How to Set a 3-Digit Suitcase Lock in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Travellers

Connecting People & Places

Quick Answer

A new 3-digit suitcase lock is usually preset to 0-0-0. First, open the lock at 0-0-0 and take the zip pulls out.

Then press the reset pin with a pen, or hold the release button, and turn the dials to your new code. Finally, release it and test the code, as Case Luggage’s Lock Guide explains.

The Sunset Weekly Connection Reality: Properly setting and testing your suitcase lock before departing ensures your personal belongings remain secure throughout your journey. Following a simple setup guide prevents accidental lockouts and keeps your luggage safe while traveling.

BUY NOW

3-Digit Suitcase Locks at a Glance

Question	Answer
Factory code	0-0-0 on most new cases
Tool you need	A ballpoint pen or pencil tip
Biggest mistake	Resetting with the zip pulls still locked in
What the keyhole is for	Airport security only, as no customer key is supplied
Forgotten code	Work slowly up from 0-0-0, then contact an authorised repair centre

Source: Case Luggage Lock Guide, checked 11 October 2026.

The Night Before Your Flight

It’s a familiar scene. Your new suitcase has arrived, the packing is nearly done, and the flight leaves in the morning. Then you notice the little three-dial lock, still sitting on 0-0-0.

In fact, Case Luggage’s customer service team has met this exact moment. When one customer’s new case arrived locked, the team explained that the code was set to the default 000. So if you’ve searched for how to set up a suitcase lock with a 3 digit code, start there.

Case Luggage has sold designer luggage since 1923, and it now runs stores in Piccadilly, in Harrods and airside at Heathrow Terminals 3, 4 and 5. Its free online Lock Guide covers many of the brands it sells, including Samsonite, TUMI, Briggs & Riley and Delsey. Below, we’ve turned that guide and each brand’s own instructions into one simple walkthrough.

---

Discover how Etihad is redefining premium travel with its latest luxury flying upgrade.

---

Before You Start: Three Golden Rules

1. Take the zips out first. Case Luggage’s guide says resetting with the zip pulls still in the lock is the most common cause of lock problems.
2. Have a pen ready. Most reset pins and buttons need a pen or pencil tip.
3. Test before you pack. Scramble the dials, enter your new code and check that the lock opens before you close the case for real.

How to Set a 3-Digit Suitcase Lock: The Universal Method

Brands differ in the details. However, Case Luggage’s guide describes one method that works on most built-in locks:

1. Open the lock at 0-0-0. Set the dials to 0-0-0, then slide or press the release button towards the dials to free the zip pulls.
2. Find the reset mechanism. Look for a small pinhole button beside or under the dials. If there isn’t one, you’ll use the release button instead.
3. Hold and turn. Press the pinhole with a pen, or press and hold the release button towards the dials. While holding, turn the dials to your new three-digit code.
4. Release. Let go of the pin or button. Your new code is now set.
5. Test it. Scramble the dials, enter your code and check the lock opens. Only then slot the zip pulls back in.

Sunset Weekly tip: photograph your new code and keep it somewhere safe that isn’t inside the case.

Brand-by-Brand Lock Instructions

Samsonite, TUMI, Briggs & Riley and Delsey all say their locks ship at 0-0-0, and Antler’s steps also start at 000. Even so, the reset button sits in a different place on each. So find your brand, then follow its steps.

Samsonite

Samsonite uses two main TSA lock styles on its UK site. For example, Case Luggage’s guide lists Style 3 on ranges such as Upscape, Nuon, Proxis and C-Lite.

• With a pinpoint button: open the case by sliding or pushing the TSA button. Next, press the pinpoint button with a pen and turn the dials to your code. Then push or slide the pinpoint button again to confirm.
• Without a pinpoint button: open the case, then press and hold the button towards the dials. While holding it, turn the dials to your code, and then release the button to confirm.

TUMI

TUMI uses several lock types, so check yours first.

