Information on suitcase TSA Locks

Most modern suitcases have TSA Locks, which enable Customs Officers around the world to access your suitcase if they need to check the contents without breaking into your case.  There are various types of TSA Locks on the market, but they essentially work the same.

If you are looking to purchase a suitcase with a TSA lock then please browse our selection here.

Here we will answer the 2 common questions regarding TSA locks:

1. Where Is The Key?

TSA locks have a keyhole, which implies that there should be a corresponding key. 

Well, there is a key, but it is only used by US Customs Officers and other Customs Officers around the world if they want to look in your case.  This means they don't have to  cut open your case if they want to look at the contents.

2. How Do I Open The Lock And Set The Combination?

Some suitcase manufacturers don’t place the lock instructions on the outside of the case (hello Samsonite!), so if you are not used to TSA locks, then it is not always obvious what to do.

IMPORTANT NOTE: when setting the lock always ensure that the zip pulls are not clicked into the lock.  In the unlikely event that you make a mistake when setting the lock then you can still access the case.  We've received calls from panicking travellers who have set the lock incorrectly and all their possessions are locked inside.

There are a few variations of the TSA lock.  When you receive your case the lock will be set at the default code of ‘000’.

Variation 1

When you receive a case with this lock all you need to do is push the circular keylock to the right hand side and the lock will open.

To set a new combination for this lock all you do is push the circular keylock to the right and hold it, then set your 3-digit code and release the circular keylock.

Variation 2 

When you receive a case with this lock all you need to do is push the square panel on the right hand side of the lock to release the lock.

To set the lock you will need to look under the lock where you will see a small button.  Find a pin or pen and push in the button, set your 3-digit combination, then push the square panel to the left.  You will hear a click and the lock is now set.

Variation 3

To open this lock you need to push the square keylock on the left-hand side of this image.

To set the combination on this lock you need to push down the square silver button to the right of the combination, select your 3-digit code, then push down the square keylock.

***Just to reiterate: No matter what TSA Lock you have we always recommend setting the lock with the zip pulls not clicked in to the lock.  If you set the lock incorrectly and the zip pulls are in the lock, then you can't get into the suitcase.  We've fielded calls from people who are about to leave for the airport and they've inadvertently locked themselves out of their suitcase by settling the lock incorrectly.

What happens if I have locked myself out of my suitcase?

If you find yourself in this position there are 2 options:

1. Send the case to the manufacturer's repair centre where they can reset the lock.  This does take time, possibly up to 2 weeks at peak times, so this option doesn't work if you are travelling soon.

2. If you are travelling very soon then we suggest using a flat-head screwdriver (or equivalent tool) and slide it between the zip pulls and the lock and then prise the zip pulls out of the lock.  This means the case can be used in the short-term.  Most zip pulls have loops, so if you then purchase a TSA padlock you can lock your case.  However, on return from your travel we recommend contacting the manufacturer's repair centre and getting the TSA lock on your case replaced.

If you have any questions regarding TSA locks, then please contact us here or on 01403 713332.

Pros and Cons of 2-Wheel and 4-Wheel Suitcases

Pros and Cons of 2-Wheel and 4-Wheel Suitcases

We get many enquiries about whether customers should purchase a 2-wheel or 4-wheel item of luggage.  There are positives and negatives for both options, so here are common considerations and advantages to help you find the most suitable case for your needs:

2-Wheel

Before the introduction of 2-wheel suitcases you had to carry your luggage, so lets raise a glass to celebrate this invention!  While 4-wheel cases have become more popular over recent years, 2-wheelers are still a great option especially for a cabin case.

• More packing space: the design of 2-wheel suitcases means that the wheels are set into bottom of the case.  As a result, 2-wheel suitcases sit lower to the floor and the wheels don't protrude from the bottom of the case like a 4-wheel.  This gives a 2-wheel suitcase greater capacity, which can be a major consideration for cabin cases.
• Less likely to snap off: because the 2- wheels are set into the case you won't find baggage handlers using the wheels as handles when they are getting your bag on of off the aircraft.

You can view our range of 2-wheel cabin cases and suitcases here.

4-Wheel

While you don't get the same capacity as a 2-wheel suitcase, 4-wheel cases are increasingly popular.

• Maneuverability: 4-wheel suitcases offer greater maneuverability when travelling with your case because the wheels rotate 360 degrees.  They can travel along side you or be pulled on 2-wheels behind you.  4-wheel cabin cases can also fit easily down the aisle on an aircraft by pushing it side-on.
• Easy to replace: it has been known that wheels don't arrive at the airport carousel after baggage handlers have used them as handles to pick up your case.  While it is still rare for wheels to come off suitcases, this can happen.  Fortunately, all the brands that Go Places sells have easily replaced wheels, so in the unlikely event of a wheel coming off your suitcase this does have a simple fix.

You can view our range of 4-wheel cabin cases and suitcases here.

Each customer has different needs; some might require easy maneuverability while others need to squeeze those extra few litres of capacity for their weekend city break cabin case.  Whatever you need Go Places will have an option for you and if you need any advice, then please give us a call on 01403 713332 or use our contact form here.

Suitcase Size Guide

• Visual Guide
• More Info

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• One of the most common questions we are asked is what is the best size suitcase for me?  Below you'll find information that answers a few common questions and will help you make the right decision.

  What's included in the advertised dimensions of the suitcase?

  The vast majority of dimensions listed on Go Places are the external dimensions of a suitcase which includes the wheels and the carry handles. The dimensions do not included the telescopic trolley handle when it has been extended. The height dimensions are usually taken from the bottom of the wheel to the top of the top carry handle and the width dimensions include the side handle.  Some cases will have dimensions listed that exclude the wheels and this is noted on the Go Places website.

  Generally, the wheels add 5-6 centimetres to the size of the case.

  When you are replacing an old case where the wheels are integrated into the case you should remember that most new cases, with the exception of 2-wheel cabin cases, will have less packing capacity because the wheels will generally be attached to the bottom of the case for easy manoeuvering.

  What case is suitable for my holiday?

  This answer to this question depends on how long your holiday is, where you are travelling at what time of year and whether you are a light or heavy packer. We generally advise the following:

  Travel Time	Size of case
  1-2 days	Cabin case
  2 - 7 days	69-71cm
  7-10 days	69cm for light packers, 75cm for heavy packers
  Up to 14 days	75cm for light packers, 81cm for heavy packers
  Over 14 days	81cm or more

  Do the same size suitcases have the same capacity?
  Not all suitcases that have the same dimensions have the same capacity. This is generally down to the material that is being used and the internal compartments, so it is always worth checking the capacity of a case.

  How much can I fit into a suitcase?

  As a guide, you'll be able to fit the following items into cases with these capacities:
  
  35-40 Litres:
  4 Shirts
  1 Toiletry bags
  2 Pairs of shoes
  2 Trousers
  1 Coats
  
  70-80 Litres:
  14 Shirts
  2 Toiletry bags
  4 Pairs of shoes
  4 Trousers
  1 Coat
  
  80-100 Litres:
  20 Shirts
  2 Toiletry bags
  6 Pairs of shoes
  6 Trousers
  2 Coats
  
  100-120 Litres:
  20 Shirts
  2 Toiletry bags
  6 Pairs of shoes
  6 Trousers
  2 Coats
  
  110-120 Litres:
  24 Shirts
  2 Toiletry bags
  6 Pairs of shoes
  8 Trousers
  2 Coats
  
  130-140 Litres:
  30 Shirts
  2 Toiletry bags
  7 Pairs of shoes
  10 Trousers
  2 Coats

   

  If you have any further questions then please call us on 01403 713332.