When s
ecurity really cracked down at US airports a few years ago, luggage locks were history. Airport personnel needed to be able to search bags when necessary, and locks interfered with that.
This was a total inconvenience for some folks. Not that most luggage locks are terribly sturdy, but they do offer a little extra security and peace of mind when traveling, and keep your bag from accidentally unzipping in transit.
To meet the needs of those travelers who miss being able to lock up their luggage from unscrupulous sticky fingers, the TSA began working with a few different companies to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal maste
r keys, while keeping the uninvited at bay. Look for either of these symbols to make sure you hav
e a TSA approved lock!