Security vulnerabilities of luggage locks
– Luggage locks have small shackles that can be easily clipped using bolt cutters.
– Pin tumbler locks used in luggage locks usually have only three or four pins, making them susceptible to lockpicking.
– Luggage locks can be opened with simple tools like a bent paperclip.
TSA acceptance of certain locks
– The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires access to luggage without the passenger being present.
– TSA has accepted certain locks that they can open and relock to allow travelers to lock their luggage.
– TSA recommends using TSA-accepted locks as other methods require force to open for inspection.
Travel Sentry as the standard for TSA-accepted locks
– Travel Sentry sets the standards for locks accepted by TSA and approves each design.
– Locks with the Travel Sentry identifying mark (red diamond) are accepted by TSA.
– Some TSA-accepted locks have an indicator that turns red if opened by a master key.
Use of master keys by authorities
– Luggage locks accepted by TSA can be opened by authorities using universal master keys.
– Images of the master keys were left unsecured on the Travel Sentry website, making reproduction easy.
References
– ‘How to open TSA luggage locks’ video on YouTube.
– TSA Travel Tips Tuesday: TSA Recognized Locks on the Transportation Security Administration website.
– ‘Lock’ section on the Travel Sentry website.
– Archived PDF from Travel Sentry on the Wayback Machine.Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luggage_lock
