How To Lock An Away Suitcase

Published: October 20, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Stace Warden

Introduction

Welcome to the world of travel essentials and accessories! When it comes to embarking on a journey, having the right gear is crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. One essential item that every traveler needs is a reliable suitcase, and one brand that has been gaining popularity in recent years is Away.

Away suitcases are known for their high-quality materials, sleek design, and functional features. They have quickly become a favorite among frequent travelers and digital nomads. But what sets them apart from other suitcases on the market? And how can you ensure that your belongings stay safe and secure during your travels?

In this article, we will delve into the world of Away suitcases and explore the various options available for locking them. We will discuss different types of locks that can be used with Away suitcases, including combination locks, keyed locks, and TSA-approved locks. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, knowing how to properly lock your Away suitcase will give you peace of mind and protect your belongings.

So join us as we unlock the mysteries of how to securely lock an Away suitcase and discover the best practices for keeping your valuables safe while traveling. Let’s dive in!

What is an Away suitcase?

An Away suitcase is a premium travel suitcase brand that combines style, functionality, and durability. Founded in 2015 by Steph Korey and Jen Rubio, Away quickly gained popularity and became a go-to choice for travelers around the world.

What sets Away suitcases apart from other brands is their thoughtful design and attention to detail. The suitcases are made from high-quality materials, such as lightweight polycarbonate or durable aluminum. They come in a range of sizes, from carry-on to large checked baggage, to cater to different travel needs.

Away suitcases feature a minimalistic yet elegant aesthetic, with clean lines and a sleek profile. They also come equipped with various features to enhance the travel experience, such as 360-degree spinner wheels for smooth maneuverability, a compression system to maximize packing space, and a removable battery pack for charging electronic devices on the go.

Another standout feature of Away suitcases is their interior organization system. The suitcases include multiple compartments, pockets, and a removable laundry bag to keep your belongings tidy and easily accessible. Some models even have a built-in garment sleeve to keep your clothes wrinkle-free.

Aside from their functionality and design, Away suitcases are known for their durability. They are built to withstand the rigors of travel, with robust handles, reinforced corners, and impact-resistant shells. This ensures that your suitcase can endure the bumps and jostles of airport baggage handling without sustaining damage.

Furthermore, Away offers a lifetime warranty on their suitcases, giving travelers peace of mind and confidence in their purchase. If any functional defects or issues arise, Away will repair or replace the suitcase, exemplifying their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Overall, an Away suitcase is more than just a piece of luggage; it’s a stylish and reliable companion for your travel adventures. With its combination of modern design, practical features, and exceptional durability, an Away suitcase is the perfect travel essential for globetrotters who prioritize both style and functionality.

Why would you want to lock your Away suitcase?

Locking your Away suitcase is essential to ensure the safety and security of your belongings during your travels. Here are a few reasons why you would want to lock your Away suitcase:

Theft prevention: Locking your suitcase adds an extra layer of protection against theft. It discourages unauthorized access and ensures that your valuable items remain secure. Whether you’re traveling through airports, staying in hotels, or exploring crowded tourist areas, locking your suitcase can give you peace of mind.
Data privacy: Many travelers carry electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, that contain sensitive information. Locking your suitcase can help safeguard your devices and the data stored on them from potential theft or unauthorized access.
Baggage tampering: Unfortunately, instances of baggage tampering have been reported at airports around the world. Locking your suitcase can act as a deterrent to would-be thieves who may attempt to open or tamper with your luggage. It signals that your bag is secure and less likely to be a target for theft or tampering.
Protection during transit: Your suitcase goes through various stages of transit, including loading and unloading onto aircraft, being transported on baggage carousels, and potentially being handled by multiple individuals. Locking your Away suitcase helps protect your belongings from accidental spills, damage, or mix-ups with other bags.
Peace of mind: Travel can be stressful, and worrying about the security of your belongings shouldn’t add to that stress. By locking your Away suitcase, you can travel with a sense of peace and focus on enjoying your trip without constantly worrying about the safety of your belongings.

It’s important to note that while locking your suitcase offers protection, it’s not a guarantee against theft or tampering. Some jurisdictions and airport authorities have the legal right to open and inspect locked suitcases if deemed necessary for security reasons. That’s why it’s essential to choose locks that comply with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines, which we will discuss later in the article.

Now that you understand the importance of locking your Away suitcase, let’s explore the different types of locks available for securing your valuable belongings during your travels.

