Travel Tips

1. Open the combination lock with the previous combination that the lock was set to. If you just bought the lock then the most likely combination will be 000.
2. Pull up on the lock latch to expose the opening.
3. Insert the combination-changing tool fully into the hole where the lock latch is usually pushed down. The combination-changing tool will have exact instructions for the model you purchased. If the lock manufacturer sent you a combination-changing tool, follow those instructions for inserting the tool.
4. Change the combination of the lock to one of your choice while the combination-changing tool is inserted into the lock. This can be done by twisting the dial of the lock as if you were opening it or following the next few steps.
5. Turn the dial clockwise twice and then stop on the first combination number of your choice.
6. Turn the dial counter-clockwise, passing the second number of your choice once and then stopping on it the second time.
7. Turn the dial clockwise once again, only this time do not pass the third number of your choice, but stop on it the first time around. After having stopped on the third number, your combination lock should be reset.
8. Remove the combination-changing tool completely.
9. Lock the combination lock by pushing the latch down until you hear the lock click. You have successfully set the combination lock and it can now be opened with your new number combination.

1. Set dials to factory preset combination: 0-0-0.
2. Open the lock by pressing down on the rubber button on the side of the lock. The cable tip will be released.
3. With a pen, push the bottom button in the direction of the arrow. Hold it until completing the next step.
4. Turn the dials to your desired personal combination.
5. Release the bottom button and insert the cable tip into the hole

TSA has worked with several companies to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal "master" keys so that the locks may not have to be cut. A TSA Lock may be opened by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents utilizing a secured access device, independent from your personal combination.

Travel Sentry® is a leading independent testing and standards organization. The Travel Sentry® Red Diamond mark indicates that the SpeedThru™ laptop sleeve has undergone rigorous testing by Travel Sentry, and is Travel Sentry® approved as checkpoint friendly.

But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system.

Leather

• Determine first the type of leather and staid for matching the best care method.
• Always test the cleaning material on a small invisible part first.
• Avoid products like mink oil, shoe polish and waxes. If you are uncertain consider seeking for professional assistance.
• For cleaning finished leather place a small amount of moisturizing bath soap on a damp cloth and work it into the leather. Rub the damp cloth on the leather without getting it too wet then polish the item with a dry towel. After it dried completely, treat the baggage with a conditioner.
• Do not use water to rinse the leather.
• To treat mildew stain, mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with 1 cup of water, moisten a cloth with the mixture and wipe it off with a clean cloth. Let it air dry and restore its softness with a conditioner.

Ballistic Nylon & Polyester 

• Luggage made of ballistic nylon will ensure that stains, dirt, and water will be kept to a minimum. Cleaning your luggage with water is safe and easy.
• Use gentle soap or those that do not have very harsh chemicals. This will ensure that the chemicals that are usually found in soaps will not create a destructive reaction.
• Luggage bag made from polyester is definitely hard wearing and flexible and is highly resistant to scratches.
• Brushes that have nylon bristles are best for cleaning ballistic nylon luggage and will not create scratches on the surface
• Do not to soak the material and clean the whole section and not just the dirty part.
• Using soaps that contain very harsh chemicals could destroy the natural brilliance and beauty of the luggage. Hence, detergents and other strong cleaning materials should never be used.
• Using soaps that are proven to be mild or gentle and without any harmful chemicals will extend the lifespan of your luggage and the contents of your bag
• After cleaning luggage made of polyester or nylon, it is best to use some chemical solution that will bring back the resistance properties against water, stains, and dirt. 
• Read the instructions before using any chemical solutions

 

Plastic

• Never use abrasive cleansers, abrasive pads, or gritty cloths.
• Do not remove dirty by scraping with a sharp tool, such as a razor blade or putty knife.
• Do not clean with window cleaning fluids or strong solvents such as gasoline, denatured alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, or acetone. They will cause the plastic to craze with minute cracks
• To clean a plastic skylight, use either a solution of mild soap or detergent and water or a weak solution of household ammonia and water (do not use ammonia for polycarbonates.) Apply a soft cloth or cellulose sponge and rinse well with clear water. To prevent water spots, blot dry with a chamois or a damp cellulose sponge.
• To remove foreign material (protective paper, glazing compound, caulking, roofing tar, grease, or fresh oil paint) from acrylic, use hexane, a good grade of naphtha, kerosene, or methanol applied with a soft cloth. Use a good grade of naphtha, isopropyl alcohol, or butyl cello-solve on polycarbonate domes. Then clean the skylight as described above.
• To maintain the luster of plastic, protect it with a thin, even coat of automobile polish (not cleaner polish) or floor or automobile wax applied with a clean, soft cloth. Buff lightly and wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove static electricity which attracts dirt.

