TSA-approved luggage locks are designed to add security—but forgetting the combination can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are several safe ways to regain access to your bag.
Travelers who want extra protection for their luggage often choose TSA-approved locks. These locks meet specific guidelines that allow TSA officers to open them for inspection using a master key, without damaging the lock or the bag. This allows security screenings to happen when necessary while still helping deter casual tampering.
TSA007 locks work by a 3- or 4-digit combination instead of keys for the consumer, but also include a master lock on the bottom of the lock, for TSA officers to use their master key (otherwise they would have to break the lock).
All of these TSA-approved locks, whether they open only by key or by combination or key, are certified by Travel Sentry, a company that develops and licenses standards used in travel security, including a standard for luggage locks that can be opened by TSA officers. You can tell if a lock is a Travel Sentry lock (there are over 500 million in circulation) by the red diamond logo on the lock.
By Website of the company, Fair use, Link
What if you forget the combination?
Travel Sentry is well aware that people sometimes forget the combination to their lock. And if they don’t happen to have a key on them, they still need a way to get into their bags.
Travel Sentry’s recommendation
Travel Sentry’s recommendations for figuring out the combination are the same as their directions for choosing your combination when you first get the lock.
And if you can’t remember? They say:
If you forgot your code, don’t panic. You can try all combinations from 000 to 999 manually (takes ~20–30 minutes) or bring the bag to a luggage retailer or locksmith.
Additional methods travelers have used
Other websites have further suggestions:
Safetyfic: Reset the lock
A website that prides itself on all forms of safety, safetyfic, recommends resetting the lock:
1. Press Down on the Reset Button: Locate the small reset button on your TSA007 lock, typically found on the underside or side of the lock. Use a pointed object such as a pen or paperclip to press down on the button firmly. Make sure you keep this pressure consistent as you go to Step 2.
2. Enter the Default Combination Code: While still holding down the reset button, rotate the dials to enter the default combination code – this is typically “0-0-0” (unless it was changed at some point).
3. Turn the Dials to Your Desired (New) Combination: After entering the default combination code, carefully turn each dial to your desired combination. Ensure that the numbers are aligned precisely with the marking line to avoid errors.
4: Release the Reset Button and Test the New Combination Code: Release the reset button (make sure the dials don’t move as you do this) and that should lock in the changes. You can then test the new combination by turning the dials away from the (new) set code and then turning them back to your new combination. If the lock opens smoothly, your new combination has been successfully set.
USA Today’s recommendations
Although it’s not a good idea to pick someone else’s lock, there’s nothing wrong with picking your own lock. USA Today recommends the following: if you can’t remember your combination number:
1. Use a safety pin to locate the metal or plastic cylinder on the right side of the first dial. The flashlight and camera on your phone can help you zoom in on it.
2. Turn the dial and, with the safety pin, look for an indentation or gap in the cylinder. Leave the dial at that number.
3. Repeat the process for the other two dials.
4. If the lock doesn’t open, turn all three dials down one number.
5. If the lock still doesn’t open, keep turning all three dials down one number at a time until it does.
USA Today adds that travelers have also suggested the following:
1. Put pressure on the locking mechanism by pushing the button or pulling on the lock.
2. Turn the first dial slowly until you hear an audible click, which signals it’s the correct number.
3. Repeat the process for the next two dials.
4. When all three numbers are correct, the lock will open.
FAQ
Can TSA unlock my bag if I forget the combination?
TSA officers have master keys that allow them to open TSA-approved locks for screening purposes. However, they won’t reset or provide your combination. If you’re curious how often travelers run into TSA issues without realizing it, here are two TSA rules many people accidentally break.
Our take on it
Nowadays, with so many ways to keep notes safe on your phone, I think I would probably choose to write the combination in a secure file on my phone, rather than try to pick my own lock. Although the “Go through every combination between 000 and 999” sounds a little tedious–but doable, as well.
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