5 Smart Ways to Use a TSA Lock Beyond the Airport

5 Smart Ways to Use a TSA Lock

We get it—when you think of a TSA lock, you think of long security lines and baggage carousels. But if you’re only pulling your SureLock out of the drawer for your annual flight to Florida, you’re missing out on some of its best uses.

Because TSA locks are designed to be lightweight, durable, and easy to reset, they are the perfect “everyday carry” for security. Here are five places where a SureLock comes in handy that have absolutely nothing to do with the TSA.

The Gym Locker

Most gym lockers have small latches that aren’t designed for those massive, heavy-duty padlocks you’d find on a backyard shed. A SureLock is the “Goldilocks” solution—tough enough to stop a locker-room thief, but slim enough to fit through almost any latch. Plus, since it’s a combination lock, you don’t have to worry about where to hide a tiny key while you’re hitting the treadmill or the pool.

Hostels and Shared Airbnbs

Staying in a hostel is a great way to save money, but it puts your gear in a shared space. Most hostels provide lockers, but they rarely provide the locks. A SureLock is ideal for securing your “day bag” inside a larger locker. Even if you’re in a private Airbnb, locking your laptop or passport inside your suitcase when you head out for dinner adds an extra layer of privacy and protection against prying eyes.

Your Daily Commute (Backpacks & Briefcases)

Public transit can be a goldmine for pickpockets. If you’re wearing a backpack on a crowded subway or bus, you’re a target because you can’t see what’s happening behind you. Zipping your main compartment shut and clicking a SureLock through the zippers is the ultimate deterrent. A pickpocket is looking for an easy grab—once they see a lock, they move on to the next person.

Co-working Spaces and Cafes

We’ve all been there: you’re working at a coffee shop, and you need to step away for two minutes to grab a refill or use the restroom. You don’t want to pack up your whole setup, but you shouldn’t leave your gear exposed. While we always recommend taking your laptop with you, locking your bag zippers with a TSA lock ensures that someone can’t quickly slip your tablet or expensive headphones out of your bag while your back is turned.

Pelican Cases and Camera Bags

If you’re a photographer or a hobbyist who uses hard-shell cases (like Pelican cases) for expensive gear, you know those cases are built to last. Using a TSA-approved lock on these cases is actually a pro tip for domestic road trips or even home storage. It keeps curious kids or “borrowers” out of your expensive equipment without the bulk of a traditional industrial lock.


A SureLock isn’t just a “travel lock”—it’s a “peace of mind” lock. Whether you’re at the gym, the library, or on a cross-town bus, having a reliable, easy-to-use lock in your pocket is one of the smartest security moves you can make.

Time to gear up? Grab a 4-pack of SureLocks so you’re covered for the airport and everywhere else life takes you.