Most of the suitcases sold on the market come with locks. When traveling by plane, locking your checked luggage gives travelers a sense of security. But how can locked checked luggage pass through the security inspection of the United States TSA at the airport?
As the summer approaches, traveling abroad becomes a popular vacation choice for many families, and a convenient suitcase for international travel naturally becomes a necessary preparation before the trip.
Traveling abroad naturally involves passing through customs of other countries. Some countries require a thorough inspection even if the luggage is locked. To avoid the embarrassment of having the lock broken, a customs-approved lock on the suitcase can be very convenient.
There are mainly two types of luggage locks. One type is built-in locks in the suitcase, and the other type of luggage lock is detachable, which can be purchased separately from the suitcase.
Customs locks are also known as TSA (Transportation Security Administration) approved locks or Travel Sentry Red Diamond locks. TSA approved locks are universal TSA-specific keys used by customs globally for inspecting transferred baggage and securely screening regulated goods. Not all built-in suitcase locks have been TSA approved, so it is essential to carefully check before purchasing a new suitcase.
Currently, 55 countries use TSA customs locks, including both password and key variants.
According to TSA, locks on checked baggage are more common than those on carry-on luggage. Customs locks feature a red diamond emblem, indicating to customs officials that a TSA key is needed to unlock it (the corresponding key number is marked on the bottom), preventing forced entry.
The reasons people use luggage locks during air travel vary from anti-theft measures to securing the suitcase. But is the luggage safe while under TSA custody or inspection?
“Travel + Leisure” magazine states that TSA implements strict accountability measures, including recording CCTV footage at all possible inspection points. Passengers need not worry about TSA employees stealing, but outsiders such as third-party luggage handlers or individuals waiting at baggage conveyor belts may come into contact with the luggage. Visible locks, whether built-in or external, can deter potential theft acts.
After leaving the check-in counter, all checked baggage must go through an explosive detection system. This system utilizes 3D scanners to identify potential explosives. If a baggage is flagged by the scanner, officials will examine the X-ray image and can either release the luggage or mark it for a physical inspection.
TSA Transportation Security Supervisory Officer Jeff Church told “Travel + Leisure”, “If your luggage is labeled and equipped with a TSA-approved lock, we will conduct a search and re-lock it before boarding.” he said.
It should be noted that only specific TSA officers have access to keys to unlock TSA approved locks, and these keys are securely stored and tracked for accountability purposes.
Barr explained, “We have to keep the keys secured day and night to ensure that we have full control and prevent unauthorized access to keys that should not be taken.”
If your luggage lock is not TSA certified and is tagged for inspection, the lock will be forced open. Barr explained that TSA has a tool to cut the lock if necessary. While the lock cannot be repaired, officials will attempt to secure the luggage with zip ties before sending it off.
Only about 5% of luggage will be opened for physical inspection by TSA. Barr said, “If your suitcase indeed needs to be inspected, we will open it at any cost.”
Barr estimated that 25% to 35% of the checked luggage among the 5% inspected are locked, so if the suitcase is TSA approved, the entire process will undoubtedly be streamlined.