Put a Lock on It

New government-approved luggage locks are a big hit with passengers.

From Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, April 2004

Stepped-up searches of checked bags by agents of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have made travelers feel safer in the air. But having to leave their bags unlocked -- to give agents easier access and prevent locks from being broken -- has fostered a new sense of vulnerability.

An organization of luggage manufacturers and retailers called Travel Sentry has designed a lock that allows TSA agents to open and relock bags. Each lock has a special identification number alerting TSA screeners that they can open it by using a special code and key. Nearly 500,000 of the locks have been sold since mid November.

Travel Sentry-certified locks are available for $5 to $10 at airport gift shops, luggage dealers and Brookstone stores. Samsonite includes the locks with some of its suitcases.

In July, luggage maker Travelpro will introduce a set of bags with built-in TSA-approved locks. That should eliminate a problem some travelers encounter with existing padlocks and combination-style locks certified by Travel Sentry: Screening personnel at a few airports have been cutting them off rather than opening them, according to a Travel Sentry spokeswoman. If that should happen to you, go to www.travelsentry.org for information on receiving a free replacement. The site also has a full list of companies manufacturing Travel Sentry locks and luggage. --Lynn Woods

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