How To Tag Luggage for Air Travel: Step by Step

Whether you're a frequent flyer or planning your first trip, knowing how to tag luggage for air travel is essential. A well-tagged suitcase not only helps you identify your luggage quickly at the carousel, but also increases the chances of recovery if your bag is lost.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for tagging your checked luggage and carry-ons, what information to include, and how to use smart tools like Apple AirTags for extra peace of mind.

Why Luggage Tags Matter

Every year, thousands of travelers experience lost luggage. While airlines do their best to reunite passengers with their bags, having a clear, durable luggage tag with accurate contact info can make all the difference.

A proper luggage tag helps airport staff and airline staff identify your bag and contact you in case it’s misplaced. It also helps you spot your luggage quickly at baggage claim, especially when many bags look alike.

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Luggage Tag

There are several types of luggage tags available, each with its own pros and cons:

Paper Tags

• Provided by airlines at check-in
• Temporary and prone to tearing
• Not ideal for long-term use

Plastic Tags

• Lightweight and water-resistant
• Affordable and easy to find
• May crack over time

Metal Tags

• Durable and long-lasting
• Ideal for frequent travelers
• Heavier and may scratch luggage

Smart/Digital Tags

• Includes Apple AirTag, Tile, GPS trackers
• Offers real-time location tracking
• Requires setup and may cost more

Pro Tip: For frequent flyers, invest in durable, waterproof tags that can withstand rough handling and weather.

Step 2: Add the Right Info to Your Luggage Tag

Your luggage tag should contain enough information to help someone reunite you with your bag, but not so much that it compromises your privacy.

Include:

• Full name
• Phone number (include country code)
• Email address
• Destination address (optional – hotel, Airbnb, etc.)
• Home address (optional – best for interior tags only)

Avoid:

• Passport number
• Social Security number
• Flight details or boarding pass info
• Work credentials or overly personal info

Step 3: Find the Right Place to Attach the Tag

The main tag should be attached to the top handle of your suitcase. Use a strong loop or cable to ensure it doesn’t fall off during transit.

Optional:

• Add a second tag on the side or inside your bag for extra protection.
• Use a handle wrap or flap to keep the tag secure and legible.

Step 4: Add an Interior Luggage Tag

If your outside tag gets ripped off, an inside tag can save the day.

• Tape a business card or printed tag to the inside of your bag
• Include the same name and contact info as your external tag
• Consider adding your itinerary or hotel information

This extra layer of protection ensures your bag can still be identified even if the external tags are lost.

Step 5: Use Bright or Unique Tags for Easy Identification

Make your luggage stand out from the crowd with:

• Eye-catching luggage tags in bright colors
• Colored ribbons, stickers, or custom patches
• Avoid plain black or white tags that blend in

This helps you spot your luggage quickly on the luggage carousel and reduces the risk of someone else grabbing it by mistake.

Step 6: Consider Using Smart Tags or AirTags

Smart luggage tags like Apple AirTag or Tile offer real-time tracking via your smartphone.

Benefits:

• Helps locate lost luggage instantly
• Ideal for international travel or valuable items
• Can be placed inside a bag or attached to the handle or strap

While optional, these tools are a great investment for frequent travellers or those carrying premium luggage.

Step 7: Double-Check Before Your Flight

Before heading to the airport:

• Make sure your luggage tag is securely attached
• Confirm all info is legible and up to date
• Protect your tag with a plastic cover if possible
• Ensure your airline luggage tag (barcode) is properly attached at check-in

What NOT to Put on a Luggage Tag

While tagging your bag is important, including the wrong details can put you at risk.

Avoid:

• Full home address (unless on an interior tag)
• Passport number or ID numbers
• Flight number or boarding pass info
• Social Security number or work credentials
• Overly personal info like birthdate or employer

Stick to basic contact info that helps identify the bag without compromising your privacy.

How Do You Mark Your Luggage When Flying?

In addition to tagging, make your bag visually distinctive:

• Use bright luggage straps or colored ribbons
• Apply stickers or custom patches
• Choose unique luggage colors or patterns
• Write your contact info inside the bag as a backup

These simple steps help you identify your luggage quickly and reduce the chance of mix-ups.

What Is the Best Way to Tag Luggage?

Here’s a quick checklist:

• Use a durable, waterproof luggage tag
• Include:
  • Full name
  • Phone number with country code
  • Email address
  • Destination hotel (optional)
• Avoid sensitive info
• Attach securely to the top handle
• Place a duplicate tag inside the suitcase
• Optional: Use smart trackers like Apple AirTag

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