Types of locks for Away suitcases

When it comes to locking your Away suitcase, there are several types of locks to choose from. Each type offers its own set of features and benefits, allowing you to select the one that best suits your needs. Here are the main types of locks compatible with Away suitcases:

Combination locks: Combination locks are popular choices for securing suitcases. They consist of a dial mechanism with numbers or letters that you can set to create a unique combination. Combination locks are convenient because you don’t have to worry about carrying or potentially losing a key. However, it’s important to choose a combination that you can easily remember but is not too obvious for others to guess.
Keyed locks: Keyed locks require a physical key to open and lock your suitcase. They offer a straightforward and reliable locking mechanism and are often more difficult to tamper with than combination locks. However, keep in mind that if you lose the key, it can be challenging to unlock your suitcase. So it’s crucial to keep the key in a safe place during your travels.
TSA-approved locks: TSA-approved locks are specifically designed to meet the security requirements of the Transportation Security Administration. These locks have a special feature that allows TSA agents to open and inspect your luggage without damaging the lock. This is important because if your suitcase is locked with a non-TSA-approved lock and needs to be inspected, the lock may be forcibly removed. TSA-approved locks can be combination locks or key locks, providing an added level of security and peace of mind.

When choosing a lock for your Away suitcase, consider factors such as ease of use, durability, and compatibility. It’s also essential to check if the lock you choose is accepted by the airline you are traveling with and complies with TSA regulations if you are traveling internationally.

Now that you know the different types of locks available, let’s dive into the specifics of each type and explore how to lock an Away suitcase with a combination lock, a keyed lock, or a TSA-approved lock.

Combination locks for Away suitcases

Combination locks are a popular choice for securing Away suitcases due to their convenience and simplicity. These locks feature a dial mechanism with numbers or letters that you can set to create a unique combination. Here’s how to lock an Away suitcase with a combination lock:

Choose a memorable combination: Before you set your combination lock, choose a combination that is easy for you to remember but not too obvious for others to guess. Avoid using easily guessable combinations like your birthdate or simple sequences like 1234.
Locate the lock’s reset button: Look for a small reset button on the side or bottom of the lock. Press and hold this button to reset the lock to its default combination setting.
Set your desired combination: While holding down the reset button, turn the dials on the lock to your desired combination. Make sure each digit aligns with the indicator on the lock’s body.
Release the reset button: Once you’ve set your combination, release the reset button. Ensure that the dials are securely in place, and the lock is ready to be used.
Lock your Away suitcase: To lock your Away suitcase, find the zippers on the main compartment and align them together. Slide the zipper pulls through the loop on the lock and position them inside the lock. Rotate the dials to scramble the combination, effectively securing the lock on your suitcase.

To unlock your Away suitcase with a combination lock, simply rotate the dials to align with your chosen combination and pull open the lock. Remember to reset the lock to a new combination after each trip.

Combination locks for Away suitcases offer the advantage of not requiring a physical key, making them convenient and easy to use. They are also more resistant to tampering compared to other locks. However, always remember to keep your combination private and secure and avoid sharing it with anyone except trusted individuals.

Now that you know how to lock your Away suitcase with a combination lock, let’s move on to understanding how to lock it with a keyed lock.

Keyed locks for Away suitcases

If you prefer a traditional locking mechanism, a keyed lock can be an excellent choice for securing your Away suitcase. These locks require a physical key to open and lock your luggage. Here’s how to lock an Away suitcase with a keyed lock:

Choose a reliable lock: Select a high-quality keyed lock that is compatible with your Away suitcase. Look for a lock that is durable, tamper-resistant, and offers smooth operation.
Identify the keyhole: Locate the keyhole on your suitcase. It is usually found near the zippers of the main compartment.
Insert the key: Insert the key into the keyhole fully and ensure it is inserted straight and aligned correctly.
Turn the key to lock: Rotate the key clockwise to lock the suitcase. Apply slight pressure while turning to ensure the lock securely engages.
Remove the key: After locking the suitcase, remove the key from the keyhole. Keep the key in a safe place while you travel.

To unlock your Away suitcase with a keyed lock, simply insert the key into the keyhole and rotate it counterclockwise to release the lock mechanism. Remove the key from the keyhole, and your suitcase will be unlocked and ready to access.

Keyed locks offer a simple and reliable locking solution, providing you with a physical key that is required to open the lock. However, it is essential to keep the key safe and secure during your travels. Consider having a backup key stored separately in case of loss or misplacement.

Now that you know how to lock your Away suitcase with a keyed lock, let’s explore an alternative option: TSA-approved locks.

