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TSA Travel Backpack Lock

Guidance & Support

Help

Whether you need lock setting instructions for your travel locks  or answers to any other FAQs, this is the right place.

Our Locks

Setting Instructions

Travel Sentry | Help
ZIPPER LOCK
How to set the combination on your Travel Sentry Approved Zipper Lock
Watch
Travel Sentry | Help
PADLOCK
How to set the combination on your Travel Sentry Approved Padlock
Watch
Travel Sentry | Help
LATCH LOCK
How to set the combination on your Travel Sentry Approved Latch Lock
Watch

FAQs

Answers to our most common questions

FAQs

Combination

FAQs

Keys

FAQs

Lock Malfunction & Repair

FAQs

Travel Questions

FAQs

Good to Know

Combination

Built in TSA lock

Where is my key?

If you have a combination lock, you will NOT receive a key to open your lock. The key entry you see on the lock is designated for the security agents to open your lock, inspect your luggage and relock.

I am having problems with my combination lock. What do I do?

If you have trouble setting your combination or other difficulties contact the company or the retailer where you bought your lock or luggage. You can find a link to them on our TSA LOCK page. They may be able to help.

I have forgotten my combination:

To recover your combination you will need a little time and some patience.

Please try all of the possible combinations from 000-999 (000, 001, 002, 003 through to 999).

You may think this will take a long time, but it should not take you more than 30 minutes and if the first digit of your forgotten code starts with a 0, 1, 2, or 3…then it will take significantly less than 30 minutes.

Try it out, as it will save you from potentially having to buy a new lock. Otherwise, you can take it to your place of purchase, or to another luggage retailer or professional locksmith to see if they can help.

I made a mistake while setting my combination, what can I do?

As suggested in FAQ above, you can try to find your combination by trying all of the possible combinations from 000-999 (000, 001, 002, 003 through to 999).

Otherwise, we suggest that you contact the brand distributor of the locks you are having problems with or return them to the place where they were purchased.

Setting the combination

Since not all locks are the same here are general directions which should help.
Check our instruction videos here: Padlock, (padlock video), Zipper locks, (zipper video) or Latch lock (latch video).

For lock specific instructions, check on or inside the product. Alternatively, ask the store where you purchased the lock. They should be able to either help you set the combination or can show you the instructions from a similar lock.

You can also contact the distributor of this brand of lock.
Remember to write down your combination and store it in a safe place just in case you forget it.

For Combination Zipper locks

Travel Sentry | Help

Step 1. Choose a memorable combination and write it down in a safe place like your phone

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 2. Turn the dials to 0-0-0 Remove the zipper pullers from the lock

Travel Sentry | Help

Step 3. Press down the reset button with a tool such as a ballpoint pen, until you hear a ‘click’ sound

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 4. You might find the reset button on the side of your lock You can now set your combination

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 5. Press or slide the arrow/release button

Travel Sentry | Help

Step 6. Your combination is now set

For Combination Padlocks

Travel Sentry | Help

Step 1. Choose a memorable combination and write it down in a safe place like your phone

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 2. Turn the dials to 0-0-0 Pull the shackle up from the lock

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 3. Turn the shackle 90 degrees clockwise

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Step 4. Press the shackle down

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Step 5. Turn it further 90 degrees

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Step 6. You can now set your combination

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Step 7. Rotate the shackle back

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Step 8. Rotate the shackle back

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Step 9. Your combination is now set

For Combination Cable Padlocks & Strap Combination Locks

Travel Sentry | Help

Step 1. Choose a memorable combination and write it down in a safe place like your phone

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 2. Turn the dials to 0-0-0 Pull the cable up from the lock

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 3. Press the reset button with a tool such a ballpoint pen and hold it

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Step 4. While pressing the button, set your combination

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 5. Release the reset button

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 6. Your combination is now set

For Latch locks WITH reset button

Travel Sentry | Help

Step 1. Choose a memorable combination and write it down in a safe place like your phone

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 2. Turn the dials to 0-0-0 Press and hold the reset button with a tool such as a ballboint pen (you may hear a ‘click’ sound) You might find rest button on the side of your lock

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 3. You can now set your combination

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 4. Remove the pen from the reset button

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Step 5. Push the arrow button
Step 6. Your combination is now set

For latch locks WITHOUT Reset button

Travel Sentry | Help

Step 1. Turn the dials to 0-0-0 (original combination)

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 2. Push and hold the arrow button

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 3. You can now set your combination

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 4. Release the arrow button – your combination is now set

For latch locks with slide selector

Travel Sentry | Help

Step 1. Turn the dials to 0-0-0 (original combination)

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 2. Locate the slide on the bottom of the lock.

