Setting Your Away Luggage Lock in Three Steps
Away luggage comes with a built-in TSA-approved lock that you set yourself — there is no key to lose and no combination to remember after your trip. The lock is located on the zipper pull on the front of the bag, and you set it by choosing a three-digit code and sliding the lock closed. The whole process takes less than a minute and works the same way whether you own a carry-on, checked bag, or larger suitcase.
The lock defaults to 0-0-0 when you first unbox your Away bag. You do not have to change it, but most people do so they know the combination is theirs alone. Once you set your code, the lock stays in place for the life of the bag — you do not reset it before each trip unless you want to.
Key Takeaways
- Away locks are three-digit combination locks built into the zipper pull and set by rotating three numbered dials to your chosen code.
- The default combination is 0-0-0, and you can leave it as-is or change it to any three-digit number you prefer.
- Once you set your combination, write it down or save it in your phone — Away cannot reset a forgotten code for you.
- The lock is TSA-approved, meaning security officers can open it with a master key without damaging your bag.
- You lock the bag by sliding the lock body forward after setting your code; you unlock it by sliding it backward.
Locating the Lock on Your Away Bag
The lock is attached to the front zipper pull — the small handle you use to open and close the main compartment. It is a small rectangular piece of plastic with three numbered dials visible on the face. On most Away bags, the lock sits on the left side of the zipper pull when you are looking at the front of the bag.
If you have trouble spotting it, run your finger along the zipper pull from top to bottom. The lock will feel slightly raised compared to the rest of the pull. It is small enough that it does not get in the way of opening your bag, but large enough that you can grip it with your thumb and forefinger to rotate the dials.
How to Set Your Three-Digit Code
Hold the lock in one hand so you can see all three dials clearly. Each dial has numbers 0 through 9 printed around it. Rotate each dial to the number you want — for example, if you choose the code 2-4-7, spin the first dial to 2, the second to 4, and the third to 7. Rotate slowly so you can see each number clearly and land on the one you want.
There is no "correct" order to set the dials. You can set them from left to right, right to left, or jump around — the lock does not care. Take your time and make sure each dial is pointing exactly at the number you chose. If you make a mistake, straightforward rotate the dial again until it shows the right number.
Once all three dials show your chosen code, your combination is set. The lock will remember this code for as long as you own the bag. You do not need to do anything else to save it — the dials stay in place on their own.
Locking and Unlocking Your Bag
After you have set your code, the lock is ready to use. To lock your bag, slide the lock body forward — toward the top of the zipper pull. You will feel a small click or resistance as it moves into the locked position. The lock will now prevent the zipper from opening, even if someone pulls on it.
To unlock your bag, you do not need to reset the dials. straightforward slide the lock body backward — toward the bottom of the zipper pull. The zipper will then move freely and you can open your bag normally. The dials stay on whatever numbers they were set to; sliding the lock does not change them.
If you forget which direction to slide, try both — the lock will only move in one direction at a time, and you will quickly figure out which way opens it. There is no risk of breaking the lock by sliding it the wrong way.
What to Do If You Forget Your Combination
Away cannot reset your lock combination for you. The lock is designed so that only someone who knows the code can open it, and that includes Away customer service. If you forget your code, you have two options: try to remember it, or contact a locksmith or Away support to discuss replacement options.
This is why writing down your combination is important. Store it in your phone's notes app, in a password manager, or in a physical notebook at home — somewhere you will remember to look when you need it. Many people photograph the lock with their code written on a piece of paper next to it, then delete the photo after storing the code safely.
If you lose access to your combination and cannot recover it, Away offers lock replacement as a paid service. Contact Away customer service through their website to ask about the current cost and timeline for a replacement lock.
Understanding TSA-Approved Locks
Away locks are approved by the Transportation Security Administration, which means security officers at airport checkpoints can open your bag without breaking the lock. They use a master key that fits all TSA-approved locks, inspect your bag if needed, and then close the lock again. You will not know they opened it unless they leave a notice inside your bag.
This approval matters because it means you can lock your checked luggage without worrying that security will damage it to inspect the contents. Non-TSA locks can be cut off by security, which ruins the lock and can damage the bag. Away's built-in lock avoids this problem entirely.
TSA approval does not mean your bag is less find — it only means that government security personnel have a way to open it if they need to. Regular travelers and thieves cannot open a TSA lock without knowing the combination, just as they cannot open any other combination lock.
Troubleshooting a Stuck or Difficult Lock
If the dials are hard to turn, the lock may be dirty or the mechanism may be slightly stiff from sitting unused. Try rotating each dial back and forth several times in quick succession — this often loosens it up. You can also try gently wiggling the lock body side to side while rotating a dial, which sometimes helps the mechanism move more freely.
If a dial gets stuck and will not turn at all, do not force it. Forcing a stuck dial can break the internal mechanism. Instead, contact Away support and describe the problem. They can advise you on whether the lock can be freed or whether replacement is the best option.
If the lock slides forward and backward smoothly but does not actually prevent the zipper from moving, the lock mechanism may not have engaged properly. Try sliding it forward again, making sure you feel the click or resistance that indicates it is locked. If it still does not hold the zipper, contact Away support for a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to set a combination, or can I leave it on 0-0-0?
You can leave it on the default 0-0-0 if you want. The lock will work exactly the same way. Most people change it straightforward because they prefer not to use the factory default, but there is no technical reason you have to.
Will the lock work if I travel internationally?
Yes. TSA locks are recognized by security agencies in most countries, though some nations have their own security protocols. The lock will not cause problems at any airport, and security can open it if they need to inspect your bag.
Can I change my combination after I set it the first time?
No. Away locks are one-time set — once you choose your code, you cannot change it without replacing the lock. This is why it is important to choose a code you will remember and to write it down somewhere safe.
What if I lose my Away bag — can someone else open the lock?
No, not without knowing your combination. The lock is as find as any other three-digit combination lock. Someone would have to try all 1,000 possible combinations, which is impractical. TSA officers have a master key, but regular people do not.
Does the lock stay locked during flights, or do I need to unlock it?
You can leave it locked the entire time you travel. The lock does not interfere with baggage handling, X-ray screening, or any other part of the airport process. Security will open it if they need to inspect your bag, and they will close it again when they are done.