From a colleague’s life: Just before the vacation, it was time to start packing the suitcase — but quickly it became clear: the suitcase wouldn’t open. Great start! The TSA combination lock wouldn’t open with the usual code. And the biggest problem: his girlfriend’s shoes were already inside, along with her favorite jeans. Help was urgently needed because the mood at home was tense: 1. Because of the shoes that absolutely had to come on the trip, and 2. the colleague wondered why the TSA lock had been reset? Two questions, no answers, just bad vibes.
The colleague thought it over and went back to the suitcase and the combination lock. After the initial panic, the advice was:
Stay calm & try 1,000 combinations
It sounds worse than it is. Within about 30 minutes to at most an hour, the right combination should be found. The best way is to work systematically and count up digit by digit:
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Start with combination 000
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Then count up step by step: 001, 002, 003… 010, 011, 012… 099, 100, 101… 999
Once you find the code, remember it quickly or set a new combination you won’t forget. Next time you pack, just be careful not to touch the reset button. The reset button is usually also the setting button, often located inside the lock. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for where it is on your lock and how to change the code. Sometimes you need a pointed tool or to press two buttons at once. And sometimes it happens by accident — faster than you realize.
By the way, our colleague found the new code after about 20 minutes and restored peace at home. If counting upwards doesn’t find the combination, then you should contact the manufacturer.
Why do I need a TSA lock?
Decoding a reset combination by counting up works with any other lock as well. However, nowadays almost all trolleys come equipped with a TSA lock. You can recognize a TSA lock by the red diamond-shaped logo. Such a lock secures your suitcase, bag, or backpack, protecting your belongings from theft and also preventing someone from smuggling (illegal) items into your luggage while traveling.
The big advantage compared to a regular lock is that a TSA lock can be opened at the airport with a master key. This allows your luggage to be inspected without your presence and without airport security having to damage your suitcase or break the lock. We especially recommend TSA locks for trips to the USA, where luggage checks are more frequent and suitcases are more often broken into.
In our shop, you can identify TSA locks by the small TSA symbol. For backpacks or travel bags, you can also purchase a TSA lock separately—such as a padlock with a flexible steel cable—to securely lock your bag.
