Picture the scene, you’ve just arrived at your hotel in an unfamiliar city after a long flight. You put your suitcase on the bed and slowly turn the numbered wheels of the three-digit combination lock. You press the button to get access to your case but nothing happens. The metal zipper tags remain firmly trapped in the lock’s clasp…
Getting locked out of your luggage is something that happens to even the most seasoned travellers at some time or another. Luckily the ubiquitous, TSA approved, 3-digit combination locks used by brands such as Samsonite, Eastpack, Antler and American Tourister are easy to open without damaging either the lock or the case and without any special tools.
By following the steps described below, you will be able to quickly open the lock and re-program the code to a new 3 digit combination which is easier to remember.
How to Unlock Your Suitcase When You Forgot the Combination
If you look closely at the lock from above, you will see that to one side of the 3 numbered thumb-wheels there is a small disk (see photos below).
I have found that the best way to see the disks is by using your mobile phone’s camera.
Select the video camera and shine the flash down into the lock then zoom-in to see the disks more clearly.
Starting with the first thumb-wheel of the lock, turn the wheel one click at a time until you see a notch in the disk as shown in the photos.
Once you have lined up the notch of the first wheel you then repeat the process for the second and third digit until the notches of all three wheels are lined up (see the photo of the blue suitcase).
Once all three notches are lined up, turn the suitcase so you can see the numbers.
Note, this is NOT the combination code.
Write down the numbers on the first line of a blank sheet of paper.
On the next line add 1 to each digit.
Repeat this 8 more times until you have a list of 10 3-digit numbers as shown in the photo below.
Try the codes one at a time until you find the one which opens the suitcase.
Once the case is open you can change the combination for one which is easier to remember.
With practice, the entire procedure takes less than 2 minutes.
Video: How to Quickly Open Your Suitcase Lock When You Forgot the Code
When writing this article I used 2 different suitcases, both of which are fitted with TSA approved Travel Sentry combination locks. The locks are slightly different models but the procedure is identical.
I made the video using the older, blue, suitcase because the notches in the green plastic discs are easier to see than the notches in the black disks of the red suitcase.
The code which opened the red suitcase was 2 clicks away from the position with the disks lined up. The code which opened the blue case was 8 clicks away.
If none of the codes which you have written down work you should check that you lined the notches up correctly. As can be seen in the video, there are normally two positions where the notches are visible. Make sure that all 3 notches are lined up in the same position. You can see that in the video I lined up the disks at the right-hand position.
How do Combination Locks Work?
The 3-digit combination locks used on suitcases are designed so that you can change the combination to a unique code which only you know.
To do this, you have to first set the lock to the current combination. You then press a small button (normally using a ballpoint pen) which frees the numbered thumb-wheels from the locking mechanism (currently in the open position).
You can then turn the 3 numbered thumb wheels independently to a new combination before pushing the larger button (the one which is used to open the lock). This re-connects the numbered thumb-wheels to the locking mechanism, activating the new code.
The method described above relies on the fact that part of the locking mechanism itself is visible (the notched disks next to the thumb-wheels). This makes the number shown on the knurled thumb-wheel pretty much irrelevant. Once the disks are aligned you simply need to rotate them around until the lock opens.
What Are TSA Approved Locks?
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is a US federal government agency responsible for the security of travellers that was created in response to the September 11 attacks.
All luggage is scanned before being loaded into aeroplanes and if any prohibited items are detected it will be opened by airport staff and the items removed.
TSA approved locks, identified by the red diamond shaped Travel Sentry logo, can be opened using master keys. The locks are often incorporated into suitcases but TSA approved padlocks are also available.
If your suitcase can’t be opened with a master key then, if they need inspect your luggage, airport staff will open it by force, cutting off padlocks etc.
In theory the keys are only available to airport staff but in reality anyone with a 3D printer can print out their own master keys.
Is it Really worth Locking my TSA approved Luggage Lock?
As we have seen, the 3-digit combination locks fitted to most modern suitcases offer very little or no security. At best they stop your suitcase from opening accidentally during transit, preventing your dirty laundry from spilling out on the baggage carousel.
Some suitcases (including the red suitcase in the photos) have small metal hoops incorporated into the zip-pullers allowing you to use a padlock to lock your suitcase. Although at first glance this may seem to add a second level of security, in reality, it’s a waste of time. As shown in this video, zip closure suitcases can be opened quickly and easily using a ballpoint pen.
Brilliant! I unlocked my case in less than a minute. I thought somebody would know the answer. Thanks again for posting.
You’re welcome Eric, thanks for your comment.
Thanks a lot,
It works good
You saved my trip
You’re welcome Ahmed
Richard, this worked for me on a Samsung spinner for which I forgot the code. I lined up the notches. They all align at 0-0-0. The code that opened the lock was 8-8-8.
Having trouble believing it was this simple/stupid, I set a new combination of 8-7-8. Pretending I forgot the code, I tried your method again, but it fails. The notches align at 0-0-0 (as before) and running through +1 on each number fails to open the lock. Maybe I’m missing something, but if I set the code to, say, 1-5-1, your method would not work either. The notches are always going to align at 0-0-0 on this lock, and running up all three digits by +1 at the same time won’t give the correct code. What am I misunderstanding? Thanks
Matt
Hi Matt,
When the notches are visible, they can be in one of two positions, aligned with either side of the thumb wheel.
