Summary: One thing that stops many people locking their cases is a concern about airport security searches. These TSA approved combination locks kill two birds with one stone. They deter casual theft. At the same time, they can be bypassed by security / USA customs – meaning that your bag will not be damaged should a search be started. Check out the smart designs, including close-ups, on the dedicated amazon.co.uk product page.
Detailed Review for the 2x TSA Security 3-Dial Padlock
You’ll get a simple double padlock set, with a solid black body and chrome hoop which will fit through the eyes of your suitcase zips. Each lock has 3 dials, with the numbers 0 through 9 on each. This gives you 999 possible number sequences. These are perfect for locking your cases either while flying or when leaving your hotel.
Of course, no mini padlock will deter a determined thief. What you get with these combo locks is an effective deterrent for casual or opportunistic theft. The would-be thief will simply look for an easier (unlocked!) target.
TSA Approved
The TSA is the Transport Security Association. This is the USA version of airport security. There are many stories of people being mistreated. Personally, I have always found them firm and fair – and good at keeping things moving.
If they want to search a bag, and can’t find the owner, the bag can be damaged. The attempts to find owners depend on the airport, though don’t expect personal service with this.
TSA locks get through this issue, by having a special by-pass for the security people to use. This has a psychological angle too. If you are clear in stating that you have no issues with customs / security checking your bag, then it is likely that you are a legitimate traveller.
Yes, thieves could get these tools. Those belong in the determined camp for me. If they are that organized, a lengthy prison sentence probably awaits!
People have bought these locks together with luggage scales. You can also get straps which cover your luggage with TSA locks and combination locks too. For a small price, you will get a lot of peace of mind – particularly when leaving your luggage with the hotel.
What Previous Buyers Said About these TSA Approved Travel Locks
These are popular items, with hundreds of pieces of feedback at the time of writing. The word which comes up again and again in the comments left is ‘Smart’. You can see from the gallery over at amazon.co.uk that the design is slick. These are small locks, and everything is laid out intuitively.
People found setting the numbers only took a couple of minutes. The default is 000, and I do recommend you change this. 000 is the first combo any opportunist would try.
Peace of mind came up in a few different comments. This really is a cheap item for the amount of extra peace you’ll feel while your luggage and personal items are out of sight.
Wrap Up: Is the Peace of Mind of TSA Locks Worth the Price?
If having the TSA bypass was a lot more expensive than a regular lock, I might debate the pros and cons. Since these are almost the same price, and very cheap by anyone’s standards – it is almost a ‘no brainer’.
You’ll get smart locks, perfect for deterring thieves – and customs can check your bag without needing to damage it.
As part of an overall secure travel plan, these locks are ideal.
Check out this dedicated amazon.co.uk product page for more.
More Luggage Security Products:
- TSA Lock Luggage Straps (go around the outside of your suitcases)
- Mountflow Under-Shirt Money Belt
- TRTL Travel Pillows, Tested!
- Cheap Portable Luggage Scales from Freetoo