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After spending more than 40 hours testing eighteen locks during five separate flights, we’re confident the best pick for most travelers is the Tarriss TSA Lock. They’re airline security approved, sturdy, affordable, and extremely easy to use,
Table Of Contents
1. Tarriss Lock (2 Pack)
- MOST POPULAR LOCK BY SEASONED TRAVELLERS INCLUDING FLIGHT ATTENDANTS; Tarriss Travel locks are designed with the frequent traveller in mind to be the easiest and toughest lock luggage locks. Your purchase includes two locks.
- PEACE OF MIND PROTECTION; Sturdy, Durable & Dependable, our TSA Locks were designed to last a lifetime as they are made from a high strength Zinc Alloy to provide extra toughness and longevity. RESISTANCE TO ABUSE & LUGGAGE HANDLING; Steel cable is protected by a thick layer of vinyl covering for resistance to abuse from baggage handling equipment.
- KNOW WHEN YOUR LUGGAGE HAS BEEN SEARCHED; Our locks have a unique SEARCH ALERT INDICATOR that changes color to let you know that theTSA has opened your luggage. Our TSA Locks are recognized and accepted by TSA agents ensuring they can inspect your checked bags without having to cut off your locks which would leave your belongings vulnerable to theft.
- EXTRA LARGE NUMBERS FOR READABILITY IN ANY LIGHTING CONDITION; Our unique Tarriss locks are designed with larger white numbers against a black background that are easy to read, in any lighting condition. Our Search Alert locks are one of a kind that were custom designed to be the best luggage lock on the market.
- THE TARRISS TRAVEL GUARANTEE; We are the leaders of travel gear and accessories and offer the best customer care out there. If you’re not 100% happy, neither are we and this is why we offer a full money back guarantee and replacement product. Shop our products with total peace of mind.
This lock features a standard three digit combination, which can easily be set and reset as often as you†d like. It†s constructed from a high-strength Zinc alloy, making it resistant to brute force attempts at removing it.
However, the most appealing aspect of this lock is its SearchAlert feature, which consists of a small indicator built into the front of the lock. This indicator is normally green-colored, indicating that your bag is secure and hasn†t been tampered with.
If you notice that the indicator has changed to red, it means that TSA agents have opened your luggage for inspection. There are many legitimate reasons why they would have to do this, so the indicator being red isn†t a reason to immediately worry.
However, if you do notice that something seems to be missing from your suitcase, you know to take it up with the administration.
2. Forge Lock (2 Pack)
- MOST DURABLE TSA RECOGNIZED AND ACCEPTED LOCK. Forge locks are designed from the ground up to be toughest luggage locks around. Our special alloy lock bodies, hardened steel shackles and patented internal mechanisms can take such a pounding that we back our product up with an unconditional lifetime guarantee. If you can find a way to break these locks, well gladly refund or replace them.
- ALWAYS RELOCKED, ALWAYS PROTECTED. Most TSA locks on the market do not need to be re-locked by a TSA agent after their inspection is completed. With our TSA luggage lock the agent has to re-lock your suitcase to remove their key. With Forge you never worry about your suitcase locks being left open again.
- KNOW IF YOUVE BEEN INSPECTED. Know if an agent has opened your TSA approved lock immediately with Open Alert indicator. If an agent unlocks your suitcase, a red indicator will pop-up on your lock under the steel shackle. Youll know that your belongings were inspected and can double check that nothing is misplaced or missing while youre still at the airport.
- NO HASSLE COMBINATION LOCKS. Set your own 3-digit combination with ease. It literally takes half a minute to enter your whatever combination you want with the detailed instructions and pictures included with the Forge TSA lock.
- MANY USES WITH LOTS OF VARIETY. Forge travel locks can be used on a wide variety of items besides suitcases or luggage. These combination locks can be used on a briefcase, gym locker, purse, backpack or laptop bag. Forge also offers a variety of colors including a highly visible green, blue and silver in addition to a more traditional black. Want multiple locks? Get a special discount and save on shipping by purchasing a 2-pack or 4-pack.
This Forge lock is very similar to the Tarriss lock, and maintains a similar level of quality and security. It†s a three digit combination lock, and features a Zinc alloy outer casing as well as hardened steel shackles.
It has a similar security system as well, called Open Alert, which will make you aware of any inspection done to your luggage by security personnel.
If an inspection is done, this lock has a unique feature that forces the inspector to re-lock your luggage before removing their key, which eliminates the possibility of it being left unlocked by accident.
3. TravelMore Combination Lock (2 Pack)
- 2 BLACK LUGGAGE LOCKS: You will be receiving a pack of two black TSA-approved luggage locks.
- MOST DURABLE TSA COMPATIBLE AND RECOGNIZED LOCK: All TravelMore retractable travel locks are 100% travel sentry certified and designed from the ground up to be the strongest and reliable luggage locks in the market. TSA screeners are issued codes and tools for secured access to open the heavy duty locks. Our special high strength zinc alloy lock bodies, hardened steel shackles and patented internal mechanisms can take so much force that we back our product up with an 100% lifetime warranty.
