Key takeaways
- Best Overall Lock: BV TSA008 Open Alert Cable Lock, 2 pack, 3-digit combination
- Best Value Locks for Families: Forge TSA Approved Open Alert Cable Locks, 4 pack, resettable
- Best Suitcase Cover for Many Sizes: Travelkin Luggage Cover, 4 sizes for 19 to 32 inch cases
- Best Budget Suitcase Cover: WUJIAONIAO Travel Luggage Cover, 18 to 32 inch
- Best Clear Toiletry Bags: Lermende Clear Quart Size Toiletry Bags, 2 pack
- Best Toiletry Organizer: BAGSMART Toiletry Bag (dopp kit style), water-resistant
- Best Luggage Tags: Teskyer Leather Luggage Tags, 3 pack with privacy flap
The best travel accessories for luggage are the small items that make a checked bag or carry-on easier to manage: a pair of TSA-accepted locks, a washable suitcase cover, a clear quart-size toiletry bag and a tough luggage tag. For locks, our top pick is the BV TSA008 two-pack with a 3-digit combination and an open alert indicator, with the Forge four-pack as the better buy for families. For covers, the Travelkin four-size cover leads because it lists a fit for 19 to 32 inch cases. For toiletries, the Lermende clear quart bags handle the airport rule, and the BAGSMART dopp kit handles everything else once you reach the hotel.
This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these products. Specs come from the product listings, and anything the listing does not state is marked “not listed”. No lock, cover or tag can promise that a bag will never be opened, damaged or lost; treat them as practical helpers, not guarantees. Always check current airline and TSA rules before you fly.
Our top picks
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Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall Lock: BV TSA008 Open Alert Cable Lock, 2 pack, 3-digit combination
- Best Value Locks for Families: Forge TSA Approved Open Alert Cable Locks, 4 pack, resettable
- Best Suitcase Cover for Many Sizes: Travelkin Luggage Cover, 4 sizes for 19 to 32 inch cases
- Best Budget Suitcase Cover: WUJIAONIAO Travel Luggage Cover, 18 to 32 inch
- Best Clear Toiletry Bags: Lermende Clear Quart Size Toiletry Bags, 2 pack
- Best Toiletry Organizer: BAGSMART Toiletry Bag (dopp kit style), water-resistant
- Best Luggage Tags: Teskyer Leather Luggage Tags, 3 pack with privacy flap
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Key specs (as listed) | Watch for | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BV TSA008 Cable Locks | Suitcases and backpacks | 2 pack; 3-digit combination; open alert; Travel Sentry approved | Short cable limits where it fits | Budget |
| Forge Cable Locks | Families and multiple bags | 4 pack; resettable; flexible cable; zinc alloy body; large white numbers | Reset code and write it down | Budget |
| Travelkin Luggage Cover | Mixed suitcase sizes | 4 sizes, 19-32 in; washable; elastic | Pick the exact size | Budget |
| WUJIAONIAO Luggage Cover | Basic scratch protection | 18-32 in; washable; anti-scratch; elastic | Size chart before ordering | Budget |
| Lermende Clear Bags | Airport liquids | 2 pack; clear PVC; quart size | PVC can scuff and hold odor | Budget |
| BAGSMART Dopp Kit | Hotel and gym use | Water-resistant; medium; organizer layout | Not a clear quart bag | Budget |
| Teskyer Leather Tags | Spotting and ID | 3 pack; spring ring; privacy flap; 6 info cards | Leather scuffs over time | Budget |
1. BV TSA008 Cable Locks, 2 Pack: Best Overall Lock
- Pack: 2 locks, black
- Code: 3-digit combination
- Approval: TSA008 core, Travel Sentry approved, per the listing
- Feature: open alert indicator
- Use: suitcases, backpacks, lockers and cases
Best for: anyone who wants a straightforward lock that airport inspectors can open without cutting it. Skip if: you want a hard shackle or a key lock with a tamper-resistant body.
