Okay, so this is scary. I can’t get the combination lock on my suitcase to work. It just won’t open.
My wallet is in there. So is my camera, IPhone, computer.
I’m in Mexico, more than an hour from an airport and a customs officer with a TSA lock key. There are no suitcase places in town.
The only remedy is to have my extremely resourceful Air BnB host sever the lock. She has the proper hardware. Files of some kind. Says she has done this in the past for guests. It takes her less than two minutes to cut the lock.
I’m pissed. Not with her. She’s terrific. I paid $650 for this Rimowa suitcase three years ago. The lock shouldn’t have malfunctioned.
The only thing I can think of is damage done from baggage handling, or the suitcase being opened and fooled around with by security at one of the three airports I travelled through to get to Mexico.
(I opened the lock and suitcase once after I arrived to retrieve my scuba gear and put away my valuables. I noticed the lock was a bit finicky but didn’t think it was an issue.)
I’m freaked. I know there’s a five year warranty. The fix should be covered. Where the hell did I put the receipt? I’m usually very organized with receipts (photo to Evernote and original in a special file folder). Surprisingly, I can’t find it when I return home a few weeks later. (There’s a chance I did the ultimate safekeeping and put it in my safety deposit box at the bank. Didn’t check there).
Go to the MEGO store. Where I purchased the suitcase. They don’t keep records from that far back.
An email to Rimowa customer service tells me to take it to the local repair place in Vancouver. The serial number will determine whether the suitcase is under warranty.
It’s going to the repair shop this week. I’ll keep you posted.
I’ve got a trip planned for the end of October. Hoping the fix is quick and painless.
UPDATE. Weston Luggage in East Vancouver fixed it while I waited. Covered by warranty. Very happy.
tankstravels.com 