TSA-approved locks for Away suitcases

If you’re traveling to or within the United States, using a TSA-approved lock for your Away suitcase is highly recommended. These locks are specially designed to meet the security regulations set by the Transportation Security Administration. Here’s what you need to know about TSA-approved locks and how to use them:

TSA-approved locks have a unique feature that allows TSA agents to open and inspect your luggage without damaging the lock. This is important because if your suitcase is locked with a non-TSA-approved lock and needs to be inspected, the lock may be forcibly removed, potentially causing damage to your suitcase.

When purchasing a TSA-approved lock for your Away suitcase, ensure that it has the distinctive red diamond-shaped logo, indicating its compliance with TSA regulations. Here’s how to lock an Away suitcase with a TSA-approved lock:

Choose a TSA-approved lock: Look for a lock that displays the TSA red diamond-shaped logo, ensuring its compliance with TSA regulations.
Identify the keyhole or combination mechanism: Depending on whether your TSA-approved lock is a keyed lock or a combination lock, locate the keyhole or the combination mechanism on your suitcase.
Set the combination or insert the key: Follow the instructions provided with your TSA-approved lock to set the combination or insert the key into the keyhole.
Lock your Away suitcase: Once you have set the combination or inserted the key, follow the instructions specific to your lock to secure it to your suitcase. This often involves aligning the zippers of the main compartment, inserting the loop of the lock, and engaging the locking mechanism.

To unlock your Away suitcase with a TSA-approved lock, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions specific to your lock. Typically, this involves inserting the key or entering the correct combination to release the lock.

Using a TSA-approved lock provides an added level of security and peace of mind, knowing that your suitcase can be inspected by TSA agents if necessary, without the risk of damage or lock removal.

Now that we have covered the different types of locks compatible with Away suitcases, let’s move on to the practical steps of locking and securing your suitcase with each type of lock.

How to lock an Away suitcase with a combination lock

If you have chosen to secure your Away suitcase with a combination lock, follow these steps to lock your suitcase:

Choose a memorable combination: Before setting your combination lock, select a combination that is easy for you to remember but not easily guessable by others. Avoid using common combinations like birthdays or simple sequences.
Locate the lock’s reset button: Look for a small reset button on the side or bottom of the combination lock. Press and hold this button to reset the lock to its default combination setting.
Set your desired combination: While holding down the reset button, turn the dials on the lock to your desired combination. Ensure each digit aligns with the indicator on the lock’s body.
Release the reset button: After setting your combination, release the reset button. Confirm that the dials are securely in place and the lock is ready to be used.
Lock your Away suitcase: To lock your Away suitcase, find the zippers on the main compartment and align them together. Slide the zipper pulls through the loop on the lock and position them inside the lock. Rotate the dials to scramble the combination, effectively securing the lock on your suitcase.

Combination locks offer convenience and reliability without the need for a physical key. However, be sure to keep your combination private and avoid sharing it with anyone except trusted individuals.

Now that you know how to lock your Away suitcase with a combination lock, let’s move on to understanding how to lock it with a keyed lock.

How to lock an Away suitcase with a keyed lock

If you have opted to secure your Away suitcase with a keyed lock, follow these steps to lock your suitcase:

Choose a reliable lock: Select a high-quality keyed lock that is compatible with your Away suitcase. Ensure that it is durable, tamper-resistant, and offers smooth operation.
Locate the keyhole: Identify the keyhole on your suitcase, typically found near the zippers of the main compartment.
Insert the key: Insert the key fully into the keyhole, ensuring it is straight and aligned correctly.
Turn the key to lock: Rotate the key clockwise to lock the suitcase. Apply gentle pressure while turning to ensure the lock securely engages.
Remove the key: After locking the suitcase, remove the key from the keyhole. Keep the key in a safe place while you travel.

Keyed locks offer a traditional and reliable locking mechanism, providing you with a physical key required to open the lock. However, it is crucial to keep the key safe and secure during your travels. Consider having a backup key stored separately in case of loss or misplacement.

Now that you know how to lock your Away suitcase with a keyed lock, let’s explore an alternative option: TSA-approved locks.

