How to Open a 3-Digit Lock on American Tourister Luggage

Three-digit combination locks on American Tourister luggage pieces are set to 0-0-0 at the Samsonite luggage factory. Each bag comes with instructions on how to set a personalized combination code for the luggage lock. If you remember the combo, simply roll the three dials until your correct combination shows, left to right. Listen for the click of the locking mechanism disengaging, and pull the now-unlocked zippers on your bag. If you've forgotten the numbers or want to reset the lock code for your American Tourister bag lock code, you'll have to work a little harder.

If the combination's not available, there's a chance you didn't set a new one when you first got the bag. Roll the spinner dials to 0-0-0 to see if that's the case. If the bag opens, you can choose to keep this simple factory-set code or you can reset a new, personalized combination.

If the factory combo doesn't work, it's likely you set a combo at one time but forgot -- so do a little brainstorming. Your combo likely reflects something personal to you, such as an address, birthday or phone number. Roll the dials, trying any three-digit number that may mean something to you while listening for the click of the lock disengaging.

After trying to crack the personalized code, you have two options and both are equally inconvenient. You can try every combination in the book, starting at 0-0-1 and going to 0-0-2, 0-0-3 and up. Your combo lock has 10 possible numbers to choose from on each dial -- 0 through 9 -- making for 1,000 possible combinations. But some locked-out owners have found success with this tedious method.

Another option is to try and find the key that works on the TSA lock of your bag. The Transport Security Administration (TSA) has standardized many of the locks that can be found on many of these carry-on bags. The TSA approved locks have a master key that allows airport security to open up your travel bag for security checks and inspections.

Your other option is to call American Tourister's 24-hour customer service hotline at 1-800-765-BAGS (2247). The representative can tell you where to find an authorized repair center that can help open the bag for you. Of course, you'll have to prove ownership by producing a receipt or warranty from the original purchase.

Once you've cracked the code, you can reset the combo any time you'd like: Unlock the bag. Roll the dials so that your combo shows, left to right, so the padlock is in the open position. Locate the resetting button or lever near the dials. The button may be small and recessed, requiring the tip of a pencil to push it, and the button or lever may be inside the bag. Push the button until you hear a click, or move the lever to the down position away from the dials. Hold the button or lever in this position. Roll the dials until your new code is showing, left to right. Release the button or return the lever to its original position. Your new combination is now set.

You could write your combo down and keep it in your wallet, in your desk or with your passport, but paper can get lost. Instead, write an email to yourself and entitle it "Carry-On Combo." The next time you dust off your luggage set, get your smart phone out and use your email's search feature for your combination. It'll always be right at your fingertips.

American Tourister is a luggage brand name owned by Samsonite. Many American Tourister models are equipped with a three-digit rotating combination lock to keep belongings secure. The lock can be reset to a new combination whenever you desire. Write down the new combination and stash the number in a safe place, such as a wallet or passport pouch, until you are confident you'll remember the new combination for your luggage.