A TSA-accepted lock has a second keyhole, marked with a red diamond, that lets security staff open it with a master key. That means the lock can survive an inspection instead of being cut off. The open alert feature on this BV model adds a visible indicator that shows when the lock has been opened by a master key, which is useful if you want to know your bag was inspected.
Cable locks are lightweight and fit small zipper pulls, which is why they suit backpacks, duffels and lockers as well as suitcases. The downside is that a cable lock is a deterrent, not a vault. A determined thief can still cut a cable or slit a soft bag, so do not pack valuables in a checked bag because of a lock.
Set a combination you will remember, and avoid birth years or “000”. Take a photo of the code and keep it in your phone, because a locked bag at the end of a long flight is not the place to try all thousand combinations. Combination locks also work better than a key lock for a family, since no one needs to carry a key.
Pros:
- TSA008 core and Travel Sentry approval, per the listing
- Open alert indicator
- Works on backpacks and lockers
- Budget tier two-pack
Cons:
- Cable can be cut, so it is a deterrent only
- Only two locks in a pack
2. Forge TSA Open Alert Cable Locks, 4 Pack: Best Value for Families
- Pack: 4 locks, black
- Approval: TSA approved, advanced TSA008 lock core, per the listing
- Code: resettable, with large white numbers
- Build: flexible cable, zinc alloy body
- Feature: open alert
Best for: families, group trips or anyone with several bags and bag pockets to secure. Skip if: you only need one lock.
The Forge is the bulk-buy answer. Four locks cover two suitcases with zippers on both sides, or a mix of a carry-on, a backpack and a gym bag. The large white numbers on the dials are easier to read in a dim hotel room or a bright airport, which is a small but real benefit.
Resettable combinations are standard on this type of lock, but the reset process differs by brand. Read the instructions, set the code at home and test it before you leave. A zinc alloy body is a typical choice on lightweight travel locks. It is fine for deterrence, but it is not the same as the hardened steel of a heavy padlock.
A flexible cable makes it easy to thread through two zipper pulls or a webbing loop. Make sure your bag has zipper holes or loops that the cable can pass through, since some suitcases use hidden or integrated zipper pulls.
Pros:
- Four locks in a pack
- Large, easy-to-read numbers
- TSA008 core and open alert, per the listing
- Resettable
Cons:
- Cable can be cut
- Resetting needs care so you do not lock yourself out
3. Travelkin Luggage Cover, 4 Sizes: Best Suitcase Cover for Many Sizes
- Sizes: 4 sizes, fits 19 to 32 inch luggage
- Material: elastic, washable, anti-scratch
- Use: carry-on up to large checked cases
- Marketing: listed as TSA approved
- Color and pattern options: not listed in the title
Best for: travelers with a mix of suitcase sizes who want a fabric cover in the right fit. Skip if: you need a waterproof rain cover.
A stretch cover slips over the suitcase like a sleeve. It protects against scuffs from conveyor belts and floors, keeps the shell clean between trips and makes your bag easier to spot at the carousel. The Travelkin has the widest sizing range in this guide, with four sizes from 19 to 32 inches, so you can choose the one closest to your case.
Size is everything with covers. Measure your suitcase height without wheels and the width and depth at the thickest point, then match them with the maker’s chart. A cover that is too tight can tear at the seams, and one that is too loose bunches up and can snag on wheels.
Some listings call covers “TSA approved”. That wording is marketing; the TSA does not certify fabric covers, and a cover usually needs to be removed or opened for inspection if officers need to see the bag. Treat the claim as meaning the cover is a simple stretch sleeve with a zipper access opening, and check the maker’s description for details such as handle openings.
