While traveling, ensuring your luggage is properly labeled is an important step to increase the chances of getting back your beloved suitcase in case it is lost.
However; you should always be careful with what information to include in your luggage tag.
So what should you include in your baggage tag? and what to avoid?
In this detailed guide you will learn what information to write in your luggage tag, and what to skip to avoid any misuse of your information.
Let’s find out more.
What Is a Luggage Tag?
Some travelers also call them luggage labels, or luggage identifiers which is a detachable piece of paper, plastic, or other material that you attach to your suitcase or any other travel gear.
It will help identify your suitcase, backpack or duffle bag at the luggage carousel and baggage claim, also help the airline find your suitcase and make it easier to return if it’s lost or mishandled.
What Information Should I Write On My Luggage Tag?
Here are 4 contact information and personal details you need to write in your tag to safeguard your suitcase:
- Name
- Phone number with country code
- Email address
- Destination address
1. Name:
The name is an essential information for a luggage tag.
Fill out your first and last name, just like it is on your ID or passport.
This helps people and the airline know the bag is yours.
2. Phone number with country code:
Write your phone number and include the country code (for example, +1 for the USA and +33 for France).
This way, someone can call you if your bag gets lost.
As a smart tip, you can always include a phone number that you don’t mind sharing with strangers.
I have two phone numbers, one for family and friends, and one for work. So I just write the one I use for work.
3. Email address:
Write an email address you check often.
If someone can’t call you, they might email you to let you know they found your bag.
4. Destination address:
Write the address of the place you’ll be staying, like your hotel or a hostel.
If your bag gets lost, the airline can bring it right to you.
If you want to put another address in case you don’t want to put your destination address, you can put your work address.
Tip: you can also put this same information on a piece of paper inside your bag, just in case the luggage tag falls off.
What Information to Avoid writing on a luggage tag?
When it comes to what not to put on a luggage tag, it can be a bit tricky.
You want to avoid losing your bag, but at the same time, you need to protect your privacy by not displaying it to the world.
So to stay safe and protect your privacy, here are some information that you should not include on your luggage tag:
- Home address
- Home phone number (Landline)
- Full first name
1. Home address:
Don’t write your home address on your luggage tag.
If someone sees it, they might know you’re not home, which could be a risk for break ins, or just show up someday to your home.
It’s better to include the address of your hotel or the place you’ll be staying during your trip instead.
2. Home phone number (Landline):
Don’t write your home phone number that’s connected to your house.
Some people can use this number to look up your address online.
A mobile phone number with a country code is much safer (if you are flying internationally).
Also if you put your home phone number, and you are on a vacation, you won’t be able to take the call.
3. Full first name:
This is not necessarily a risky thing, but instead of writing your full first name, you can just write the first letter.
For example, instead of “Olivia Johnson,” you could write “Ol. Johnson.” This gives a bit more privacy while still helping someone return your bag if it gets lost.
Additional Tips for Luggage Tagging
1. Use strong tags with covers
Go with a luggage tag that is made from durable plastic or leather so they don’t break easily.
Choose ones that have a flap or a cover to hide your name and phone number. This keeps your personal information safe from some bad guys that shouldn’t see it.
2. Put an extra tag inside your suitcase
Sometimes the tag on the outside of your bag can fall off or get damaged during travel.
To be safe, write your contact details on another tag or piece of paper and put it inside your luggage.
That way, airline staff can still know that the bag is yours.
3. Take a picture of your bag
Before you head to the airport, take a clear photo of your suitcase.
This will help you describe it if it gets lost. You can show the picture to airport staff so they know exactly what to look for.
4. Think about using smart tags
Smart tags, like Apple AirTags or similar devices with GPS, use Bluetooth to help you track your luggage with your phone.
If your bag is mishandled or lost, you can locate it easily on a map.
This makes it easier to find your luggage faster.
5. Be mindful with displaying your contact info at the airport
There was a true story about a traveler who wrote her phone number on her luggage tag.
After her phone number was taken at the airport, a stranger used the number to send her creepiest texts.
That’s why it’s important to only include the info that’s really necessary and to keep it simple.
Luggage Tag Example
Here’s a sample of how to fill out your luggage tag:
- Name: Ol. Johnson
- Mobile Phone: +1 234 567 8901
- Destination Address: Hotel Grand, 123 Main Street, Los Angeles, United States
- Email: [email protected]
Remember not to write your home address or personal phone number so you can keep your information private.
Should Luggage Be Labeled?
While not necessary, tagging your luggage is highly recommended.
In the event of lost baggage, a clearly labeled suitcase increases the chances of a fast recovery.
But the most important thing is that the airline tags can sometimes be damaged or detached, so having your own durable tag adds an extra layer of security.
Durable Luggage Tags
Investing in a sturdy luggage tag ensures it withstands the rigors of travel, options include:
- Leather Tags: Leather tags are durabile and a classic look.
- Silicone Tags: Flexible and resistant to wear and tear.
- Metal Tags: Highly durable and often come with secure attachments.
Brands like SWISSGEAR and TUFFTAAG offer durable options suitable for frequent travelers.
What Is the Purpose of a Luggage Tag?
While airlines provide their own tracking systems, personal luggage tags add an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
- Identificate your luggage : Helps you quickly spot your suitcase miles away among similar ones, but you can also use a luggage strap or luggage stickers for that purpose.
- Recovery: Provides contact information to easily return lost luggage.
- Security: Acts as proof of ownership, deterring theft.
How to Put On a Luggage Tag
Attaching a luggage tag properly ensures it stays secure throughout your journey:
- Insert the Loop: Thread the loop through the slot in your luggage tag.
- Secure the Loop: Pass one end of the loop through the other to create a knot.
- Attach to Luggage: Slide the loop under your bag’s handle and pull the tag through the loop, tightening it securely.
Sometimes it can be tricky to find out how to attach a luggage tag, especially if your tag comes with loops.
This video shows you an easy way to attach a luggage tag using the loops, step by step.
Final Thoughts
While luggage tags are not necessary, even in carry-on bags it is smart to use a luggage tag, as the Airline tag could fall off.
Just ensure that you don’t post your home address or home phone number.
A luggage tag can also make your suitcase easier to spot when it comes out on the baggage claim.
It helps stop other travelers from picking up your suitcase by mistake especially if someone else has the same kind of bag.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
