Travel Security – TSA Accepted Master Locks

Summer is upon us, which usually means a time for leisure and travel. With travel comes the need for baggage or luggage to take your stuff with you, wherever you are going. While vacations are supposed to be a time to relax, traveling can be one of the greatest causes of stress. So why not minimize the opportunity for stress with the knowledge that your things are safely secured in your luggage, protected by travel locks.

In the new millennium, luggage and suitcase locks for airplane travel have had to evolve. In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) under Parent Agency, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), wrote the rules for what is acceptable and what is not for air travel. According to the baggage locks section under traveler information on the TSA website:

TSA screens every passenger’s baggage before it is placed on an airplane. While our technology allows us to electronically screen bags, there are times when we need to physically inspect a piece of luggage. TSA has worked with several companies to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal “master” keys so that the locks may not have to be cut. (TSA.gov)

Directly tied to the Travel Sentry® Red Diamond Logo, this provides a clear indication to TSA officers that they can open the lock, as opposed to having to remove the lock by cutting it off. The TSA security officer universal master key allows for the TSA screeners to inspect and relock baggage without damage to the lock. This poses just one question for secure air travelers: do you prefer a dial combination lock or a keyed lock for your luggage?

Master Lock No. 4688D is a 3-dial set-your-own combination allows you the freedom to set your combination to any of the 1,000 possible combinations. For those who enjoy combination locks for travel it is hard to beat the Master Lock No. 4688D in the TSA approved category of travel locks. Other features include:

• Allows TSA screeners to inspect and relock baggage, without damaging the lock
• Unique flexible cable resists abuse from baggage handling equipment
• Easy to set & reset numeric combination
• 3 dial combination security for keyless convenience
• Matching lock and cable coordinate with popular baggage colors
• Bright colors simplify baggage identification

For those who prefer keyed locks the Master Lock No. 4683Q comes as a 4 pack. Naturally all four locks are keyed alike, making it easier for the traveler just needing one key. With four locks you could secure the entire family’s luggage or one large piece of luggage at every zipper. 

• Allows TSA screeners to inspect and relock baggage, without damaging the lock
• Recognized in 29 countries globally
• 7/8in (22mm) Wide solid metal body
• Keyed alike - same key opens all four locks

The Master Lock No. 4688D and the Master Lock No. 4683Q locks are best known for use on luggage and during travel, but they are also useful for securing backpacks, briefcases, computer bags, duffel bags, sports bags or even cabinets.

Some savvy travelers will opt for both keyed and combination locks depending on what their travels entail. For added peace of mind, take advantage of MasterLockVault.com were you can store up to 5 combination and/or key numbers.

May you all have safe, secure and happy travels this year.

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