In these times of heightened security, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) needs to inspect luggage at certain times. A TSA approved lock is a type of lock that can be opened with a master key, enabling the TSA to gain access to your luggage without cutting the lock. This is more convenient to everyone involved.

You will also know when a TSA luggage lock has been opened. When an individual opens a lock with a master key a small red dot become visible, allowing you to know when your luggage has been inspected.

A TSA lock should be your first choice if you have concerns about keeping your suitcase safe from thieves when traveling. They will save you from the inconvenience of have the TSA cut off a standard lock if they want to take a look inside your suit case. This will save you time and money.

If you find anything missing from your TSA standard locked luggage after a TSA inspection, you are able to file a claim for it much more easily than you would otherwise. If a TSA approved luggage lock happens to be cut off for any reason, nearly all the companies that sell them do so with a lifetime warranty replacement.

Most TSA standard luggage locks contain a combination. Someone opening a TSA standard luggage lock using a master key can't change the locks status unless the combination number is known.

These features of a TSA lock means that someone is very unlikely to take anything for your luggage if they were to inspect your suit case. The red dot that becomes visible when the lock is opened means that a person stealing something is able to be traced. You will therefore be confident that your luggage is safe when you are traveling.

Locks approved by the TSA are cheap. You can pick one up from a luggage or travel store for between $10-$20, or you can find them sold online in luggage web stores at discount prices.