- MULTIPLE USES: Our small and weatherproof wire locks can be used on a variety of items. They can be used when traveling on your suitcase or backpack, a gym locker, duffle, golf or carry on bag, briefcase or pelican case and are 100% TSA compliant.
- 3 DIAL COMBINATION & FLEXIBLE STEEL CABLE: Our easy to master and resettable 3 digit combination can be set to any combo of your choosing for extra security. The flexible metal cable helps with easy threading through all types of luggage zippers.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: Each digital backpacking number lock comes with a 100%, no questions asked replacement money back guarantee. Instructions and a instructional video come with every luggage padlock purchase
This is a more basic lock, but still constructed in a way that offers satisfactory durability and safety. It†s the least expensive lock on the list as well, and can be purchased in a four-pack for even more savings.
The lock is equipped with a flexible steel cable instead of the standard rigid shackle, which offers more maneuverability and allows it to be easily threaded through all types of luggage zippers.
A lifetime warranty is also included for each lock.
4. Acrodo Luggage Lock (2 Pack)
This model by Acrodo is constructed out of solid steel, making it exceptionally strong and resistant to brute force attempts at removing it. The lock is opened by a standard three-digit combo, which can be set extremely easily.
It has its own pop-up indicator as well, which is similar to security systems on other locks. If your bag is inspected or accessed at all by the TSA, a red indicator will pop up from the bottom of the lock.These locks also come with a lifetime warranty and guarantee of quality.
5. Desired Tools 4-Digit Combination Steel Padlocks (2 Pack)
- Security Made Easy - Our combination lock is an easy to operate luggage lock. The 4 digit TSA lock allows you to easily set your own combination and is reprogrammable. It only takes seconds to program your new padlock combination.
- 10X Heavy Duty Security - The 4 number combo lock provides 10,000 unique code choices vs 3 number locks. It cannot only be used as a suitcase lock or travel lock but also outdoor lock on gates, fences, storage units, sheds, meters and is rust free.
- Versatile Use - Our TSA approved locks are perfect as lock for lockers, backpack lock, gym locker lock or any school locker lock. The product can also be used on everything from gym bags to storage boxes, tool boxes and as a combination lock outdoor.
- Sturdy Material - Our luggage locks TSA approved are made of zinc alloy. The code numbers on this TSA luggage lock is written in black with a silver backround, providing easy readability and a cool design.
- Perfect Gift - These TSA locks for luggage come in Black, Blue, Red and Green colors. Your purchase will include your 4 Digit combination padlock and easy to follow instructions. Ideal gift for friends, classmates and travel mates.
This is the only lock on the list that can be ordered in a variety of different colors, including red, blue, and green. It†s accessed with a four-digit code, which is a step up from most locks on the market.
Four digit combination locks take far longer to crack than their three-digit counterparts, offering additional security.
The lock is constructed from a combination of Zinc alloy and plated steel, offering exceptional durability. The lock is backed by a 60 day money back guarantee, as well as a three year warranty.
How We Tested
Since most locks are constructed using the same basic materials, they were fairly easy to test.
First, we performed an impromptu stress test on each lock after using it to secure a piece of luggage. We pulled apart as hard as we could, and any locks that broke or snapped under this pressure were immediately discounted from our “best of” list.
Then, we put each lock to the test – we secured identical pieces of luggage each with a different lock, and we took them all on several trips through TSA. Any that came out cut or otherwise detached after going through were immediately discounted from our recommendations.
As a result, our suggestions to you represent only the strongest, most security-friendly locks on the market.
Buying Guide (2020)
If you†ve ever had your luggage stolen, you know that it†s one of the worst possible things that can happen to you at an airport. Even so, a surprising amount of people don†t take the necessary steps to secure their suitcases.
Luckily, we†re here for you. We†ve compiled a list of our five top picks currently on the market, placing importance on the quality of the locks and the degree of security that they offer.
These locks are an extremely simple and affordable way of protecting your luggage, and they make would-be thieves much less likely to target your family†s belongings. Their affordability especially makes them a must-buy for any informed traveler.
When I talk about “luggage thieves,” you probably have an image in your mind of a shady airport stranger snatching your suitcase from the baggage carousel and taking off with it.
However, that†s not always the case. There have been a number of publicized incidents in recent years where airport workers and even TSA agents have stolen items from passengers† suitcases, which is a scary prospect.
All of the featured locks on our list are TSA-approved, which means that airline security can open them with a special key if they get pulled for inspection, instead of them having to cut the lock off. Our selection is made up of some of the best TSA locks out there.
Conclusion
Every year, thousands of suitcases are stolen from airportsand never seen again. Luggage locks are an extremely affordable and effective way of combating this, by safeguarding your luggage and making thieves think twice before snatching your suitcases.
And while it†s true that no lock will keep out a dedicated criminal, having a durable lock in plain sight will make it much less likely that they†ll go after your luggage. Plenty of people still don†t make an effort to secure their suitcases, and these people present far easier targets to would-be thieves. Stay safe, and secure your luggage with a TSA-approved lock!