TSA lock

What is a TSA lock?

Travel relaxed on holiday and don't have to worry about your luggage. Reliable locks on your luggage are essential to prevent theft and misuse by smugglers. When travelling in the USA, you should also make sure that your suitcase is equipped with a TSA lock. There, every suitcase can be opened and searched by the TSA authorities (Transportation Security Administration). Locked suitcases and trolleys are sometimes opened by force.

To avoid this, so-called "TSA locks" were developed. They are accessible with a master key that only TSA employees can use to open and re-lock the suitcase. TSA combination locks are therefore also equipped with a key lock that is only available to authorized officials. Approved locks can be recognized by the red diamond-shaped logo (Travel Sentry) or the red torch (Safe Skies).

You can of course also find suitable locks to retrofit your existing luggage in our travel accessories category. Please note that this regulation also applies to any luggage straps!

All locks approved by the TSA authority bear at least one of these two logos.

How to set the TSA lock on your trolley

By default, the starting combination is set to 0-0-0.
Press the adjustment button until it clicks. (Best to do this with a pointed object)
Now turn the wheels until the desired number combination appears.
In case of emergency: Please write down the numerical code!
Using the opening slide, the setting/reset button can be moved to its original position.
If there is no setting/reset button, simply press and hold the opening slide while setting your personal combination. Then release the opening slide and the lock is set.

What to do if you forget your combination?

It sounds worse than it is! There are 1000 number combinations that you have to try to find your own number code. This usually takes no longer than 30-45 minutes

A structured approach is essential here: We start with the combination 000. We count upwards step by step, i.e. 001, 002, 003, 004..011, 012, 013...099, 100, 101, 102...999

Once you have found your code, you should write it down as soon as possible or set a new numeric code.

How do I know if my trolley has been opened with a TSA lock?

If your suitcase is opened by security officials, a note will always be left in your suitcase.

How safe is the Travel Sentry system really?

The Travel Sentry tools are the exclusive property of security officers and are not available to regular airport staff. Each tool set is controlled government property! Most baggage screening locations are also equipped with video surveillance.