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Step 3. Slide the selector from either A to B or OFF to Set.

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 4. You can now set your combination.

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 5. Slide the selector from either B to A or Set to Off – your combination is now set.

Travel Sentry | Help
Step 6. Your combination is now set

For Combination Strap locks

Step 1. Set the combination to 0-0-0.

Step 2. Open the lock by pressing the release button.

Step 3. Once unlocked, place a pen or other similar pointed object on the end of the metal rod and push in.

Step 4. While pushing in, set/reset your combination. Releasing the button locks your combination. Remember to write down your combination and store it in a safe place.

Step 5. When resetting a cable or strap lock make sure you have pushed the reset button or bar ALL the way down and keep it firmly depressed when changing the combination.

Keys

Built in TSA lock on Silver Suitcase

I lost my Travel Sentry® Approved lock key, can I get a replacement?

There are thousands of different key combinations. To get a replacement key, please contact the brand of luggage here on our website under LOCK page. It will help if you are able to give them any code or codes that are etched or printed on and around the cylinder face.

If you cannot open your suitcase, we suggest that you bring it to a luggage store where you purchased it or a locksmith to see if they can help.

I bought a new suitcase but there are no keys for my lock

If you have a combination lock, you will NOT receive a key to open your lock. The key entry you see on the lock is designated for the security agents to open your lock, inspect your luggage and relock. Please set the lock as per our instructions.

Lock Malfunction & Repair

Built in TSA lock on White suitcase

I am having problems with my combination lock. What do I do?

If you have trouble setting your combination or other difficulties contact the brand or the retailer where you bought your lock or luggage. You can find a link to them on our TSA LOCK page. They may be able to help.

I messed up doing the setting instructions correctly. Now the shackle is in the down position, outside of the lock hole. No matter which way I turn it, it does not release.

Most manufacturers and distributors of Travel Sentry® Approved locks have a very strong warranty replacement policy.
We suggest you contact the brand distributor of the locks you are having problems with or return them to the place where they were purchased.

My lock is constantly open and I cannot use it any more. What can I do?

It is possible the security agent forgot to relock your luggage so to relock it use a tool (small coin or screwdriver) to rotate the cylinder face in the direction of the arrow until it aligns with the red dot.  This only works to relock but not to unlock.

Travel Sentry | Help

I have a USB port on my lock. How does it work?

You need to connect a power bank to the cable on the inside of the luggage to use the USB port.

I have a smart lock but the APP is not pairing with the lock. What is the problem?

It is very likely that the battery for the lock is low and needs replacement.

Travel Questions

Travel Sentry luggage

My lock was missing after my flight – can you replace it?

Travel Sentry, working with the airports, has identified that most instances of missing locks are a result of airline baggage handling. Locks can be torn off when caught in conveyors belts or from centrifugal force when baggage is ejected by baggage “pushers” which are part of many automated conveyor systems. Often the weakest links are the zipper pulls on baggage – not the locks themselves.
There are instances when a Screening Officer has failed to replace a lock removed in order to open the bag for screening. Look for the Notice of Baggage Inspection form from the TSA inside your bag. If your lock is missing and there is a TSA Notice inside the bag, contact the Brand whose product you purchased. Most Brands participating in the Travel Sentry system will replace locks under these circumstances. Travel Sentry recommends buying baggage with “kissing sliders” which hold the lock much more securely and minimize the effect of airline baggage handling. When rough airline handling is suspected you should file a claim with your airline without delay.

Security Officers opened my lock and now the search indicator is red; they did not reset it to green – how can I reset it?

To restore the search indicator on your combination padlock:
Open the lock with your combination.
Pull up the shackle until you hear a click.
Turn the shackle clockwise.
You will find an opening which shows a green button inside.
Using a pen or another suitable object, push down the green button to restore the indicator panel from RED back to GREEN.

How to reset the indicator on my zipper lock – how can I relock it?
Insert a small bladed item such as the tip of a knife or a fine, flat blade screwdriver about 1-2 mm into the face of the lock. Then turn it towards the lock position. That is all that is necessary to reset the lock.

Note that this will only work going from the “unlock” to the “lock” position, not vice versa.

Travel Sentry | Help

My lock was broken after my flight – what can I do? Can you replace it?

