks that the TSA authorizes!

Suppose the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) deems that your luggage requires additional screening and you have a TSA lock.

In that case, they will utilize a universal key that can readily unlock your suitcase. If they don't have one, using a standard padlock will require them to remove the lock from the padlock altogether.

If this does not work and the authorities cannot remove the lock, they may have to destroy your brand-new and costly baggage to access the contents.

So, next time you travel, you must have a luggage lock to protect your valuable luggage. Meanwhile, if you are also looking for a travel bag, you can read our article about it. 

Frequently asked questions - FAQs

1. Are luggage locks worth it?

Even though they don't have all these fancy technologies, the security systems won't stop burglars from ripping open your luggage.

Any burglar with enough motivation could easily rip open your suitcase without damaging the system or making any marks behind them. All they need is a regular ballpoint pen.

2. Are TSA locks easy to pick?

Although this was a severe breach of extra security on the part of the TSA and the Washington Post, authorized travel locks were never intended to prevent someone from breaking into your luggage in the first place.

The shackles are so flimsy that a Leatherman could slice through them; moreover, they are simple to pick, and you may go around them entirely if you have a pen.

3. Does TSA allow luggage locks?

If your bag is not locked, our officer will open it and go through it item by item to see if anything triggers an alert.

On the other hand, the ideal locks may have to be cut if you lock your checked or carry-on baggage, and the TSA cannot access it using any of the other available methods. This method will not harm the zippers or zipper pulls on your soft-sided precious baggage.

You should also read our previous article about the best expandable luggage; it will help you greatly if you read it. 

4. What is the difference between TSA and number lock?

In its most basic form, a TSA lock is a padlock that has been vetted and certified for use in airports all over the globe by the "Transportation Security Administration" of the United States.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) locks differ from standard padlocks because airport security personnel are equipped with a unique key to unlock TSA-approved locks.

5. Can thieves open TSA locks?

How difficult is it for burglars to open TSA locks? To answer your question, yes. I use little wire ties to fasten my checked bags.

The Transportation Security Administration has a master key, sometimes known as a bolt cutter, which they can use to unlock my bag if they have to.

Still, the steel cable ties serve as an effective deterrent against theft by luggage handlers.

Moreover, you should also read our article about the best luggage for Europe train travel in 2023.

The final verdict

When you are continuously concerned about the safety of your luggage, it may make traveling a real pain in the neck.

However, given the unique nature of these locks, you may feel at ease knowing that your luggage is protected.

While the locks are not entirely resistant to theft, they provide significant peace of mind while traveling.

You are optimistic that the closed bag will maintain its integrity even after the luggage has been inspected.

You can find a selection of locks that have been tested, put to use, and proven to be acceptable by the TSA on our list of the finest TSA-approved padlocks. We hope you will discover one that will allow you to travel without anxiety on your next adventure.

Moreover, we have also written an article about the best luggage covers you can use to protect your new luggage from scratches and dirt.

The best luggage lock

The best luggage lock is the SURE LOCK TSA-Approved 3 Digit Luggage Lock, and there are some reasons for it.

First, it has a durable design that will run for years. It can cover your entire world tour. Second, it's simple to use functionality. You can easily set and reset it. Lastly, it is TSA-approved, which is also common in all shortlisted locks but has a 3-digit unlocking mechanism, making it much faster than any of them.

Our #1 Luggage Lock

Our number one luggage lock is the SURE LOCK TSA-Approved 3 Digit Luggage Lock because of its simple unlocking mechanism and durable design.

As a runner-up, we also recommend the MASTER LOCK 9120EURQCOLNOP Small Padlockbecause of its small size that you can use on your backpack and its affordability.

About this Guide

Written By Alex
Last Updated On December 29, 2022

Author Information

Alex

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