In today's digital age, travellers often question whether traditional luggage tags are still necessary. With advanced tracking technologies like Bluetooth trackers and airline luggage tracking services, the humble luggage tag might seem outdated or redundant.
Yet, despite these innovations, there are still risks associated with misplaced or lost luggage. Relying solely on digital solutions or airline-provided tags can sometimes lead to issues, such as lost bags, misidentification, or lack of personal contact information when it matters most.
In this guide, we explain why luggage tags are so useful and the best practices to ensure your luggage always finds its way back to you.
Why Luggage Tags Are Still Incredibly Useful
In an age where technology often takes centre stage, it's easy to assume that traditional tools like luggage tags have become obsolete.
However, luggage tags continue to play a crucial role in travel. While Bluetooth trackers and airline luggage tracking services offer advanced ways to keep tabs on your bags, they come with their own set of limitations, such as reliance on battery life, network coverage, and compatibility issues.
Luggage tags, on the other hand, are straightforward, low-tech, and don't depend on external factors to function. They provide an immediate, visual way to identify your suitcase sets which can be especially important in situations where digital methods fail or when you need a quick way to spot your bag among a sea of others.
Personal Tags vs. Airline Tags
When you check a bag at the airport, the airline attaches a temporary paper tag to your check-in luggage. This tag includes important information such as your flight details, destination, and a barcode for tracking. While these airline-provided tags serve their purpose within the airline's system, they are designed for short-term use and are often fragile.
In contrast, personal luggage tags are meant to provide more robust, long-term identification. Personal leather luggage tags are more durable materials and can be customised with your personal information, making them a more permanent solution.
Airline tags, while functional, have several limitations:
- Typically made from thin paper or plastic
- Prone to tearing
- Impersonal and don’t provide much information beyond the basics
What Information Should You Put on a Luggage Tags?
Essential Information
When filling out a luggage tag, it's important to include key details that can help ensure your bag is returned to you if it gets lost. At a minimum, your luggage tag should feature your full name, a phone number or email address, and your home or return address.
These details provide enough information for someone to contact you without revealing too much personal data.
Balancing privacy and functionality is crucial—consider using a secondary email address or a P.O. Box instead of your full home address to protect your privacy while still providing a way for your bag to find its way back to you.
Optional Details
In addition to the essential information, you might choose to include your flight number and hotel information on your luggage tag. This can be helpful if you want your luggage to be delivered directly to your destination rather than returned home.
However, be mindful of the privacy implications—sharing your travel itinerary on a visible luggage tag can expose you to potential risks. For added security, some travellers opt to use a unique codeword or PIN on their luggage tag.
This can be a simple way to verify ownership if someone claims to have found your bag, adding an extra layer of protection.
Best Practices for Filling Out Luggage Tags
When it comes to filling out your luggage tag, clarity is key. Whether you choose to handwrite your information or use a printed label, make sure the text is legible and easy to read.
Printed labels often offer a cleaner, more professional look and allow you to fit more information into a small space.
Additionally, it's important to keep your luggage tag information up-to-date. If you move or change your contact details, be sure to update your luggage tags accordingly to avoid any confusion or delays in getting your luggage back.
How to Properly Attach Luggage Tags
Choosing the Right Spot
Attach your luggage tag to a sturdy part of your bag, such as a handle or strap, to ensure it stays secure throughout your journey. Avoid attaching it to areas that could easily break or come loose.
Securing the Tag
Use a durable loop, zip tie, or belt to fasten your luggage tag securely. Make sure it's tightly attached to prevent it from getting snagged or torn off during handling. Double-check that the tag is visible but not in a position where it might easily detach. Our leather luggage tags come witht their own loop section to make attaching a tag easy and secure.
Backup Identification
Place a second tag or a piece of paper with your contact information inside your suitcase. This serves as a backup if the external tag is lost. Pairing a traditional luggage tag with a tech solution like an Apple AirTag can offer an extra layer of security and tracking capability.
