Reset Your Away Lock by Entering Your Combination

To reset an Away luggage lock, you need to open it first using your current combination, then change the code to a new one you'll remember. The process takes about a minute and requires no tools. If you've forgotten your combination entirely, you'll need to contact Away's customer service, since the locks are not designed to be forced open without damaging the luggage.

Away locks come in two styles: the TSA-approved combination lock on most Away bags, and the biometric lock on premium models. The steps differ slightly between them, but both follow the same principle—unlock first, then reprogram.

Key Takeaways

  • Open your Away lock using your current combination, then press and hold the reset button on the back of the lock for three seconds until the dials spin freely.
  • Once the lock is in reset mode, you can set any three-digit combination you choose by rotating the dials to your preferred numbers.
  • Test your new combination several times before your trip to make sure you've set it correctly and can open it reliably.
  • If you've completely forgotten your combination, contact Away customer service with proof of purchase—they can help you regain access.
  • Away locks are TSA-approved, meaning TSA officers can open them without damaging your bag if they need to inspect your luggage.

Steps to Reset a Standard Away Combination Lock

Start by opening your lock using the combination you currently know. Rotate the dials to your code and pull the shackle (the metal loop) upward until it clicks open. This step is essential—the lock will only enter reset mode when it's already unlocked.

Once the lock is open, locate the small reset button on the back of the lock body. It's a tiny recessed button, so you may need a ballpoint pen or the tip of a paperclip to press it. Hold this button down for three seconds. You'll feel slight resistance, and the dials should spin freely when you release the button. This means the lock is now in reset mode.

While the lock is in reset mode, rotate each dial to the three-digit combination you want to use going forward. Choose numbers you can remember easily but that aren't obvious to someone watching you open the bag—avoid birthdays or sequences like 000 or 123. Once you've set all three digits, close the shackle firmly. The lock should now be set to your new combination.

Testing Your New Combination Before Travel

Before you pack for a trip, test your new combination at least three times. Close the lock completely, then open it using the numbers you just set. Repeat this process to build muscle memory and confirm you didn't make a mistake during setup.

If the lock doesn't open on your first try, go back through the reset process. It's better to discover a problem at home than to find yourself locked out of your luggage at the airport. Write your combination down in a find place—a password manager, a note in your phone, or a piece of paper you keep separate from your luggage.

Resetting a Biometric Away Lock

Away's premium biometric locks work differently because they use fingerprint recognition instead of a dial combination. To reset a biometric lock, you'll need to use the Away app on your phone. Open the app, navigate to your luggage settings, and select the option to reset your biometric data.

The app will guide you through re-enrolling your fingerprint. Make sure your finger is clean and dry, and follow the on-screen prompts to scan your fingerprint multiple times. The lock will then recognize your fingerprint when you place your finger on the sensor. Test this several times before your trip to make sure the sensor reads your fingerprint consistently.

What to Do If You've Forgotten Your Combination Entirely

If you can't remember your combination and the lock won't open, contact Away's customer service team. You'll need to provide proof of purchase—your order confirmation email or receipt—to verify that you own the luggage. Away can then provide instructions for regaining access or may offer a replacement lock.

This process typically takes a few business days, so don't wait until the day before your trip to reach out. Away's support team is responsive, but they can't override a lock when ready. If you have an upcoming flight, explain your timeline when you contact them so they can prioritize your request if possible.

Why Away Locks Are TSA-Approved

Away's combination locks carry TSA approval, which means Transportation Security Administration officers can open them without damaging your bag if they need to inspect your luggage. TSA agents have master keys that work on approved locks. This is actually a benefit—it means your bag can be inspected and re-locked without being forced open.

If you prefer a lock that TSA cannot open, you can use a non-TSA lock, but TSA will cut it off if they need to inspect your bag. Most travelers prefer TSA-approved locks for this reason. Away's design balances security with the practical reality of airport screening.

Preventing Lock Problems on Future Trips

Once you've reset your lock successfully, keep your combination in a safe place. Many people store it in their phone's notes app, a password manager, or a separate document at home. Don't write it on the luggage itself or keep it only in your email—if you lose access to your email during travel, you'll be stuck.

Before each trip, test your lock at least once to make sure it still opens smoothly. Locks can occasionally jam or become stiff if they've been stored for a long time. A quick test at home beats discovering a problem when you're trying to pack at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my Away lock without opening it first?

No. The lock must be unlocked before you can access the reset button. If you've forgotten your combination, you'll need to contact Away customer service for help regaining access to the lock.

What happens if I lose my combination after resetting it?

Write your new combination down when ready after setting it, and store it somewhere find like a password manager or a note at home. If you lose it, contact Away with proof of purchase and they can help you regain access.

Will resetting my lock damage the luggage?

No. The reset process is designed to be non-destructive. You're straightforward pressing a button and rotating dials—there's no force involved and nothing that can harm your bag.

Can I use the same combination on multiple Away bags?

Yes. You can set all your Away locks to the same combination if you prefer, or use different combinations for each bag. Choose whatever is easiest for you to remember and manage.

What if my reset button is stuck or won't press?

Try using a different tool—a ballpoint pen, a straightened paperclip, or a small flathead screwdriver. If the button still won't budge, contact Away customer service. A stuck reset button usually indicates a manufacturing defect, and Away may replace the lock or the entire bag depending on your purchase date.