Pros:
- Four sizes from 19 to 32 inches
- Washable and elastic
- Helps you spot your bag
- Budget tier
Cons:
- Not a waterproof cover
- You must pick the correct size
4. WUJIAONIAO Travel Luggage Cover: Best Budget Suitcase Cover
- Size range: 18 to 32 inch
- Material: elastic, washable, anti-scratch
- Use: carry-on and checked cases
- Listed as TSA approved
- Number of sizes: not listed in the title
Best for: a simple, low-cost cover for light scuff protection. Skip if: you want a fixed set of sizes with a clear chart on the listing.
This cover covers the same job as the Travelkin at a similar cost, with an 18 to 32 inch range. The point of a cover is to take the abuse so your suitcase finish does not, and a washable fabric makes that easy. Run it through the wash on a gentle cycle and let it air dry; heat can degrade the elastic.
The title does not list how many sizes there are, so read the size chart on the maker page carefully. The cover relies on elastic, so a snug fit matters. If you are between sizes, go with the maker’s recommended size for your suitcase height.
A cover is not a lock and it does not secure your bag. It may make it harder to reach the zipper in a hurry, so keep your lock accessible through the opening. If you check a bag with a cover, take a photo of it before the flight, in case you need to describe the bag.
Pros:
- Wide 18 to 32 inch range
- Anti-scratch, washable fabric
- Budget tier
Cons:
- Sizing details need checking
- Elastic can stretch with repeated use
5. Lermende Clear Quart Size Toiletry Bags, 2 Pack: Best Clear Toiletry Bags
- Pack: 2 bags, black trim
- Material: clear PVC
- Size: quart size, for carry-on liquids
- Closure: zipper, per the typical design; check the listing
- Intended for men and women
Best for: carry-on travelers who want to meet the airport liquids rule quickly. Skip if: you need a bag that hangs or holds full-size bottles.
The TSA 3-1-1 rule asks each passenger to keep liquids, gels and aerosols in containers of 3.4 ounces or less, all inside one clear quart-size bag. A clear bag lets screeners see the contents without opening it, which speeds up the line. The Lermende set gives you two, so you can have a spare when one is damp or dirty.
The phrase “TSA approved” on a bag is a convenience label. The rules are about the size of the bag and the volume of the containers, not about a brand name. Always check the current TSA page before you fly, because the rules can change by airport and by program.
PVC is a stiff, clear plastic. It wipes clean, but it can scuff, turn cloudy and hold odors after a leaky shampoo. Replace bags that look cloudy or cracked. Pack bottles upright with a bit of room to spare so the zipper is not stressed.
Pros:
- Two bags in a pack
- Clear for easy screening
- Quart size for the liquids rule
- Low cost
Cons:
- PVC scuffs and may hold odors
- No handle or hang hook
6. BAGSMART Toiletry Bag (Dopp Kit): Best Toiletry Organizer
- Style: dopp kit toiletry organizer
- Material: water-resistant, per the listing
- Size: medium, black
- Marketed for men and for shaving and daily toiletries
- Exact dimensions and capacity: not listed in the title
Best for: checked bags, hotel counters, gym trips and anyone with full-size products. Skip if: you want to carry it through airport security as your liquids bag.
A dopp kit solves a different problem than a clear quart bag. It is the organized bag that holds a razor, toothbrush, deodorant and everything else that lives on a bathroom counter at your destination. The water-resistant liner helps contain small leaks and spills, and the medium size fits most carry-on and checked bags without hogging space.
Many travelers use the two bags together: a clear quart bag for carry-on liquids and a dopp kit for the rest. At the hotel, you can move the small liquids to the counter and keep your gear organized. The BAGSMART brand also offers clear 2-packs and hanging versions if you want a matching set.
Check capacity before you buy. The listing says medium, but not the dimensions, so look at the images and maker page to see if your tallest bottle fits. Wash the bag by hand if it is soiled, and let it dry fully before packing it.
Pros:
- Water-resistant, per the listing
- Organizer layout for daily toiletries
- Works for gym and hotel use
Cons:
- Not a clear quart bag
- Dimensions not listed in the title
7. Teskyer Leather Luggage Tags, 3 Pack: Best Luggage Tags
- Pack: 3 tags, black
- Material: durable leather, per the listing
- Attachment: quick-attach spring ring
- Privacy flap design; includes 6 info cards
Best for: checked bags and anyone who wants a tag that survives a few trips. Skip if: you want a flashy, easy-to-spot color.
