The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is an agency within the United States Department of Homeland Security, issued a requirement at the beginning of 2003 for every piece of luggage entering U.S. airports to undergo inspection. This significant change allowed security authorities to open and examine any luggage piece should security concerns arise.

Unlike an ordinary suitcase lock, a TSA lock is designed to be opened with a master key by security officers, ensuring a smooth and unobstructed inspection process. This feature significantly reduces the chance of your lock being cut or damaged by security personnel.

When you own a suitcase with a TSA lock, like those in our stylish and durable collection of hard suitcases, you can be assured of your luggage's security while ensuring convenient access for security inspections.

If you possess a suitcase with a lock, it's vital to ascertain that it is a TSA approved lock. How can you identify one? It’s all in the unique identification mark. 

TSA locks proudly feature a distinctive logo, a red diamond shape, setting them apart from non-TSA locks. This prominent red logo is the emblem of Travel Sentry, a renowned company specialising in the development and licensing of travel security standards, including a universally recognised standard for luggage locks.

Though initially developed for the United States, the TSA lock is now recognised by various international security agencies that are equipped to open them, making these locks equally beneficial for international travel.

According to the official website of Travel Sentry, which is the maker of TSA approved locks, the use of these locks spans the globe. From the USA and Canada to Japan and China and numerous European countries including the UK and Denmark, the TSA lock is a universal symbol of reliable luggage security.

While having a suitcase with a code lock is crucial for protecting your belongings from theft, a suitcase with a TSA lock emerges as the premium choice for travellers worldwide. 

It's clear from what we've discussed that TSA locks offer dual advantages – they not only secure your belongings but also provide easy access to airport security authorities for luggage inspection, minimising the chance of damage during the process.

This balance of security and accessibility makes the TSA lock a preferred choice, especially for those travelling within or from the United States, where airport security measures are robust and comprehensive. 

A TSA lock is more than just a lock; it's a commitment to ensuring that your luggage and its contents remain intact while satisfying all security mandates. 

Opting for a suitcase with a TSA lock is an investment in peace of mind, helping make sure your travels are as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

If you find yourself having forgotten the code on a TSA lock, maybe not all is lost.

Travel Sentry, the manufacturer of TSA-approved locks, recommends trying all possible combinations, beginning from 000 and continuing sequentially to 999. Though it may seem like a lengthy process, Travel Sentry suggests it should take no longer than 30 minutes.

But to avoid such situations in the first place, when changing the code on your TSA lock, choose an easy-to-remember combination or make a secure note of it in your phone, laptop, or on paper.

Taking this step will prevent the inconvenience of forgetting your TSA lock code, allowing for peaceful and secure travel.