Who is the TSA?
Founded in 2001 due to the rise in terrorist attacks. The Travel Security Agency (TSA) was created to help improve security for passengers on flights to and from America. A division of Homeland Security, the TSA create and implement various security measures and checks for passengers. This includes the screening of luggage. We have TSA locks fitted on our bike boxes for International travel.
What is a TSA Approved Luggage Lock?
When we travel, we like to ensure the safety of our belongings from thieves. The easiest way to do this is through a padlock that prevents people from opening or accessing our luggage. The problem is, if agencies like the TSA screen our luggage and wish to open a suitcase to inspect it further, they will cut through this padlock. This leaves your suitcase without appropriate protection.
In 2003, in response to growing airport security, Travel Sentry was created. This company create and manufacture padlocks that can be opened by agencies, such as the TSA, with a master key. This means that airport security can open your luggage without breaking your lock. Then when they are finished with checks, they can secure your luggage again with your padlock.
Any padlock with the red Travel Sentry logo on it will be TSA-approved.
What Kind of Locks are TSA-Approved?
Travel Sentry has created locks in a variety of shapes of sizes, which will fit a wide array of luggage. Not just your regular suitcase padlock. These include locks with a key, locks with a 4-dial lock and cable locks.
Do You Need a Travel Sentry Lock to Travel?
Many people incorrectly believe that you need a TSA-approved padlock on your belongings in order to travel either abroad or to America. However, this is not the case. You can choose to place any padlock on your belongings or choose to leave your luggage entirely unlocked.
What Are the Benefits of Using a TSA-Approved Lock?
The TSA and other similar agencies have the right to open and inspect any luggage that is checked-in for a flight. Even if your bag has nothing suspicious in it, your case may show something peculiar during a scan or may be used for a random screening. Therefore, you can never bank on your luggage not being opened.
If you don’t have a TSA-approved lock and agents choose to open your bike transport case, they will use bolt-cutters and will then discard your now-useless lock. Not only does this mean you’ll need to pay for a new lock, but it also leaves your luggage vulnerable to thieves.
By using a TSA-approved lock, agents can easily open said lock using a master key and will re-lock your luggage when they are finished searching your case.
If you choose to travel with your bike by plane, you should use one of our Shok Boxes. Not only does your Shokbox come with GPS tracking, but it also has TSA-approved latches so can be safely opened and secured by TSA agents. The Bike Box for You. Are all hard bike cases created equal? No we don’t think they are
What is a TSA approved lock?
A TSA Approved Lock is simply any lock that has the Travel Sentry logo on it. Travel Sentry was created in 2003 and is the group in charge of overseeing the creation and approval of luggage locks that can be opened by aviation security agencies like the TSA
what countries require TSA locks?
Well, the answer is zero countries require you to use a TSA lock. However, there’s a list of countries that use the Travel Sentry lock system. Travel Sentry is the creator of the TSA-approved lock.