For example, in the fifth photo above (a closeup of the lock on the blue suitcase), the notches are all aligned to the right-hand side of the thumb wheel.
I imagine that, in your case, one of the wheels is aligned differently from the others (for example, first notch aligned right, second aligned left, third aligned right).
Hmm, I must be missing something because the notches seem to line up. I agree they they can either “slant” left or right of center, but I think I have them aligned. I’ll try it a few more times, but the notches are physical, and I know the code, so I can change it to any combination now. That suggests to me that every bag lock would have a “jail break” code, based on notch alignment.
Hi Matt,
Since you already know the PIN code, I wouldn’t worry about this too much at this stage. If you do forget the code, worst-case scenario, you can always work your way through the possible combinations one by one until the case opens.
Wow! This works, thanks so much
Hi Alison,
Thanks for your comment.
Thank you for sharing these instructions. I often forget my luggage lock code. This article is very helpful for me.
You’re welcome John, thanks for your comment.
Thank you very much. We have just returned from Thailand and once at home we were unable to open our suitcase.
We used your advice and “bingo” we can now un-pack.
Thank you
Hi Max,
Thanks for your comment, glad to hear the post was helpful.
Richard,
I have a Samsonite, probably older than what you show but with a TSA lock. I cannot see the notches as in your video, but by using the point of a knife inserted under the turning wheels you can feel the notches and then the same system as you describe worked for me to find the combination.
Thanks very much for the your instructions, very helpful.
Hi Don,
Thanks for your comment. I deliberately used the blue American Tourister case to make the video because the notched disks are so easy to see. As you say, the method works equally well for suitcases where the disks are hidden, you just have to find a way to feel for the notches. I’m glad to hear you were sucessful.
thank you so much – this totally just saved me! Genius!
You’re welcome, Taylor.
Richard. I have a Tumi bag from 2015 with TSA002 lock on it. It has been working find until today that while I am traveling, suddenly it cannot be opened. Tumi designed the number wheels so that I cannot see inside and cannot use a card. Also I tried using all 1000 combinations and that did not work.
I believe while traveling, the internal mechanisms of lock got stuck or damaged. Now my big Tumi suitcase cannot be opened. Do you have recommend on the best cause of action for this case? Thank you
Hi Trip,
If you’ve already tried all the combinations from 0-0-0 to 9-9-9 and none of them works, then it does sound like the mechanism is either damaged or jammed.
You could try spraying a small amount of WD40 into the mechanism, wait a couple of minutes for it to penetrate and then rotate the thumbwheels so that it lubricates the mechanism fully. Then try all the combinations again. If this doesn’t work then you should probably contact the nearest Tumi authorised repair centre. There’s a list on their website here.
Failing this, if you urgently need to get something out of the case, if it’s the zip closure type you could try the “biro method” demonstrated in the video linked to in the article above.
I have a Samsonite luggage TSA007, one of the zipper sliders is locked by accident and the other is still loose. I cannot remember my combination code, so unable to unlock it. I was able to locate the notches, all 5 – 5 – 5, but this is where I got stuck. I’ve tried using the paper technique but it is still not working. Please advise and help. Thank you.
Hi MKim,
It sounds like you’re almost there.
If all three notches are lined up at 5-5-5 you just need to turn each dial one notch, and try to see if the lock opens, if not turn each dial another notch and try again, and repeat until it opens.
Basically, if all three notches are lined up with the dials at 5-5-5 then the code to open the lock will be one of the following 9 combinations:
0-0-0
1-1-1
2-2-2
3-3-3
4-4-4
6-6-6
7-7-7
8-8-8
9-9-9
You just need to try them one at a time until the lock opens.
Thank you for the assurance, I will keep trying all of these numbers.
You’re welcome MKim
Thank you very much this helped me alot you are the best
You’re welcome Ilan, thanks for your kind comment.
You are a real live saver. Can’t believe it really worked
Hi Kayd,
Thanks for your comment, I’m glad to hear you were successful.
I’ve tried changing my TSA002 lock… But the barrels got jammed… Now only the center dial is working. Both the zips are locked. Pls do help me to open my suitcase.
Hi Sreedevi,
Even though the lock is broken, you should still be able to open the zip using the method shown in this video.
This is sooo amazing, im so stressed over my lock combination. Thanks to you i can unlock it back!! Thank you soo much! <3
You’re welcome Aieysa, thanks for your comment.
Thank you so oo oo much it works
Hey Ghousia,
Thanks for your comment, glad to hear it worked for you.
Thank you for your help Richard! I agree with all the comments above. Yours is the only site that worked.
I’m saving Barcelonalowdown into my favorites.
Hi Ava,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I’m glad to hear that you found the post helpful.
how do i unlock a samonsite tsa002 samsonite 3 digit code, there is no reset button and I do not have a key
Hi Rani,
Did you already try the method described above?