How to lock an Away suitcase with a TSA-approved lock

If you’re using a TSA-approved lock to secure your Away suitcase, follow these steps to lock your luggage:

Choose a TSA-approved lock: Look for a lock that displays the TSA red diamond-shaped logo, indicating its compliance with TSA regulations.
Identify the keyhole or combination mechanism: Depending on whether your TSA-approved lock is a keyed lock or a combination lock, locate the keyhole or the combination mechanism on your suitcase.
Set the combination or insert the key: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions specific to your TSA-approved lock to set the combination or insert the key into the keyhole.
Lock your Away suitcase: Once you have set the combination or inserted the key, follow the instructions provided with your lock to secure it to your suitcase. This usually involves aligning the zippers of the main compartment, inserting the loop of the lock, and engaging the locking mechanism.

To unlock your Away suitcase with a TSA-approved lock, follow the manufacturer’s instructions specific to your lock. It typically involves inserting the key or entering the correct combination to release the lock.

Using a TSA-approved lock provides an added level of security and peace of mind. It allows TSA agents to inspect your luggage if necessary without damaging the lock. Remember to securely store your key or remember your combination during your travels.

Now that you know how to lock your Away suitcase with a TSA-approved lock, it’s important to keep in mind some general tips for safely locking your suitcase.

Tips for safely locking your Away suitcase

Ensuring the safety and security of your belongings while traveling is essential. Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind when locking your Away suitcase:

Choose a durable and reliable lock: Select a lock that is built to withstand the rigors of travel. Look for one made from sturdy materials that can resist tampering and provide a secure locking mechanism.
Consider using multiple locks: To add an extra layer of security, you may opt for using multiple locks on different parts of your suitcase. This can deter potential theft and provide additional peace of mind.
Keep your lock combination or key secure: Whether you use a combination lock or a keyed lock, ensure that you keep the combination or key in a safe and secure place. Avoid sharing this information with anyone except trusted individuals.
Use TSA-approved locks when traveling to the United States: If you are traveling to or within the United States, it’s highly recommended to use TSA-approved locks. These locks allow TSA agents to inspect your baggage if necessary, without damaging the lock.
Follow airline regulations: Different airlines may have specific requirements or restrictions regarding locks on suitcases. Before traveling, be sure to check the regulations of the airline you’re flying with to ensure compliance.
Keep an eye on your suitcase: While your suitcase is being handled, transported, or stored, try to keep an eye on it as much as possible. This helps prevent unauthorized access or tampering.
Remove valuable items: It’s always a good idea to remove valuable items from your suitcase and keep them with you in your carry-on bag. This minimizes the risk of potential loss or theft.
Keep an inventory of your belongings: Before locking your suitcase, make a list or take photos of the items inside. This can be useful for insurance claims in case of loss or damage.
Ensure your lock is securely attached: Double-check that your lock is properly attached to your suitcase, and the locking mechanism is engaged securely. This helps prevent accidental opening or detachment of the lock.
Remove old baggage tags: Before using your lock, make sure to remove any old baggage tags or labels from previous trips. This eliminates confusion and ensures your suitcase is easily identifiable.

By following these tips, you can enhance the security of your Away suitcase and enjoy your travels with peace of mind, knowing that your belongings are safely secured.

Now, let’s wrap up and conclude our exploration of locking an Away suitcase and the essential tips for keeping your valuables safe while traveling.

Conclusion

Locking your Away suitcase is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and security of your belongings while traveling. Whether you choose a combination lock, a keyed lock, or a TSA-approved lock, locking your suitcase adds an extra layer of protection against theft, tampering, and unauthorized access.

Away suitcases are renowned for their high-quality materials, sleek design, and functional features. They offer a range of options to cater to different travel needs, from carry-on to large checked baggage. It’s important to choose a lock that is compatible with your Away suitcase and meets your security requirements.

If you opt for a combination lock, remember to choose a memorable yet secure combination, keeping it private and avoiding easily guessable combinations. Keyed locks provide reliability and require a physical key for locking and unlocking your suitcase. TSA-approved locks offer the added advantage of compliance with Transportation Security Administration regulations, allowing for inspection without damaging the lock.

When locking your Away suitcase, ensure that the lock is securely attached and that the locking mechanism is engaged properly. Keep the combination or key secure during your travels, and consider using multiple locks for added security. It’s also essential to check and comply with airline regulations regarding suitcase locks.

By following these tips and best practices, you can have peace of mind knowing that your belongings are protected. Remember to remove valuable items, keep an eye on your suitcase, and remove any old baggage tags or labels. If possible, keep a record or inventory of the items in your suitcase for insurance purposes.

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of how to lock an Away suitcase, you can confidently secure your belongings for your next travel adventure. Enjoy your journey with the assurance that your valuables are safe and protected!