Best TSA-Approved Luggage Locks 2025

The best TSA-approved luggage locks keep your belongings secure and can be opened for routine inspections without damaging your bags or the lock. Some suitcases—including many picks in our guide to the best luggage—have built-in TSA-approved locks, but if your suitcase does not have one, buying one separately is a good idea. Our top pick is the Master Lock 4696T, a straightforward combination lock that’s easy to use. We also recommend the Anvil TSA-Approved Luggage Lock for a larger set.

The best TSA-approved luggage locks keep your belongings secure but can be opened easily for routine … [+] inspections.

ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS

When assessing materials for your lock, “look for a product with a tough metal shackle or cable that can handle rough baggage handling,” says Jesse Neugarten, founder and CEO of Dollar Flight Club. And since TSA agents could potentially open your luggage at security using a universal master key, make sure your lock has the Travel Sentry logo (a red diamond) to ensure it can be opened and won’t need to be cut off. After many hours of independent research, we rounded up the best TSA-approved luggage locks for 2025.

Best TSA-Approved Luggage Lock Overall: Master Lock 4696T
Best Value TSA-Approved Luggage Lock: Forge Luggage Lock
Best TSA-Approved Cable Luggage Lock: Airbolt Smart Lock
Best TSA-Approved Luggage Lock For Families: Anvil TSA-Approved Luggage Lock
Best TSA-Approved Card-Operated Luggage Lock: Talonport Keyless Locks
Best Durable Luggage Lock: Tumi Luggage Lock
Best Padlock Luggage Lock: Forge Dimple Key Luggage Lock
Best Extra-Long Luggage Lock: Lewis N. Clark Cable Luggage Lock

Dimensions: 0.55 x 1.57 x 4.16 inches | Weight: ‎0.21 ounces | Type of lock: Combination

Pros:

Made with heavy-duty steel
Four digit combination is more secure
Easy to operate

Cons:

Only comes with two locks

For a TSA-approved luggage lock that truly does it all, Neugarten recommends this selection from Master Lock, a reliable brand that’s been around for decades. This metal lock is a durable, heavy-duty option that can be used to secure various types of suitcases and bags. It’s a straightforward combination lock, which uses four letters or numbers in a particular order to open it, alleviating the need for a key or card. It also has an extended shackle (just under two inches), which is helpful for larger suitcases or equipment boxes. Keep in mind that this only comes in a set of two, so families might need to purchase several sets.

Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.9 x 1.5 inches | Weight: ‎‎2.4 ounces | Type of lock: Combination

Pros:

Affordable
Comes in a 4-pack
Lifetime guarantee

Cons:

Heavy
Tight fit with certain Nanuk cases

Beyond the Forge luggage lock’s affordable price tag, it has two unique features that set it apart from other options. The first is its open alert indicator, which alerts you if a TSA agent unlocks your suitcase—a small red button at the top of the lock will pop up, and you can check your belongings to ensure nothing is missing. Additionally, for an agent to remove the master key, they’ll have to re-lock your suitcase, a step that most agents skip after their inspection. This set also comes in several bright colors, like lime green and cobalt blue, so your bags will easily stand out at baggage claim.

Dimensions: 2.16 x 2.16 x 0.62 inches | Weight: 2.11 ounces | Type of lock: Wireless

Pros:

Wireless operation
Doubles as a luggage tracker
Long-lasting battery

Cons:

Expensive
Needs to be charged

If you’re looking for a cable lock with added flexibility, the Airbolt Smart Lock is an excellent choice. It’s crafted from die-cast zinc and a sturdy braided cable that can be stretched between zippers and easily recharged through a USB-C port. After downloading the app, create an account and pair the device using Bluetooth. Using the app, you can lock or unlock your bag, track its location and receive notifications whenever the lock is opened. Although the battery life lasts roughly 12 months, ensure it’s charged before you leave on a long trip.

Dimensions: 2.68 x 1.2 x 0.78 inches | Weight: Not listed | Type of lock: Combination

Pros:

Comes in a 4-pack
Lifetime warranty
Four digit combination is more secure

Cons:

Families traveling with many pieces of luggage will appreciate this set of locks, which come in varying bright colors. The colors will help your luggage stand out at baggage claim, and each lock is simple to use (rotate the shackle, set your desired combination and turn the shackle back to its original position). The numbers are large and easy to read, and the combination can be changed as many times as you want—helpful if multiple family members share the same locks. The manufacturer also sells individual locks and two packs if you don’t need four. Like the Forge Luggage Lock, TSA agents must re-lock to remove the master key.

Dimensions: ‎0.9 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces | Type of lock: Card-operated

Pros:

Sleek, black design
No need to remember a combination
Free replacement cards

Cons:

Heaviest option on our list

If you don’t want to worry about remembering your combination, a card-operated luggage lock is a simple solution. This unique lock comes with four ultra-slim key cards (two credit card-sized and two smaller keys that can attach to your key ring) that unlock with a quick swipe. If you lose or damage your key cards, Talonport will send you a free replacement if you register the product beforehand. All locks in a pack use the same cards, so the locks can be opened as long as you have one key card. Customers say this is a convenient way to keep valuables secure.