• Integrated lock: with the dials at 0-0-0, press the reset button with a pen and set your digits. Then press the large release button to the right of the TUMI logo. If the zip pulls release, your code is set.
• Dual integrated lock: slide the TSA lock to free the zip pulls, then push them back into the housing. Next, press the reset button beside the dials and set your digits. Finally, slide the TSA lock again, and the pulls release to confirm.
• Padlock: with the dials at 0-0-0, hold the reset button with a pen and turn each dial to your code. Then release the button to save it.

Briggs & Riley

Briggs & Riley locks also ship at 0-0-0. On many built-in locks, you first slide the TSA access slider so both zip pulls pop open. Then, depending on the lock, you either push down the small pin to the right of the dials or slide a small button to the left until it clicks. After that, turn the dials to your numbers. If your lock has the sliding button, push it back to the right to finish.

Case Luggage’s guide adds that the reset switch must be held while you set the code. Similarly, it suggests testing the new code before you close the case.

Delsey Paris

On a Delsey TSA dial lock, first check the dials read 0-0-0. Next, press and hold the small metal button near the zip pulls with a pen. While holding it, turn the dials to your new code, and then release. Finally, push the lock to free the zip pulls, close the zips, scramble the dials and test your code.

For Chatelet and Shadow cases with the SECURITECH® 2 system, Case Luggage’s guide links to Delsey’s two video guides instead.

Antler

Antler’s steps start with the dial at 000. First, slide the slider in the direction of the arrow to test the lock. Next, press the orange-highlighted button, holding it down if your lock needs it, and enter your three-digit code. Then slide the slider in the direction of the arrow to lock in the new code. Finally, write the code on the card that came with your case.

Sunset Weekly tip: Antler doesn’t hold a master key. So if you forget your code, you’ll need to work through the combinations yourself.

---

Discover personalised Photobox Christmas and New Year gift ideas

---

Locked Out? What to Do If You Forget Your Code

Don’t force the lock. Instead, follow Case Luggage’s advice:

1. Start at 0-0-0. Work slowly upwards through the combinations until the lock opens.
2. Turn slowly. The right number can sit slightly off alignment, so take your time.
3. Ask for help. If the lock still won’t open, an authorised repair centre can reset or replace it, and Case Luggage can help arrange this. However, any repair charges are the customer’s responsibility.

For Samsonite cases, Samsonite’s UK site also suggests visiting an authorised dealer, or sending the case to K2 Global with proof of purchase through Fix My Bag. Meanwhile, Antler’s warranty doesn’t cover lock problems caused by forcing the lock, and Case Luggage’s guide gives the same warning for Briggs & Riley.

Which Lock Type Is Right for You?

Not every case has a built-in lock. Fortunately, Case Luggage also sells separate TSA locks from Go Travel.

Lock type	How it works	Example at Case Luggage	Price
Built-in TSA lock	Fixed into the case, with the zip pulls slotting into the lock	Found on cases from brands such as Samsonite, TUMI, Briggs & Riley, Delsey and Antler	Part of the case
TSA combination padlock	A separate three-dial padlock that attaches to most zipped luggage	Go Travel Large Classic Combi Lock	£8.99
TSA cable locks	Three-dial combination locks with a 14cm steel cable	Go Travel Combi Cable Twin Locks	£12.99

Source: caseluggage.com, checked 11 October 2026.

A built-in lock is the simplest choice for most travellers, because there’s nothing extra to lose. On the other hand, a padlock or cable lock adds security to a bag that doesn’t have its own lock.

What Is a TSA Lock, and Do You Need One?

A TSA lock keeps your belongings secure while still letting airport security open the case if they need to inspect it. According to Case Luggage, you can spot TSA approval by the red diamond logo. Also, its FAQ notes that TSA-approved locks are recognised worldwide, so they aren’t just for flights to the USA.

That’s why the keyhole on your lock isn’t for you. In fact, Case Luggage’s guide confirms that no customer key is supplied, because the keyhole is for airport security only.

What Case Luggage Customers Say

Case Luggage holds a TrustScore of 4.7 out of 5 (“Excellent”) from 4,232 reviews on Trustpilot, with 91% of reviewers giving five stars. (Trustpilot, checked 11 October 2026.)

