What is a tsa-approved lock?

Also called TSA lock

A TSA-approved lock secures your bag but can be opened by airport security with a master key, so they can inspect the contents without cutting it off. It's the safe way to lock checked baggage travelling through the United States.

Outside the US, standard security may not carry the master keys — a TSA lock still deters casual tampering, but check whether it can be opened non-destructively wherever you're travelling.

Related terms

Checked baggage
Carry-on

Updated July 2, 2026

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