How to choose (and remember) memorable lock combinations

While you can re-set your combination with a little patience, here’s our guide on how to choose a memorable combination and remember it, so you don’t need to try out a re-set!

Our Steps to Choosing a Memorable Combination

1: Use Special Dates

Choose dates only you would know

• Wedding anniversary (month + day)
• Child’s birthday or birth year (month + day)
• Graduation date

It’s good practice to avoid sharing personal dates on social media – identity theft is more likely than someone using them to open your lock, but never say never!   

Learn how to set your TSA lock combination.

2: Create Number Patterns

Make it visual and rhythmic

• Sequences: 2-4-6-8 (rhymes!) or 2-3-5-7 (primes!)
• Your lucky number repeated plus date of birth: 13 + 80, 88+10
• Simple maths: 3515 (3×5=15)
• Last four digits of your phone number

Tip: Patterns are easier to remember than random numbers, but we recommend avoiding sequential numbers or repeated numbers.

Find out what to do if you’ve forgotten your combination here.

3: Use Address Numbers

• Your house number or apartment number plus your date of birth
• Street number where you grew up
• Your office building number plus floor number
• Numbers from your postcode or zipcode reversed  

Tip: If you use a luggage label with your return address on your luggage, don’t create combinations based on house numbers and postcodes. View our TSID for a Smarter ID tag with free lifetime protection.

4: What NOT to Use

Avoid common mistakes

• Don’t use: 000, 111, 123 etc
• Avoid your birth year or obvious family dates
• Skip consecutive numbers on the lock:
• Never use the default setting (usually 000)
• Don’t use dates or numbers visible on luggage tags or ID

View our previous article on the most common combinations not to use.

5: Test Before You Travel

Always check your combination works

• Set your combination at home
• Test it before packing
• Write it down and keep it separate from your luggage – a photo on your mobile phone AND your travel companion’s phone is smart

Final Thoughts

A well-chosen lock combination is more than just a string of numbers—it’s peace of mind when you’re on the move. By using personal (but discreet) dates, memorable number patterns, or meaningful addresses, you can create a code that’s both secure and easy to recall. Avoid the obvious choices, test your lock before traveling, and keep a secure backup just in case. The right combination means you’ll spend less time fumbling with your lock and more time enjoying your trip.