Look for the Notice of Baggage Inspection form from the TSA inside your bag. If your lock is damaged and there is a TSA Notice inside the bag, contact the Brand that you purchased. Most Brands participating in the Travel Sentry system will replace locks under these circumstances.

If a TSA Notice is not inside your bag, it is likely that airline handling is the cause of damage. File a claim with your airline without delay.

Lastly, sometimes in the rush to get all bags inspected and onto their flights, locks are sometimes [but rarely] left behind. The Security Officers are very careful to relock bags but you will understand that with so many bags being screened occasionally a lock is left behind. In this case, we can only suggest you to buy another lock. It is not likely the original padlock could be recovered.

There are two likely scenarios a lock is broken during travel by air:

Baggage handling systems (conveyor belts and other automated systems) and manual handling all take a toll on your baggage and your lock. The airlines are responsible for damage that exceeds the definition of “normal wear and tear”. File a claim with your airline without delay.
Airport Security Officers inspect millions of pieces of baggage every day. It is faster and easier for them to open your Travel Sentry locks using their special Travel Sentry tools than it is for them to cut or break open a lock. However, it is rare but possible, that the Security Officer may have to cut open a Travel Sentry lock if it has been damaged or malfunctioning in some way. Should this occur, the Screening Agencies are not liable for damage to your lock.

My wheels or Handles are damaged after my trip. Can you help?

When luggage is damaged during travel, it is important to claim directly with the airline.
Alternatively you can contact the distributor or brand of your luggage to discuss repair or possible spare parts replacement.

What size luggage can I check in?

Please contact your airline for specific information . Many airlines follow the IATA passenger baggage allowance standard, which you can find here.

Good to Know

lost and found tracking system

Where can I use / What countries can I use Travel Sentry® Approved locks?

Travel Sentry® Approved Locks are a global standard and are not limited where they can be used. Of course Travel Sentry locks are accepted at every USA-controlled airport from the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean to the far Pacific Islands like Guam as well as all of the airports on the U.S. Mainland, Hawaii and Alaska – that is over 450 US airports.

The TSA Lock™ system is now also implemented in over 65 countries and continues to expand. See the latest list on the TSA LOCK page.

In fact, there is no place where Travel Sentry locks cannot be used – everyone should lock their luggage and if they are using Travel Sentry Locks then they can travel safely and securely everywhere. So rest assured, you can travel with your luggage locked and secured with Travel Sentry Locks.

How do I know that the TSA opened and inspected my suitcase?

The TSA’s standard practice is to leave a notice in your suitcase informing you that your bag was inspected.

Most countries have a similar practice.

Why should I lock my suitcase? / Why should I use Travel Sentry® Approved Locks for countries which do not inspect luggage like the USA?

Locking your luggage protects your possessions from theft, tampering and potential misuse by smugglers. Locking your luggage also provides a layer of protection and deterrence from having luggage opened in those areas that are not monitored, such as airplane luggage storage bays, hotel rooms, concierge storage areas, etc.
You lock your house. You lock your car. Why not lock your luggage?

How can I be sure that my lock cannot be opened by someone else?

Luggage locks are an effective first line of defense but just as with automobiles and houses a determined thief can force their way in. All Travel Sentry Approved locks must meet our standards that are much higher than the luggage locks on the market before 2003.

Be sure to set a combination that cannot easily be guessed. Avoid 0-0-0 or 1-2-3. By taking reasonable precautions you can lock, protect and relax.

How safe is the Travel Sentry system?

The Travel Sentry tools are held by the Security Officers and not available to airport staff. Each set of secured tool is controlled government property and unlawful to duplicate. Most luggage inspection locations are equipped with video surveillance.

Can we still use a 10 year old TSA ACCEPTED Lock?

If the lock has the Travel Sentry Red diamond logo on it, it is still usable and the security officers will be able to unlock & relock it.

What does the number on the lock means TSA001, TSA002, TSA003…., TSA008?

Each lock has a special code TSA001 to TSA008, which is used by the TSA, CATSA and other security agencies to know which secure tool to use to open the lock.

How do I register my suitcase with OKOBAN?

Some suitcases come with an OKOBAN-branded UID code. This code allows you to register your suitcase online in case of loss. Visit www.okoban.com and follow the easy instructions there to register your suitcase.

How do I register my suitcase with TSID?

Some suitcases come with a TSID-branded UID code. This code allows you to register your suitcase online in case of loss. Visit www.tsid.com and follow the easy instructions there to register your suitcase.

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Built in TSA lock on black suitcase

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