A luggage tag is the cheapest insurance on this list. A tag with a privacy flap hides your name and address from casual view, while still letting airline staff find it by lifting the flap. Include a phone number and an email, but think twice about writing your full home address if you are going on a long trip.
Spring-ring attachments are quick but can pop off if hooked on a loop that is too thin. Check the connection after you check in, and consider adding a second tag on the inside of the bag. Black leather blends in, which is good for a plain look but makes it harder to spot your bag on a crowded carousel. A colorful strap or the cover from earlier in this guide helps with that.
Leather will scuff and the info card can fade, so replace them every few seasons. The pack of three lets you tag several bags at once.
Pros:
- Privacy flap
- Pack of three with spare info cards
- Durable leather, per the listing
Cons:
- Black color is hard to spot
- Leather scuffs over time
Also Consider
Puroma 2 Pack 4-Digit TSA Cable Locks
A resettable zinc alloy cable lock with a 4-digit code and large numbers, per the listing. A good choice if you want more code combinations.
BAGSMART Clear Toiletry Bag 2-Pack
A water-repellent clear quart-size 2-pack from the same brand as the dopp kit. A nice match if you want a matching set.
Travelon Compact Hanging Toiletry Kit
A small hanging organizer for hotel bathrooms with limited counter space. Specs are not listed in the title, so check the maker page.
Osprey Daylite Hanging Toiletry Kit
A hanging kit from an outdoor brand, aimed at carry-on use. Check the maker page for size and capacity.
How We Chose
This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these products. We started with the featured locks, covers and toiletry bags, and added a tag and a second lock option from the in-store results so the list covers every part of a luggage setup. We compared maker-stated specs such as lock core type, pack size, cover sizes, material and cleaning notes. We also read the Travel Sentry and TSA explanations of how approved locks and the liquids rule work. Where the listing lacked detail, we wrote “not listed”.
We limited each brand to two picks and used price tiers instead of specific prices.
Buying Guide
Luggage Locks: What “TSA Accepted” Means
A TSA-accepted lock has a red diamond and a secondary keyhole that screening staff can open with a master key. Without that feature, a lock can be cut if your bag is selected for inspection. Open alert indicators show when a master key has been used. All of these locks are deterrents; they do not guarantee that a bag will not be opened or that nothing will be stolen.
Combination Length and Cable Reach
Three-digit locks have 1,000 combinations, and four-digit locks have 10,000. A longer code is slightly harder to guess, but the main benefit is to avoid a lock that is easy to read at a glance. Check that the cable is long enough to pass through two zipper pulls and be closed with the body of the lock.
Suitcase Covers: Size, Fabric and Care
Measure your case and match the maker’s chart. Look for a washable stretch fabric, an opening for the handle and wheels, and a zipper or snaps for access. Expect a cover to protect against scuffs, not to act as a waterproof barrier.
Toiletry Bags: Clear for Airports, Organizers for Hotels
For carry-on, use a clear quart-size zipper bag with containers of 3.4 ounces or less. For the hotel, a hanging or dopp kit style bag is easier to use. Choose a water-resistant liner and a wipeable interior. Pack liquid items in leak-proof travel bottles and place the bag upright in your suitcase.
Tags and ID
Use a tag with a privacy flap and put an ID card inside the bag too. Add a distinctive strap or cover so your bag is easy to spot. Take a photo of your bag and the contents list before you check it in.
Common Mistakes
- Using a non-TSA padlock on a checked bag, which can be cut off
- Forgetting the lock combination
- Buying a cover without measuring the suitcase
- Packing liquids over 3.4 ounces in a carry-on
- Putting valuables in checked bags because you locked them
- Writing a full home address on the outside of a tag
More Picks Worth Considering
These additional options fit the same use case and are worth a look if the main picks above do not match your needs.
