Luggage locks
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There are two types of luggage locks that travelers can use when securing a bag for travel; standard luggage locks and United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) luggage locks. These days, due to heightened security at airports in the United States and overseas, all checked luggage is inspected by airport security. In the course of this inspection process, luggage may need to be opened. If your luggage is secured with a standard luggage lock and your bag needs to be opened for inspection, airport security is so determined to gain access to inspect that they will break the lock to gain access to inspect your bag.
The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the entity responsible for screening checked luggage in the United States, now suggests that travelers help prevent the need to break luggage locks by using a TSA lock. These "special" locks can be opened by TSA using tools provided to airport security personnel.
If you secure your luggage with a TSA lock, then your bag can be accessed by airport security and then re-locked once the mandatory security inspection is complete. Two companies manufacture TSA-compliant locks: Safe Skies Locks and Travel Sentry. The technology behind the TSA lock is protected by United States' patent U.S. Patent 7,021,537 .
Currently there is a Patent Infringement lawsuit filed against Travel Sentry by the holder of the above two above mentioned patents.
One word of caution: Not all airports worldwide have TSA keys or access devices. Airport shrink wrapping services and luggage seals also help to prevent theft and luggage tampering.