Reviewers often praise how the team fixes problems quickly, from sending a replacement case to sorting out a wrong-colour order. Several also mention fast delivery and free returns. In addition, a couple admit they ordered a case that was too big, and they praise how quickly the team sorted the refund or return.

Topic	What happy customers report	Sunset Weekly tip
Problem solving	A replacement sent for a case with a small mark	Contact customer service as soon as you spot an issue
Sizing	A same-day refund when a case was too big	Check your airline’s cabin rules before you order
Personalisation	Engraving checked by phone before it went ahead	Double-check spellings, since monogrammed items can’t be returned
Delivery	Personalised cases arriving in time for a trip	Choose next working day delivery if you fly soon
Locks	A large eight-wheel suitcase arriving with its lock	Try 0-0-0 first, then set your own code

Sunset Weekly tip: Case Luggage’s Airline Cabin Regulations page lists cabin sizes by airline. However, rules can change at short notice, so check your airline’s own website too.

Why You Can Trust Case Luggage

• Heritage: Case Luggage has sold designer luggage since 1923.
• Stores: visit Piccadilly, Harrods or airside at Heathrow Terminals 3, 4 and 5. You can also Reserve & Collect at Heathrow or Piccadilly.
• Delivery: standard UK mainland delivery is free and takes 3 to 5 working days. Alternatively, next working day delivery to England, Wales and mainland Scotland costs £7.50 if you order before 12pm, Monday to Thursday.
• Returns: return full-priced items within 28 days and sale items within 14 days, with free standard returns on the UK mainland. Heathrow store purchases also get an enhanced 60-day returns policy.
• Support: call 0345 0038 283, or use live chat or WhatsApp. Customer service is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

---

Discover how Saily eSIM combines travel data, security features and built-in ad blocking.

---

Your Lock Checklist Before You Fly

Step	Done?
Open the lock at 0-0-0	☑️
Remove the zip pulls	☑️
Set your new code	☑️
Test it with the zips out	☑️
Photograph the code	☑️
Scramble the dials after locking	☑️

Final Verdict

Setting a 3-digit suitcase lock takes a pen, a little patience and one golden rule: keep the zips out while you reset. If your brand’s lock looks different, Case Luggage’s free Lock Guide covers many of the brands it sells. Plus, with free standard UK mainland delivery, Heathrow stores and a 4.7 TrustScore, it’s a reliable place to buy your next case, or a TSA padlock for the one you already own.

FAQs

What is the default code on a 3-digit suitcase lock?
On most new cases, it’s 0-0-0. Samsonite, TUMI, Briggs & Riley and Delsey all ship their locks at 0-0-0, and Antler’s set-up steps also start at 000.

How do I set up a suitcase lock with a 3 digit code?
First, open the lock at 0-0-0 and remove the zip pulls. Then press the reset pin with a pen, or hold the release button, and turn the dials to your code. Finally, release and test it.

Why won’t my suitcase lock reset?
The most common reason, according to Case Luggage, is resetting with the zip pulls still in the lock. So take them out and try again.

What do I do if I forget my suitcase lock code?
Start at 0-0-0 and work slowly through the combinations. If that fails, an authorised repair centre can reset or replace the lock, although repair charges are the customer’s responsibility.

Is there a key for my suitcase lock?
No. The keyhole on a TSA lock is for airport security only, so no customer key is supplied.

Are TSA locks only for flights to the USA?
No. According to Case Luggage, TSA-approved locks are recognised worldwide.

Can I change my suitcase lock code more than once?
Yes. For example, Case Luggage’s guide notes you can change a TUMI integrated lock’s code as often as you like. However, Delsey points out that you can’t reset a combination without knowing the current code.

Where can I buy a TSA lock in the UK?
Case Luggage sells Go Travel TSA locks online, including the Large Classic Combi Lock for £8.99 and the Combi Cable Twin Locks for £12.99.

Editorial & Accuracy Standards

• Expert Review:
  Ammara Azmat,
  Senior Travel Mobility Analyst (12+ years experience)
• Status: Verified for accuracy against official 2026 service data and real-time traveller reports.
• Our Process: This content follows our Fact-Checking Policy.