So are luggage tags necessary? And do you need luggage tags?
Between 2010 and 2017, more than 34,000 claims of lost or damaged luggage were filed at the 15 busiest U.S. airports, and 40% were denied. That’s just one of the many problems that can happen when checking a bag.
So in short: luggage tags are required and essential. They act like an ID card for your suitcase helping airlines identify, track, and return it if it’s lost or taken by mistake.
This post covers everything you need to know about luggage tags: whether they’re necessary, where to put them, and if they’re required for both checked and carry-on bags.
Let’s dive in.
TL;DR
- Luggage tags are necessary for both checked and carry-on bags.
- They help identify, track, and return lost luggage.
- Include your name, phone number, and email, not your home address.
- Use two tags — one outside and one inside your bag.
- Choose a colorful or covered tag for visibility and privacy.
- If you forget one, most airports offer free luggage tags at check-in.
What Is a Luggage Tag in an Airport?
Baggage tags, or luggage tags, are small pieces of information that travelers attach to their bags at the airport baggage drop-off.
Usually, they are provided by airlines so any bag can be identified and to avoid any possible luggage mishandling.
Do You Need Luggage Tags for Carry-On?
Yes, you will also need to attach luggage tags to your carry-on bag. Adding two luggage tags is even a good idea one inside your bag and one outside both filled with information for your flight.
Put your name, flight information, and phone number, just like on your checked baggage.
Luggage tags may not be something expensive when traveling, but as many experienced passengers know, they’re available for free at almost all airport ticket counters if you don’t want to buy a fancy one.
They’re required and very useful, especially if you are traveling with many suitcases, either as carry-on or checked baggage.
You should fill out and attach a bag tag to each checked piece of luggage and carry-on too so that the airline staff can track and identify your bags in case they get lost.
Does the Airport Give You Luggage Tags If You Don’t Have One?
Yes. If you forgot to attach your luggage tag, you’ll find free luggage tags sitting on the check-in counter, or you can ask for them they are usually free.
But it is preferable to buy a solid luggage tag for your bag, one that is colorful and recognizable.
Is It Mandatory to Print a Luggage Tag?
During the pandemic, most airlines recommended printing your luggage tag before heading to the airport.
For some airlines, it is now mandatory to web check-in and obtain a boarding pass before you reach the airport.
Remember to carry a printed or soft copy of your boarding pass.
Where Do You Put Luggage Tags?
A luggage tag should be attached to both your carry-on and checked baggage—and any other item you are traveling with.
Add the tag to your suitcase handle or any secure part of your item, and make sure it is firmly attached so it won’t detach when friction occurs during handling.
What Information Should Go on a Luggage Tag?
Your luggage tag must show your essential information: name, email address, and phone number.
Do not include your address. If you do, you can place it inside the suitcase or use a covered tag.
It is not advised to put your home address on your luggage where it’s exposed to the public.
Should You Put Your Address on Your Luggage?
Is it safe to put an address on luggage tags?
Luggage tags are necessary, but your address is not mandatory. Your luggage tag should include only your email and phone number.
You can get a covered tag and put your home address inside it, in case your bag is lost.
Get a luggage tag with a cover so your personal info can’t be collected by someone.
Avoiding lost luggage requires labeling your luggage properly and making it easy to distinguish.
Also, if your luggage is lost or mishandled and you didn’t put your address, you can contact your airline and provide them with your home address to send your bag.
What Is the Purpose of a Luggage Tag?
Airports can be busy and crowded. For every 1,000 passengers, 6 bags are lost or stolen, and 47% of all bags arrive late.
Thankfully, having luggage that is easy to recognize can help you save time and prevent your suitcases from being stolen.
These are all the reasons why you should use a luggage tag:
- Easy to recognize
- Durable
- Unique
- The airline can identify your bag easily
Final Thoughts
Luggage tags are useful in both domestic and international flights.
There are so many reasons why you need a luggage tag to help you identify your baggage at the airport, track your baggage when missing, and make sure that nobody steals or mistakenly takes your luggage.
Always make sure to place two luggage tags, one inside your suitcase filled with your name and flight information.
That will help the airline identify your bag in case the outer one is lost.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
People also ask:
- Is it better to check in online or at the airport?
- What Color luggage Should You Get?
- Are Luggage Covers Worth It?
- Do Luggage Straps Really Work?
- What To Put On A Luggage Tag?
