Who has a TSA key?


Who has a TSA key? TSA locks have a keyhole, which implies that there should be a corresponding key. Well, there is a key, but it is only used by US Customs Officers and other Customs Officers around the world if they want to look in your case. This means they don't have to cut open your case if they want to look at the contents.


Do you have to use TSA approved locks for gun cases?

You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks. Bringing an unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition to the security checkpoint carries the same civil penalty/fine as bringing a loaded firearm to the checkpoint.


Is TSA lock worth it?

I always use a TSA lock and have never had a problem. TSA has opened the bags on occasions and used the locks to secure the bags afterwards. Cable ties can be a pain if you don't have access to a knife. To buy or not to buy is very much individual choice, there's no right or wrong answer.


How does a TSA lock look like?

Travel Sentry products come with a bold red diamond logo on every product they produce. If you've purchased a TSA approved product through Safe Skies Luggage Locks, your lock will come with a red torch logo on the front instead.


Do all TSA locks use the same key?

Well, actually there are many different types of TSA luggage locks. So, you may choose the model and design you like. One thing that all of them have in common is the Travel Sentry logo. These locks have a master key system, which means there's a universal key that can be used to open all of them.


Should you lock your suitcase when flying?

Using a suitcase lock makes it more difficult for baggage handlers or strangers to riffle through your goods at the airport. Not to mention, luggage locks are a great way to ensure your personal belongings won't fall out because the zippers are held together.


Can I zip tie my luggage?

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), yes, you can zip-tie your luggage shut so no one would be able to simply unzip your luggage and go through it.


Why not to use TSA locks?

Without access to a master key, baggage handlers, hotel staff and others in the luggage transport chain should not be able to open these locks. Yet that's the fatal flaw – the master key, or backdoor into a supposedly secure system.


Do TSA locks prevent theft?

These locks won't stop the thief from stealing your suitcase or bag, but they might prevent them from stealing the things you have inside. Most thieves don't really like to complicate their life and deal with lock picking. Another advantage these locks offer you is that they prevent the luggage zippers from opening.


Why is TSA lock mandatory?

While it's understandable that travelers want to lock their baggage to protect their personal belongings, it's also important to understand that TSA officers must be able to inspect baggage and contents when the need arises. That's where TSA recognized locks come in.


What can I use instead of TSA lock?

For bags without an integrated lock, a padlock style lock can be clipped onto the zippers in order to fully secure your luggage. Many of these are still TSA approved, and can be opened with the TSA luggage lock master key.


What are the most common TSA keys?

The TSA 007 is by far the most common, with the TSA 002 being next in my experience. The TSA 004 is used by CCL Presto Lock, but you don't see it in stores much. The TSA 005 can be found in some Lewis & Clark and Samsonite locks and seems to use a Master Lock M2 blank (I should have a master key for it shortly).