If you are an air traveler, but have not been to the airport lately, this guide is for you.  Some important things have changed that make flying a little different in the United States. Keeping the contents of your bags secure is one of them.

LOCKING YOUR BAGS

When checking-in at US airports, passengers may no longer be allowed to lock their checked bags unless they use TSA Approved Locks.  Such locks can be opened by airport security personnel using a Transportation Security Administration secured access device.  If your locks are not TSA approved, you will be asked to unlock and/or remove the old locks.  My advice is to purchase TSA approved locks in advance of your trip to avoid headaches at the terminal.

PURCHASING TSA LOCKS

Not all TSA approved locks are the same. Some will even tell you if the bag has been opened in transit by security personnel. If you have some time before you plan to fly, you might wish to use this link to search eBay listings for TSA Approved Locks. 

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