Credit card, phone number, SIM card, apps, Wifi… And the list of codes to remember is endless. It’s already quite a feat to remember the most important ones, so don’t feel guilty for forgetting the combination of your suitcase! It’s absolutely human. Especially if you haven’t noted it anywhere and only use it once a year for summer holidays. That’s nice, you might say, but right now, it’s little consolation. Because, it is necessary to open at some point this suitcase carefully packed. But yes, rest assured, you will find a solution to unlock it one way or another. Precisely, if you experience this kind of unfortunate setback, here are the steps to follow closely.
Step 1: Keep calm
Getting angry or cursing the whole earth will surely not help you open this famous suitcase faster. If you entered a code at random and it doesn’t work, that’s normal. Don’t panic unnecessarily and make yourself a reason: yes, you forgot this code. It happens, it’s not the end of the world. Keep your cool, breathe deeply and don’t waste time multiplying combinations blindly hoping for a miracle. Oh yes, first of all, look carefully at this baggage. If it is, it’s not even yours. Who knows, you may have accidentally mistaken it for another traveler’s suitcase?
Step 2: Check factory settings
No, you are sure, it is your suitcase. Very well. Well, if it’s still relatively new, hopefully, the lock may not have been adjusted at all. The code would therefore be the original one (according to factory settings) and it is rather easy to guess. In general, many manufacturers ship cases with code 000. If you have the slightest doubt that you have not set your own series of numbers, test this one quickly!
Step 3: Think logically
Too bad, it doesn’t work. Well, then it is very likely that you had indeed defined your own code. So think about it: what type of combination do you think is most plausible? Logically, you have not looked too far, you have probably thought of a date of birth, marriage or any date important to you. It can also be a part of your phone number, a common password or even your lucky numbers. Does it refresh your memory? If so, many travelers don’t complicate their lives and simply use the popular code 123. Maybe you’ve thought about that too?
Step 4: Try these number combinations
No, nothing helps, still no opening! Let’s move on. In absolute terms, the combination of numbers on suitcases usually consists of only three digits. This is an advantage, because the more numbers, the more coding variants there are. Here, in this case, by removing the option of code 000, there are exactly 999 possible combinations. We are absolutely not trying to upset you, but indeed, if you have a little time, you can always give it a try. Preferably not randomly, sit back and take a notepad and scroll through the codes one after the other. Start by counting: 001, 002, 003 and so on, in the second round then 010, 011, 012 until you find the right combination.
Remark : even simpler, it is also possible to try to open the lock by groping step by step. Turn each wheel individually and try to listen if there is a slight crack: this is a sign that you have found the right position.
Step 5: Get the TSA key
No, you don’t seem at all excited by the previous idea, and we understand you. You are there on vacation, it is not a question of torturing you or making you work. The good news is that most suitcases are equipped with so-called “TSA” locks. In addition to the combination lock, the luggage also has a real lock. It is used in particular during an airport control to be able to search the suitcase without damaging it. If this is the case, you can contact airport or customs security officers who normally have a universal key. Only problem: you must necessarily prove that this suitcase really belongs to you. Because any criminal will be able toT use this method easily!
Good to know : nowadays, most locksmiths and suitcase dealers are also in possession of a TSA key. If that makes things easier for you! Alternatively, if you have the opportunity, you can create the right key yourself using a 3D printer and models found on the Internet.
Step 6: Use the strong way
Well, if all these solutions do not succeed, there is still the ultimate option to try. If you are too pressed for time or do not have the opportunity to call a professional, all you have to do is use force to open your luggage. Start with the zipper (hopefully there is one!). Use a sharp object, such as a pen, and slide it between the teeth of the zip. Then the tool of choice is a screwdriver that will help you open the lock on the case. On the way back, you can use duct tape instead or have the suitcase wrapped at the airport.
Important: You should only force the suitcase to be opened in the presence of other people who can confirm that it really belongs to you.
Looking to reset your suitcase lock code? Perhaps to better retain it and avoid the slightest disappointment? It is a good initiative, but before anything else, you have to consider some important aspects. As has been said, upon delivery, the numeric code is always set to 000. But if you want to change the combination, you must necessarily know the current code. If you’ve forgotten, the only choice left is to try all the combinations from 000 to 999. Proceed number by number, that is, from 1 (001) to 999. It is not as long as you might think. Depending on the lock, you will need 15 to 30 minutes to play all the combinations. On the other hand, remember that the TSA key will not be of any use to you in this case. Thing to remember: change the code by only one digit, that is, turn a 0 into 1. You should only define the final code once you have determined the correct method. And above all, for pure safety, remember to remember the new suit or write it down somewhere discreetly!