 
Handles, zippers and locks

• Remember that using oil on the solid accessories go with the bags, for instance the edges, straps, handles, zippers and locks more harm than good and can initiate leaks that leads to the staining of clothes or the inside layer of the bag.
• Polishing the hardware (straps, handles, zippers, and locks) lightly using a good quality steel wool and “re-seal” them with a clear nail polish will maintain the luster of the hardware.

Whether you are going away for the weekend, or travelling on a business trip, when it comes to choosing luggage picking a suitable product is of great importance. There are many different types of suitcase available in varying in size, brands and functions. We summarized a few tips from a leading manufacturer to support you in making the right decision. 

Frame
Fiberglass inner frames ensure both strength and light weight. Inner structures may also be made of aluminum, wood, durable molded plastic compounds, or any combination of the above. A weighty frame will make a case heavy even before it's packed. Frame materials are often listed on the luggage tag; your luggage salesperson should be able to tell you what they are.

Construction
On cases with zippers, look for taped seams, in which a strip of cloth reinforces the zipper and bag connection; this prevents fraying. On the outside of the bag, joints should be covered with leather, nylon piping, and welts to reinforce the seams and absorb wear and tear. Also, seams should be lock-stitched -- a method in which each stitch is reinforced, or locked, to stay in place and stand alone. This way, if one stitch happens to break, it won't take the next one with it and unravel your seam.

Fabric
Fabric is important. Leather luggage can be very durable and looks marvelous, but it is often too heavy to be carried even when it's empty. Top-grain or full-grain leather, the outermost layer of the hide, is stronger and more durable than leather made from splits, the layers of hide that are split off from underneath the top grain. Luggage made from splits costs less but is more likely to show wear.
Among the various fabrics available, those that are heavier protect the bag's contents better and stand up to sharp objects that might cause tears or rips in transit. Popular these days are ballistic nylon and Cordura nylon. Ballistic nylon is a bit more expensive but worth it. The same bag made of Cordura or Cordura Plus costs less and is still pretty sturdy. Although tweed and brocade bags may appear sturdier than nylon ones, they are prone to being slashed and the thicker fabric adds weight.
There are some other unusual fabrics that are perfect for the traveler concerned about the environment. These include Fortrel EcoSpun, a durable material made from recycled plastic bottles, and fabric woven from hemp.

Waterproofing
Whether you're trapped in an Indian monsoon or a heavy downpour, waterproof luggage comes in handy. The best all-around fabric is a Cordura or ballistic nylon with a waterproof seal -- most bags are not waterproofed on the outside, but treated on the inside with a moisture-resisting sealant. Check the informational tag on the luggage, or ask the salesperson to explain how the bag has been waterproofed. If you require special protection from water for camping, rafting, or some other adventure expedition, buy at a store that specializes in more rugged gear.

Closings
The simpler, the better. If there's a zipper, it should be tough and run smoothly. Zippers should also be double-stitched (stitched on both sides of the zipper) and self-repairing or large, very sturdy, and smooth-running. Zippers made of polyester coils that have been woven or sewn to tapes can take a lot of pressure and can be fixed if they pop open. Large zipper pulls are always easier to work with.

Handles
Handle construction may well be the most overlooked detail, and yet it is crucial -- whatever the style of luggage. Be sure to pick up the suitcase, and make sure that it's comfortable in your hand.
On a Pullman, and on garment bags (at the fold), look to see whether the handle is attached to the bag with screws or with rivets. (A handle attached with screws can be replaced; when a riveted handle comes off, it can't be easily fixed.) Also note whether the handle is padded on the underside, and whether it's covered with leather or only sturdy plastic.
Most suitcases with wheels are equipped with a telescoping handle that pulls out of the case when needed. Some handles can be locked in place, whereas others remain free to slide in and out at random. The handle system should be well protected, whether it's housed inside the bag or outside. (Not all handles measure up, however. Be sure the handle is sturdy, especially if you plan to hang a briefcase or tote bag over it.) Pull the handle out and tilt the bag; watch to see whether it stays rigid. If it bends at all it is probably too weak to take any more weight. In addition, handles that run inside the bag can take up some of your precious packing space. How much this matter depends on how big your bag is and how much space you're giving up.

Straps and Webbing
Shoulder straps for duffels and garment bags should be made of wide webbing, and ideally they should be padded where they rest on your shoulders. Note how the webbing is attached to the bag. Is it reinforced with box and cross stitching? Choose a duffel bag with a shoulder strap in addition to two center handle - this will increase your carrying options for times when you need your hands free. When shopping around, spend some time adjusting the straps and handles to suit your size. If the duffel doesn't hang well from your shoulder, or seems unwieldy when held by its handle, you'll want to know now, not the day of the trip.
On Pullmans, notice where the handles are placed. It is helpful to have both side and top handles, for easier portability. It's equally important for the straps of travel packs to be padded, because they will be resting on your shoulders for long periods of time. Look for a padded waist or hip strap as well, to steady and center the bag on your body. All straps should be adjustable for height and weight.

