
Travel Sentry Locks

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TSA Certifed

Luggage locks are often damaged during the search process as custom officers have no way of opening them but to cut them off. With Travel Sentry locks, TSA agents can open and securely re-lock the locks using codes and secure tools during their inspection.

How does it work?

Leading baggage and travel accessory manufacturers have joined together to use the special Travel Sentry® mark on baggage that meets the requirements of the TSA.

Airline check-in staff are being trained to recognize the Travel Sentry mark too so that they understand that baggage with this special mark is permitted to remain locked.

The TSA screeners have access to special tools that allow them to open baggage in the event that they must be opened for inspection.

I am traveling internationally. Can I use a Travel Sentry lock?

Yes. As of today, only the US TSA tells passengers that if their bags need to be opened for inspection that they may cut the locks if they are not Travel Sentry® Approved. When you travel internationally, use your Travel Sentry lock as you would any luggage lock to protect your belongings and peace of mind.

When you leave the US the TSA can inspect and relock you bag. When you are traveling on flights outside of the USA the baggage screening usually does not require opening bags and if it does you will probably be asked to be present. When you are abroad use your Travel Sentry lock to keep your baggage locked.

What happens when my baggage is rechecked on a domestic connection after clearing US Customs when arriving from abroad?

When you return to the USA, if you are arriving at a US gateway and connecting to a domestic flight you will first clear US Customs. When you exit Customs your baggage will generally be ‘re-checked’ for you on the connecting flight. This is where the TSA will screen your bag and with a Travel Sentry lock they can open your bag, inspect it and relock it before it goes to the airlines.

How well is the TSA doing at recognizing and using these locks?

Very well. The TSA screens 1.5 million bags every day. In the first year of operation and over 5 million Travel Sentry locks in circulation there have only been isolated instances of locks removed in error.

How do I know the TSA tools will not fall into the wrong hands?

The Transportation Security Administration strictly controls the distribution of the tools.