Are TSA-approved locks actually secure?

TSA-approved locks are designed primarily to deter casual tampering and keep zippers closed in transit, not to defeat a determined thief. Because TSA agents hold a master key that can open any approved lock, these locks trade some absolute security for the ability to be inspected without being cut. Verified-purchase reviewers across these candidates consistently treat them as deterrents and zipper-closers rather than high-security padlocks.