BV Luggage Locks TSA Accepted, Open Alert Cable Lock, TSA008, Black, 2 Pack
Listed as BV Luggage Locks TSA Accepted, Open Alert Cable Lock, TSA008, Black, 2 Pack. The maker’s listing highlights: TSA008, Travel Sentry Approved, 3-Digit Combination Suitcase Locks for Travel, Backpacks, Lockers, Cases. Compare size, material and compatibility with your own setup before choosing, and check the maker’s size or fit chart where relevant.
WUJIAONIAO Travel Luggage Cover Suitcase Cover Protector Skins 18-32 Inch
Listed as WUJIAONIAO Travel Luggage Cover Suitcase Cover Protector Skins 18-32 Inch. The maker’s listing highlights: Anti-Scratch Luggage Protector, Washable Carry on Cover, Elastic Suitcase Sleeve, Baggage Covers Tsa Approved. Compare size, material and compatibility with your own setup before choosing, and check the maker’s size or fit chart where relevant.
Lermende Clear Toiletry Bag TSA Approved Quart Size Travel Carry On – 2Pcs
Listed as Lermende Clear Toiletry Bag TSA Approved Quart Size Travel Carry On – 2Pcs. The maker’s listing highlights: TSA Approved Clear PVC Toiletry Bags, Quart Size for Airport Carry-On, ideal for Women & Men/Cosmetics/Toiletries-Black. Compare size, material and compatibility with your own setup before choosing, and check the maker’s size or fit chart where relevant.
BAGSMART Toiletry Bag for Men, Travel Toiletry Organizer Dopp Kit Water-resistan
Listed as BAGSMART Toiletry Bag for Men, Travel Toiletry Organizer Dopp Kit Water-resistan. Compare size, material and compatibility with your own setup before choosing, and check the maker’s size or fit chart where relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best travel accessories for luggage?
A pair of TSA-accepted locks, a washable suitcase cover, clear quart-size toiletry bags and a sturdy tag cover most needs. The BV locks, Travelkin cover, Lermende bags and Teskyer tags in this guide are a good starting set.
What are the best TSA approved luggage locks?
Look for locks with the TSA008 core and Travel Sentry approval. The BV two-pack and the Forge four-pack listed here both state that.
Do luggage covers protect against theft?
No. They protect against scuffs and make a bag easier to spot. For security, rely on a lock and do not pack valuables in checked luggage.
Which clear toiletry bags meet the TSA rule?
The rule asks for a clear, quart-size bag with containers of 3.4 ounces or less. Check the TSA website for current rules, and see our picks like the Lermende set.
Are best toiletry bags for travel clear or opaque?
You need a clear one for carry-on liquids and, optionally, an opaque organizer for the hotel. Many travelers carry both.
How do I choose the right suitcase cover size?
Measure the height, width and depth of your suitcase and compare with the maker’s chart. If you are between sizes, follow the maker’s recommendation and check the stretch range.
Will airport staff cut my lock?
Staff can open TSA-accepted locks with a master key. A lock that is not accepted may be cut if the bag is selected for inspection.
Which One Should You Buy?
For a basic setup, buy the BV two-pack of TSA locks, a Travelkin cover in your suitcase size, the Lermende clear bags for the airport and the Teskyer tags. If you travel as a family, step up to the Forge four-pack. Add the BAGSMART dopp kit if you want a neat bathroom organizer at the hotel. Whatever you choose, check the maker’s size chart and instructions, set your lock code at home and leave valuables in your carry-on.
Sources
- Travel Sentry information on TSA-accepted locks
- TSA guidance on the liquids, aerosols and gels rule
- BV, Forge, Travelkin, WUJIAONIAO, Lermende, BAGSMART and Teskyer product pages
- NerdWallet explainer on the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule
Last updated: October 2026
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