All suitcases, briefcases, trunks that one uses while traveling come with locks. There are some pieces of luggage that have zip closing that do not have locks on them and one needs to buy the locks separately. Before 9/11 passengers traveling domestically or internationally in America where not required to have any special type of lock on the luggage they would check in. all one had to do was get the luggage checked in and get on board the flight. However after 9/11 TSA in America required that all luggages be left open in case they wanted to open it for checking. TSA is the Transport Control Authority in America. This created a huge problem for the passengers as no one feels safe if they leave their check in luggage open. For this TSA has worked with lock manufacturers and now there are tsa approved luggage locks that one can easily buy from any store in America or from shops at the airports. Tsa luggage locks are mostly combination locks that have a red logo or a red flame which means that the lock is a tsa approved lock. The tsa luggage locks are mostly 3 wheel combination locks that one can set to their own combination. The instructions for setting the locks come with the lock packing.

Tsa luggage locks are such that if required TSA can open the lock with a master key. If tsa opens a piece of baggage for checking they will relock it and put a slip inside the luggage that it has been checked by tsa. Tsa luggage locks also come as strap locks. In case one is carrying a carton which does not have any locking system one can use the tsa luggage strap to secure it. Some tsa approved luggage locks are search alert luggage locks which have a small marker which is green in color. If the lock has been opened it turns red and even after relocking it will remain red. So the owner when he picks up his or her luggage and sees the marker on red will know that the luggage has been opened. In case on opening one does not find the slip from TSA informing that the piece had been opened one must immediately inform the airline and the airport authorities. Only the lock owner will be able to reset the marker on the lock. There are different types of tsa luggage locks that one can use depending on the type of luggage they are carrying. So if one is traveling into America and taking an onward connecting domestic flight it is suggested that one buys tsa luggage locks from the airport and puts those on their luggage.

If one is going on a cruise and one wonders what are the best locks for you luggage on a cruise? The answer would be depending on the luggage that you are taking. Using a solid brass luggage lock is quite safe and don’t use flimsy locks or locks that can be easily cut open. There are certain other safety precautions also that one should take when going on a cruise. Samsonite luggage locks are also very good locks and one can get them in different sizes and they are very safe locks. A 20 mm lock luggage is a medium sized but a pretty sturdy lock especially if one gets a brass lock.

One can also disposable luggage locks if one is making that one off trip or did not get proper locks for their luggage. One can get discount luggage locks and most lock companies offer quantity based discounts on locks. So if traveling in America remembers to use tsa approved locks and if traveling elsewhere make sure the locks are off good quality and sturdy.