Wheels
If the wheels don't work on a piece of wheeled luggage, you might as well have bought a regular Pullman. Four wheels make a suitcase more stable and easier to roll than do two wheels (think car versus motorcycle). The wheels should be spaced as wide apart as possible and they should be recessed into the bag's frame so that it provides some protection for them -- an exposed wheel can be neatly severed from your bag by a pothole, an uneven cobblestone, or a seemingly innocuous curb. Large, sturdy in-line-skate wheels provide the ultimate in roll-ability and performance. Insist on smooth-rolling wheels that are firmly bolted in place.

Hardware
In garment bags, pay special attention to the brackets that hold the clothes hangers in place. Some bags come with two brackets, which allow you to form alternative layers of clothing and cuts down on wrinkles. The hook that you'll hang the bag from should be well secured when not in use. Does it retract into the bag, snap tight to the bag, or dangle uselessly? Is the hook itself strong or flimsy? Remember that it must bear the weight of the entire bag when hung in a closet. Also consider the clothes hangers. Are there enough of them? Or can you use your own? It's handiest if you can move your garments straight from your closet into the bag, without having to switch hangers.

One last thing to look for: Are there straps to hold clothing in place? In garment bags, look for models that have two straps that crisscross over the top half of the clothing as well as a center strap. These really do keep your things from sliding around and wrinkling.

Knowing how to pack a suitcase is essential to being a good traveler. Your top concern is how to make the most of the space while avoiding excessive wrinkling. This can be achieved in a number of ways:

1. Remember this order of operations: shirts on the bottom, then dresses (if applicable), then pants.
2. Stack tops unfolded, by placing wrinkle-prone tops toward the bottom of a pile and less easily wrinkled ones toward the top.
3. Fold the sleeves in toward the shirts' torsos.
4. Fold the shirts in half from the bottom. You now have a rectangular bundle of shirts; place it in your suitcase.
5. Drape long dresses in the suitcase so that the ends hang over the sides.
6. Place pants and skirts on a flat surface; fold each in half lengthwise.
7. Stack pants and skirts on top of one another, with easily wrinkled ones on the bottom and sturdier ones, such as jeans, on top. Fold the stack over, so that its length is halved.
8. Place your stack of pants and skirts on top of the dresses, and then fold the ends of the dresses over the pants and skirts.

1. Roll ties loosely.
2. Stuff socks in shoes. Pack underwear in mesh laundry bags or side pockets to save space.
3. Arrange each pair of shoes so that the heel of one aligns with the toe of the other.
4. Wrap pairs of shoes in separate plastic bags, and place them along the border of your suitcase.
5. Protect clothes from leaks by placing toiletries in a plastic bag.
6. Pack essential toiletries in a carry-on bag. Include your toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup, medication and other important items.

Replace a Telescopic Handle by Samsonite F’lite Series

• Use a Torx screwdriver and pliers to unscrew the broken plastic fixture knobs
• Remove the old Telescopic Handle
• Place the new Handle into the luggage and screw it on
• Test out the Handle to make sure it isn't wobbly, and adjust if necessary  

Replace a Lock by Samsonite Oyster 1 Series

• Use a Torx screwdriver to remove the old Lock
• Place the new Lock into the luggage and screw it on
• Test out the Lock to make sure it isn't wobbly, and adjust if necessary 

Replace a Wheel by a Rimowa Multiwheel Trolley

• Use a Torx screwdriver to remove the old Wheel
• Slide the new Wheel all the way into the axle until it can't go any farther, and screw it on
• Test out the Wheel to make sure it isn't wobbly, and adjust if necessary 

Replacing a Zipper-pull

• Use a pair of pliers to extend the top loop of the slider
• Remove the broken Zipper-pull
• Attach the new Zipper-pull to the top loop of the slider, and use the pliers to press it back together
• Use pliers to pull out the rivets 

How to change a code of a baggage combination lock

• Unlatch the luggage lock.
• It will come from the factory with a pre-programmed combination, 0-0-0
• Prepare the lock for a new combination.
• You do this by pushing the unlatch button all the way open until it can't go any farther and then holding it.
• On a portable luggage lock by you do it by turning the locking hook so that it is pointing away from the hole and pushing the hook down into the lock.
• Decide what your new combination will be. Make sure that it is something you will remember.
• Dial up the new combination on your luggage lock.
• Undo the lock mechanism simply letting go of the latch button.
• On a portable luggage lock you pull the lock hook up and turn it around so it lines up with the hole again.
• Use the luggage lock. The new combination is set.