What is a TSA lock or padlock?
Are you ready for your trip to the USA and need a suitcase with a TSA lock ? But you don’t know what it is… Then you’ve come to the right place, we’ll explain everything !
What is the TSA system ?
The TSA padlock, in English – Transport Security Administration, corresponds to an approval allowing easy inspection of luggage without damaging it. The lock must be compatible and approved with this TSA standard in order to be able to travel to certain destinations, including the United States.
After the attacks of September 11, American airports have reinforced their level of security and now have the right to check your luggage at any time and even without your presence. Customs officers have universal keys to open your luggage with a TSA padlock without damaging it. This regulation is valid regardless of the airline you are traveling with.
A suitcase with a classic number padlock cannot be opened without forcing and destroying the lock or directly cutting it with wire cutters. Suffice to say that your belongings will no longer be safe after this operation! While with a TSA lock, the inspection of the contents of your travel suitcase can be done without damage… We completely agree that it is not pleasant to have hands touching all your belongings in your absence! But it’s the law in the USA! 🤐
In which country is the TSA padlock mandatory?
The United States is not alone in imposing the TSA locking padlock! Several other airports have the right, without your agreement or notice, to search your suitcases!
Here is for which country the TSA padlock is mandatory:
- USA
- Canada
- Japan
- Korea
- Israël
- New-Zeland
And soon other countries will join the list…so opt directly for a TSA-coded suitcase and simplify your future trip.
How to configure and use the TSA lock ?
We show you in this video how you can configure, during the first use, the TSA lock of your suitcase.
At AventureSwiss, as with most suppliers, luggage is sold with the default combination of 000. Here are the steps to follow :
1 – Put the digits on 000.
2 – Using a pen or any small pointed object, press the black button.
3 – Enter your new number combination.
4 – Pull the pusher to the right. Your new code is now active.
5 – If you want to change your code again, you must repeat the same steps but instead of leaving with the starting digits 000, you must enter your new code then press the button.
6 – Do not forget to write down your new code.
7 – When traveling, please always put another number combination on the lock than your code. A question of not having your things stolen right away….
How to recognize the TSA lock ?
Very easy to recognize, standard TSA locks all have the small red diamond-shaped logo.
They can be directly integrated into the suitcase, like our models, or they can be sold as external padlocks to put on the closures of your luggage.
Last advice
Even though TSA locks are reputed to be secure, you can never really trust the customs officers on site. Especially if the suitcases are opened without your presence! So don’t tempt them too much… Put all your valuables in your cabin suitcase or your backpack. Or better, travel with as little valuable stuff as possible.
And most importantly, have great experiences! 😎