Forge Dimple Key Luggage Lock

Dimensions: 1.7 x 1 x .4 inches | Weight: 1.5 ounces | Type of lock: Key

Pros:

No need to remember a combination
Tamper-proof design
Simple operation

Cons:

Small keys may be misplaced easily

Similar to the Talonport Keyless Locks and Airbolt Smart Lock, the Forge Dimple Key lock doesn’t require remembering a three or four-digit combination to unlock your luggage. The keys can never be duplicated, and the brand uses a tamper-proof design (versus single-bitted keys, which are only cut on one side) that is less susceptible to lock picking. The keys work for every lock in the pack, so you only need to carry one while you travel; we recommend putting the second key in a safe spot that’s easy to access should you need it. Choose from a 2-, 4- or 8-pack and several colors.

Dimensions: 3 x 2 x 5 inches | Weight: 1.41 ounces | Type of lock: Combination

Pros:

Affordable
Retractable 30-inch braided cable
Key-less design

Cons:

Not as robust or durable as other picks

The Lewis N. Clark cable luggage lock is ideal if you need to lock zipper pulls or multiple suitcases together or even fasten your bags to a stationary object. (This can be helpful if you need to store your belongings at your hotel.) This lightweight lock features a three-digit combination that can be reset as many times as needed, and it can be slipped into your pocket and used to secure sports equipment, purses and anything else you might need to protect. The lock is made from thermoplastic rubber and ABS, while the braided cable is constructed from steel.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of in-depth roundups on travel products, including the best anti-theft backpacks, best travel money belts and more.
Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering travel and lifestyle topics.
For this story, Louie gathered insights and guidance from Jesse Neugarten, founder and CEO of Dollar Flight Club.
The travel section is overseen by Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, an 8-year industry veteran who’s visited over 40 countries and used various luggage locks on her travels.

How We Chose The Best TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

To find the best TSA-approved luggage locks, we researched dozens of best-selling options, compared features, read countless independent reviews and reached out to an expert for insight and guidance.

Our editorial team focused on TSA-approved luggage locks from trusted brands and retailers like Master Lock, Forge and more.
We analyzed several important features, including materials, dimensions, type and overall design, to help readers pinpoint the best option for their needs.
The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.

What To Consider In The Best TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

TSA-approved luggage locks allow TSA agents to inspect your bags without damaging the lock (a universal master key allows them to open your bag). Some suitcases—including many options in our guide to the best luggage—have built-in TSA-approved locks, but having individual locks on hand for backpacks, equipment cases and larger trunks can be helpful. All TSA-approved locks will have the Travel Sentry logo, but beyond that, here’s what you need to know.

Type

The main types of luggage locks include combination, key, smart and retractable. Combination locks are the most common and use three or four letters or numbers in a particular order to open it, so there’s no need to carry around a key or card. Key locks are another common variety that requires you to use a physical key. Smart options, like the Airbolt Smart Lock, are slightly less common and have a higher price point, but they typically have convenient app-based access. They can also function as a luggage tracker and send alerts directly to your phone. As the name implies, retractable cable locks feature an adjustable cable that can be extended to the best length. This is a great choice if you need to lock multiple suitcases or zipper pulls together.

Each type has unique benefits and drawbacks, so consider whether you prefer a physical key or simply remember a numerical code. “In terms of durability and security, combination locks and key locks can both work well, so it really comes down to personal preference,” says Neugarten. “I like combination locks because I don’t have to keep track of a tiny key, especially when juggling multiple bags. If you’re prone to forgetting codes, though, a key lock might save you some hassle.”

Materials

When choosing a lock, look for durable metals like steel that can withstand the rigors of travel. The shackle, or curved U-shaped bar on the top, should also be made from metal to prevent potential thieves from breaking or clipping it. The thicker the shackle, the less likely it is to snap or break in transit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does TSA Recommend Locking Luggage?

Yes, locking your luggage prevents theft and tampering while in transit. Investing in TSA-approved locks allows agents to easily open your bags and inspect their contents without damaging the lock in the process.

Who Makes The Best TSA Locks?

All the brands we recommend in this guide make excellent TSA-approved luggage locks. After careful evaluation and consulting with an expert, our top suggestion is the Master Lock 4696T. Master Lock has been in business for over 100 years and manufactures a wide range of security and safety products, from lock boxes to padlocks to portable safes. In addition to Mast Lock, Neugarten recommends Forge and Samsonite.

Can TSA Open Locked Away Luggage?

Yes, TSA agents can use a universal master key to open any TSA-approved lock. Double-check that your lock has the Travel Sentry logo (a red diamond) to ensure it isn’t cut off entirely during inspection.

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