The best travel safety accessories in 2019

Buying travel accessories does not break the bank, but can potentially save you hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of valuables and hours of effort and inconvenience.

This is a small investment with big results.

In this section, you will find some of the best reviewed and most recommended travel safety accessories for all budget levels (please click the text below to open up the various sections):

1. Travel locks

Type	Image	Title	Price	Review	Prime	Buy
1a. TSA lock		Sure Lock TSA Compatible Travel Luggage Lock		Jump to review below	–	Buy now
1b. Padlock		Desired Tools Padlock – 4 Digit Combination Lock		Jump to review below		Buy now

Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

TSA refers to the US Transportation Security Administration. When travelling to the US, the TSA requires access to your luggage for checking.

Hence, the TSA lock was born. Instead of breaking your lock, TSA agents can unlock TSA locks with a master key, and re-lock your luggage once they are done.

Travel Sentry is the company that developed this lock system and licenses it to manufacturers globally. Unfortunately, there have been two loopholes:

In 2014, the Washington Post uploaded pictures of the special tools used to unlock TSA locks. Although they have since been removed, thieves are believed to have managed to reverse engineer the master key / tools.
Also, TSA locks can be easy to crack, as seen in the video below:

That said, a TSA lock still serves a purpose:

It is not meant to ensure 100% security, but meant to deter thieves.
Is lightweight and versatile for use in many situations (e.g. check in luggage, hand carry, lockers, etc).
To hold your bag’s zippers together, so that they do not break apart or suffer unnecessary wear and tear from rough handling.
If you do not use a lock, travel insurance companies may reject your claims for stolen / missing items.

1a. TSA lock: Sure Lock TSA Compatible Travel Luggage Lock

A highly recommended TSA lock is the Sure Lock TSA Compatible Travel Luggage Lock:

>> More details on product site

The TSA lock from Sure Lock is the most ideal travel padlock as it comes packed with all the essential functionalities (a 4 digit combination, alert indicator, super easy to use and read) at a great price.

You can try looking, but it is really difficult to find another well-reviewed product with all these features at these price points.

Some other notes:

DO NOT use a 3 digit combination lock. A 3 digit combination lock only has 1,000 combinations. If a thief takes 1 – 2 seconds for every combination, he will only need 16 – 33 minutes. If you number is in the middle, the time needed reduces to only 8 – 16 minutes. On the other hand, a 4 digit combination lock has 10,000 combinations, which means the time needed to crack it is 10 times more!

Avoid TSA locks with a cable loop lock. Although they are more flexible, there is a chance that they might hook onto something. If they do, your zippers or bag will most likely be damaged.

What others have to say

Good lock for travel
By flyer549
Compact, relatively light, sturdy. The 4 number combination offers better security than 3 number locks.
I travel with just a carry on and don’t check baggage but sometimes need to gate check bags when on smaller planes and feel the protection is needed. Also, I lock bags when stored by hotel waiting for room availability. Good product.
– More user reviews below –

Key features

>> More details on product site

Most durable lock on market with money back guarantee: Sure Lock uses an ultra tough zinc alloy body to withstand the harshest of baggage handling. The hardened stainless steel internal lock mechanisms won’t rust / freeze up even after years of use.

Peace of mind with inspector indicator: if the TSA has opened your luggage, a button will pop out of the top of the cable lock. This way, you’ll know to double check your luggage for any missing items while still at the airport.

Foolproof combination setting mechanism with four digits: setting your combination which you can change anytime literally takes less than ten seconds and the use of four digits means that your combination is harder to crack and easier to remember.

Works with nearly any kinds of luggage: the standard size of the steel shackle loop on luggage locks is 21.67mm. The shackle on these locks are actually lengthened to 25.67mm. This allows them to better fit hard cases such as Pelican or gun cases.

Easy to read dials: Sure Lock uses a white numeral on a black background. These high contrast dials make reading your combination a breeze. No more squinting or searching for glasses.

Product dimensions

Product dimensions: please see image below. For quick conversion to cm – 0.14 in (0.36 cm), 0.51 in (1.30 cm), 1.01 in (2.57 cm), 1.19 in (3.02 cm), 2.85 in (7.24 cm)

Pack size: choose from 1, 2 or 4 locks
Colors: black, green, pink, blue

User ratings, reviews

SURE LOCK TSA Compatible Travel Luggage Locks, Inspection Indicator, Easy Read Dials- 1, 2 & 4 Pack

The most durable lock on the market.
Peace of mind with an inspection indicator.
Easy set combination mechanism with four digits.
A secure lock which works with nearly any kind of luggage.
Easy to read dials.

View on Amazon

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

1b. Portable padlock: Desired Tools Padlock – 4 Digit Combination Lock

For a smaller padlock at a very affordable price point, the Desired Tools Padlock – 4 Digit Combination Lock fits the bill perfectly.

>> More details on product site

The Desired Tools Padlock is the perfect portable travel padlock solution.

It is really affordable, secure (4 digit combination), sturdy and durable (zinc alloy and plated steel), very easy to use (clear instructions) and read (raised numbers), easily fits most travel needs (e.g. lockers at the hostel, gym, portable safe, etc) and there are many colors to choose from (for your preference, or to make your locker easy to spot).

We have to reiterate again, never get a 3 digit combination lock. A 3 digit lock only has 1,000 combinations. If you take 1 – 2 seconds to test every lock, that’s 16 – 33 minutes, and if your code lies in the middle, the time needed is cut to 8 – 16 minutes.

With a 4 digit combination lock however, there are 10,000 combinations, which means 10x the time is needed to crack it.