Hi,
I can’t remember my code for my TSA002 lock (attached to the suitcase) I can’t see the ‘notches’. I’ve ordered a tsa key online so hopefully that will open it & then I can use that – otherwise I’ll just have to buy a new suitcase!
Hi Jayne,
Sorry to hear you’re having trouble.
If you can’t see the notches you can try feeling for them by sliding a thin piece of card or plastic in beside the thumbwheel then turning the wheel slowly until you feel the notch with the corner of the piece of plastic or card.
Failing that, you and try the combinations from 0-0-0 to 9-9-9 one at a time until you find the code which opens the lock. It requires patience, but if you work methodically you should be able to find the PIN within 30 minutes.
If all else fails then the TSA key sounds like a good option. Would you mind sharing where you ordered it from?
Hi, I couldn’t see the notches either, but knew they would be there. So i used a needle to prod… when it went further I knew the notch was there, and voila, it worked. Same method as in the video. Took all of 2 mins.
Thanks for the tip Marc
Thanks a lot I don’t know how to thank you so much I’m really happy right now.God bless you for helping people he will surely reward you.thanks a lot
You’re welcome Victor.
This was super helpful. Was about to give up and force open my suitcase. If there was a way to tip you I would. Thank you so much.
Hi Caleb,
Thanks for your comment, glad to hear you were successful. There’s no need to tip me, Thanks!
It really helped me.
I was so scared i messed up my lock.
It was very helpful. Thank you so much.
Hi Sanya,
Thanks for your comment, glad to hear you found the post useful.
Thank you! This has helped me to open one of my older suitcases which was unused for more than a decade.
Hi Andreas,
Thanks for your comment, it’s good to hear that the technique works for older suitcases too.
Thank you, thank you! I messed up setting my combination and didn’t know what I had set it to. With your directions, I was able to open my brand new camera bag. What a relief.
Hi Storm,
Thanks for your comment, glad to hear that it worked for you.
Thankyou so much
U are a real saviour
I am from India
My son forgot the code as the suitcase was not in use for past 1.5 yrs due to pandemic
Now as he is flying back to Canada we were at dead ends
Ur trick did its job so well, I could not believe it. Frankly speaking I just started with ur technique without any hope.
But bang on on 4 attempts.
U made my day
Thanks
Hi Kaur,
I’m glad to hear that you were able to open your son’s case and hope he has a good flight to Canada.
Thanks for your comment.
Could you help please..
I can’t figure it out.
Hi Steve,
Which step didn’t you understand?
Hey,
Just wanna say thank you.
I didn’t forget my combination but for some reason it stopped working.
Frustrated, I was abt to crush it but I gave it a try with your method. In three combinations, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Thanks for saving me.
Bless you man
Hi Jonathan,
Thanks for your comment, glad to hear you didn’t have to crush your case :-)
Hi,
Wow… after panicking and searching solutions online, this finally got the job done. I was sceptical, but it worked! Thank you Richard.
You’re welcome Irene, thanks for your comment.
Thanks so much my 7 year old daughter locked me out, couldn’t get into it for a month until I seen these techniques.. thank u so much I can now drive my car as my keys were in it too so I’ve been in a rough position.. thanks again u rock!!! Love ya sincerely Natacha
Hi Natacha,
Glad to hear you got everything sorted. Always a good idea to have a spare set of car keys just in case ;-)
Thanks a lot Richard. I am from India . My dad accidentally forgot the Password combination of my suitcase and we were puzzled ! We even emailed to the company now now as I saw your technique , I tried it and within a few seconds I succeeded. Thanks a lot for helping me.
Hi Sarmi,
Thanks for your comment, I’m glad to hear that you were successful.
Was very helpful… Thanks a lot
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for your comment, glad to hear you were successful.
Mr Richard I have mistake lock mind just recently but unfortunately forgot the three digit code.. my brand of suitcase is moon walk
Hi Saikouba,
I’m not familiar with Moon Walk suitcases, but I recommend you start by following the instructions above and watching the video.
If the method described in the article doesn’t work for some reason work, then you can work your way through all the possible combinations from 0-0-0 to 9-9-9 one at a time until it opens.
It takes longer, but you should still be able to open the lock in less than half an hour; 0-0-0, 0-0-1, 0-0-2 etc.…
Wow, this is just great!
It worked perfectly, I tried on 3 different occasions and it worked.
Thanks alot
Hi Mz Mayor,
Thanks for your comment.
I’ve had troubles using my suitcase , but with your explanation it will be easy Thanks
You’re welcome Adura, thanks for your comment.
I don’t still understand how to unlock my box. Can you please explain a bit
Hi Esther,
Sorry to hear you’re having trouble.
Let me know which step you don’t understand, and I’ll try to elaborate.
Waooo, I’m glad I came across this.. I almost destroy it at 1st but with you techniques I open it easily… Thanks.
Hi Adedeji,
Thanks for your comment, glad to hear you were successful and didn’t have to destroy your suitcase in order to open it.
Hi. I watched a lot of videos on youtube without making any headway. When I came across your techniques, it worked perfectly well for me. Thanks a lot and keep up the good work.
Hi Afonne,
Thanks for your comment, I’m glad you were successful.