Cute Japanese TSA Locks

I was browsing some Japanese shopping sites and found some cute TSA locks. They are between 600 yen to 1000 yen (It's about US$6.70 to US$11.20) and some of them are star shaped. I love the fact that Japan often creates so many different designs even for such simple things as padlocks.
I am not sure if you can purchase any of those designs from stores like Amazon or any other international online stores but I will add to this post when I find out if there is such a site.

In case if you don't know what TSA lock is, please read my earlier post 'What is TSA Lock?'.













You can see more TSA Locks in Cool Travel Gear Store.

Built-In TSA Lock Travel Suitcases

Since more people are aware of TSA locks, many travel suitcase makers have come up with suitcases with built-in TSA locks. It comes in both 'hard case' (hard plastic suitcase) and 'soft case' (nylon or polyester material suitcase) style. Since it's attached to the suitcase, you don't have to worry about loosing the locks. These type of suitcases have been getting extremely popular in the past few years.

These are the few suitcases I recommend;

Rimowa Salsa Collection

• Made out of high-tech polycarbonate
• Scratch resistant
• Built to withstand temperatures from -100 to +120 degrees Celsius
• Built-in TSA lock
• Light weight
• Environmentally friendly, the shell is 100 % recyclable
• 4 wheels for better maneuverability
  

Samsonite Aero PC Collection

• Made out of strong polycarbonate
• Light weight
• Built-in TSA lock
  
• 4 wheels for better maneuverability
• Fully lined interior with divider pads
• Internal recessed lock down handle

Delsey Green Days Collection

• Eco-friendly material from recycled plastic bottles
• SECURI TECH ZIP - extreme security an exclusive patented zip
• Built-in TSA lock
• 4 wheels version is also available
  
• Wide front pockets which are stuiable for shoes storage
• Light weight

You can see more travel suitcases in Cool Travel Gear Store.

Types of TSA Locks

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has worked with several companies to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal master keys. If you lock your baggage with regular locks, security officers have to cut the locks or they might have to use force to open your baggage to examine the contents. Currently there are two main TSA approved suppliers. Travel Sentry and Safe Skies.

Travel Sentry Logo

Safe Skies Logo

There are different types of TSA locks in the market. Some comes with indicator which shows you if your baggage has been opened for security check or not. The most common indicator is a tiny window on the body of the lock. It is usually showing green color. When TSA security officer unlocks your TSA lock with their master key, the indicator turns to red. After you relock the padlock with your own key or code, the indicator goes back to green.




Key Padlock - It looks just like an ordinary padlock. Often comes with 2 sets of keys.

3 Dial Combination Padlock - Instead of using keys, you create 3 digits unlock code to open the lock.

4 Dial Combination Padlock - Instead of using keys, you create 4 digits unlock code to open the lock.

Strap Lock - Baggage strap with built in TSA lock on its clip. Comes with either key lock or combination lock.

Cable Lock - It has wire cable instead of shackle. Can be locked with keys or number dials.

Word Lock - It has alphabet on dials instead of numbers. You can create a word as unlock code.(often 4 letter words)

You can see more selection in Cool Travel Gear Store.

What is TSA Lock?

After 9/11 event, our idea of travel has changed so much. Majority of airports in the world require thorough security checks in both domestic and international flights.

TSA, also known as Transportation Security Administration was founded in the wake of 9/11 to strengthen the security of the United States transportation systems. They are involved in both land and air travel securities but we will probably face them more commonly at the baggage screening at airports in the United States.

TSA electronically screen million of bags for explosives and other dangerous items each day at more than 7000 baggage screening locations and at over 450 airports in America. In this baggage check process, TSA requires access to air passenger's luggage without passenger being present. To let passengers still use locks to prevent thefts, TSA has approved certain locks, which can be identified by their logo and TSA personnel can open and relock with special tools and information supplied by the lock manufacturers. Those are called 'TSA locks' or 'TSA approved locks'.