The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) screens every traveler’s bag that goes on an airplane. They can generally screen these bags electronically, but sometimes they need to physically inspect a bag.

Locks have been developed by several companies, working with the TSA, that allow the TSA to use a universal master key to open the lock, rather than having to cut open another lock. These TSA compatible locks can be bought from a variety of places, such as airports and travel sites and catalogs. The lock’s packaging will indicate if they can be opened by the TSA.