Sticker Collecting: Airport Editions And Their Existence

Collecting stickers is a fun hobby for many, and some people like to collect stickers from airports they have travelled through. These stickers can be bought online from sites like Etsy and Redbubble, or from gift shops at airports. However, it is important to note that certain stickers, like barcodes, are used by airport staff to route luggage and should be removed after your trip.

Barcode stickers

When checking in bags at an airport counter, an agent will usually place small barcode stickers on the checked luggage. These stickers are also included with printed luggage tags from self-service check-ins, and passengers are supposed to stick them to their bags.

The small barcode stickers contain the same number as the main tag but do not include routing details. This is to avoid conflicts with older stickers, as baggage handling systems are generally configured to only read the larger barcodes on the main tag. In the event that the main tag is removed or destroyed, the small stickers can be used to identify the bag and reprint the full tag.

Additionally, these small barcode stickers can be used to create "bingo sheets" for loading baggage into cargo containers. When a passenger does not board the flight, baggage handlers can refer to these sheets to quickly locate and offload the passenger's bag.

It is recommended to remove old barcode stickers from luggage, as they can confuse scanning equipment and increase the risk of the bag being sent to the wrong location.

Baggage tags

Types of Baggage Stickers:

• "Fun" stickers: These are decorative stickers that hold no meaning for airport personnel but are harmless to leave on luggage.
• Security stickers: Specific to various airports or airlines, these stickers can usually be left in place and don't cause confusion.
• Regular large bag tags: These are typically looped around the handle and should be removed after each trip to avoid potential confusion.
• Mini barcode stickers: Acting as a backup to the regular bag tags, these are stuck directly to the luggage. They should be removed to avoid identification issues and ensure your bag arrives with you at your destination.

Benefits of Baggage Tags:

• Easy identification: With a unique design or bright colours, baggage tags help you quickly spot your luggage on the carousel, saving time and hassle.
• Durability: High-quality tags are made from sturdy materials, ensuring they withstand the rigours of travel and rough handling.
• Customisation: Many companies offer customisable tags, allowing you to add your name, address, or other personal information to reduce the risk of mix-ups.
• Lightweight: Modern tags are designed to be lightweight, adding no extra bulk to your luggage and keeping your travel experience smooth.

Sources for Baggage Tags:

• Online marketplaces: Websites like Etsy and Amazon offer a wide variety of luggage tags, from basic functional designs to more creative and aviation-themed options.
• Airlines and airports: Some airlines and airports provide their own branded baggage tags, which can be purchased or acquired during travel.
• Specialty travel stores: Stores specialising in travel gear may offer a range of baggage tags, often with additional travel accessories.

Stickers for decoration

Stickers are a fun and creative way to decorate your personal belongings, especially when it comes to customising your luggage. There are thousands of decorative stickers available on Amazon and Etsy, ranging from cute and cartoonish to vintage and aesthetic.

Decorative stickers can be used to personalise your items and make them stand out, especially when travelling. You can find stickers with inspirational quotes, floral designs, and fun shapes like stars and hearts. These can be used to decorate your laptop, phone, water bottles, and even the walls of your home.

If you're looking for a collection of stickers specifically for airports, Etsy offers a wide range of airport-themed stickers, including luggage tags, airport code decals, and travel stickers for your planner or journal. You can also find stickers related to specific airports, such as the Denver International Airport or the Atlanta Airport.

When decorating your luggage with stickers, it's important to avoid covering it with too many barcodes or old baggage tags, as this can confuse baggage handling systems and increase the risk of losing your luggage. However, feel free to express your creativity and sense of style by using decorative stickers to make your belongings unique and easily identifiable!

Airline-specific stickers

Various online platforms, such as Etsy, Redbubble, and Amazon, offer an extensive range of airline-specific stickers. These stickers often feature airline logos, aircraft models, and unique liveries. For instance, you can find stickers of the Emirates Airbus A380, Hawaiian Airlines Logo, United Airlines 737-800, and many more. These stickers are perfect for decorating your laptop, phone, water bottle, luggage, or even your car.

Some stickers are designed to be weatherproof and highly durable, ensuring they can withstand the elements and stay with you on all your adventures. They can also be a great way to track your travels, with some stickers resembling vintage boarding passes or luggage tags.

Additionally, some platforms offer customisation options, allowing you to create unique airline-specific stickers that hold personal significance. Whether you're an aviation professional or an avid collector, airline-specific stickers are a fun and creative way to showcase your passion.

Airport-specific stickers

However, it is important to distinguish between "fun" stickers and other types of stickers, such as regular large bag tags and mini barcode stickers, which should be removed after each trip to avoid potential confusion for airport personnel and baggage handling systems.

Some travellers like to keep stickers from various airports as souvenirs, but it is recommended to remove them to avoid any issues with automated scanners at the airport.

Frequently asked questions