Luggage Tags: What's The Deal At Airports?

Luggage tags are an important part of travelling. They help you retrieve your luggage if it gets lost in transit or if you accidentally leave it somewhere. Airports will often check your luggage against your documentation to make sure the information matches before you leave. Most airlines will provide you with a paper tag, but these can easily fall off or become damaged. You can buy luggage tags in a variety of designs, including aviation-themed tags, or use smart tags and luggage trackers to help you keep an eye on your bags.

Luggage tags are important for retrieving your luggage if it gets lost in transit

Luggage tags come in a variety of materials, including plastic, leather, vinyl, and rubber, and can be purchased from various retailers, including Amazon and Etsy. They can also be found at flea markets and specialty stores. Some luggage tags are designed to be simple and minimalistic, while others are more decorative, featuring travel-themed designs, airport codes, and vibrant colours.

When choosing a luggage tag, it is important to consider its functionality. The tag should be sturdy and securely attached to the luggage to prevent it from being torn off. It should also be distinctive and eye-catching, making it easier to spot your luggage among the many similar-looking suitcases at the airport. Additionally, the information on the tag should be carefully considered. While it is important to include essential details such as your name and contact information, it is recommended to avoid including your home address for safety reasons.

To further enhance the functionality of luggage tags, some tags come with security flaps to protect your personal information from prying eyes. Others feature smart tags that electronically store your data, making it accessible only to authorised users. Luggage trackers, such as Tile, LugLoc, and TrakDot, can also be attached to your luggage or placed inside your suitcase, providing an additional layer of security and peace of mind. These trackers allow you to monitor your suitcase's location and movement, ensuring that you can always retrieve your belongings.

Paper tags provided by airlines can easily fall off or become damaged

Paper luggage tags provided by airlines can easily fall off or become damaged during travel. This can be due to various factors, such as poor handling, weather conditions, or getting caught in airport conveyor belts. To address this issue, reinforced paper tags have been introduced, which are designed to be more durable and less likely to detach. However, even with these improvements, paper tags remain susceptible to damage or detachment.

Consequently, some airlines and airports have started adopting electronic bag tags, which offer a more permanent solution. These electronic tags, such as the BAGTAG introduced by Lufthansa in 2018, employ radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. This innovation allows for automated sorting of luggage and provides passengers with improved bag tracking capabilities. Additionally, electronic tags eliminate the need for standing in long queues at the airport, saving time for travellers.

While electronic bag tags offer enhanced durability and functionality, they may not be accessible or affordable for all travellers. As a result, many individuals continue to rely on traditional paper tags, which are typically provided by airlines during check-in. These paper tags have a printed barcode or other relevant flight information, enabling basic tracking and identification of luggage. However, the durability of these tags remains a concern, with some travellers reporting frequent losses.

To mitigate the risk of losing paper luggage tags, travellers can take proactive measures. For instance, they can use additional identification methods, such as attaching a personal tag with their contact information. This supplementary tag can be as simple as a small, durable tag with essential contact details, increasing the chances of a lost bag being returned. Furthermore, travellers can invest in reusable luggage tags available in the market, which are made of more durable materials and can be securely attached to suitcases. These reusable tags can be purchased from retailers like Amazon, offering a cost-effective solution for frequent travellers who want added peace of mind.

You can use smart tags or luggage trackers to help airport staff and calm your own fears

Luggage getting lost or stolen is one of the worst parts of air travel. Luckily, smart tags and luggage trackers can help you monitor your luggage and find its location. This can help to calm your fears as a traveller, and also assist airport staff in locating your luggage.

Smart luggage tags and trackers can be placed in or attached to your suitcase, and they allow you to track the location of your luggage from your phone. This can be especially useful when travelling internationally to an unfamiliar country, or when travelling with multiple connecting flights, as these are times when luggage is more likely to go missing.

There are a few different types of luggage trackers available. Bluetooth trackers, such as the Tile, can help you find the location of your luggage within 100 metres. They are also able to set off an alarm if you need to locate lost or stolen items. However, they may have a lag time of up to 10 minutes, which may not be ideal for nervous travellers. GPS trackers, such as Tracki and Gego, provide real-time location updates, but often require a monthly or annual subscription. Smart tags, such as Apple AirTags and Samsung Smart Tags, are another option. These can be placed in your luggage and tracked via your phone. However, they may experience connection issues, especially in certain countries. For example, Find My location tracking does not work in South Korea due to a conflict between Korean law and Apple's privacy policies.

Some luggage trackers have been found to be more effective than others. The Knog Scout Travel Smart Luggage Tag has been praised for its constant and accurate tracking abilities, although it does need to be recharged every few months. Samsung Smart Tags have been found to be less accurate than AirTags, but they are still useful, especially for Android users.

Luggage tags can be made of soft vinyl so they won't crack

Luggage tags are essential for identifying your bags at the airport. While airports do not provide luggage tags, you can purchase them online. These tags come in a variety of designs and materials, including soft vinyl.

Soft vinyl luggage tags are a popular choice due to their durability and flexibility. Made from 3mm (1/8") thick flexible vinyl, these tags can withstand the rigours of travel without cracking or tearing. The soft vinyl material ensures that the tags remain intact even after multiple trips, making them a cost-effective option.

One of the standout features of soft vinyl luggage tags is their ability to accommodate various shapes and designs. You can choose from a range of standard shapes or design your own unique shape at no extra cost. This customisation option allows you to add a personal touch to your luggage tags, making your bags stand out on the conveyor belt.

Additionally, soft vinyl luggage tags offer an ink-receptive finish on the backside, allowing you to write your name, address, or other essential information using a marker. The tags usually come with a clear loop strap for secure attachment to your luggage. The standard size for the strap is 6", but customisation options are available to suit your specific requirements.

Overall, soft vinyl luggage tags offer a combination of durability, flexibility, and customisation. Their crack-resistant nature ensures that your luggage remains properly identified throughout your travels, providing peace of mind and helping to secure your belongings.

You can use the Tile app to make your suitcase ring if it leaves your sight

Luggage tags are available for purchase at airports and online. They are usually made of soft vinyl and come in packs of three. They are designed to be durable and easy to attach, with a continuous strap to prevent them from being torn off. Some customers have complained about the quality of these luggage tags, stating that they are prone to being torn off or lost during travel.

To address the issue of lost luggage, travellers can use innovative wireless-tech tracking devices such as the Tile Bluetooth Tracker. Tile trackers can be attached to your suitcase or placed inside to make your suitcase ring if it leaves your sight. The Tile app allows you to scroll to the Tile you want to ring and tap on "Find". You can then listen for the Tile Tune and locate your missing item. Additionally, Tile's community network can help you zero in on your lost item, sometimes in a matter of minutes. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of the Tile app is dependent on other users having the app installed with the appropriate permissions granted and being within range of your Tile.

While Tile trackers can provide peace of mind, it's crucial not to rely on them solely. It is still recommended to avoid placing valuable items in checked luggage, as there may be delays in retrieving lost luggage even if its location is known. Additionally, Tile charges a monthly fee for certain features, unlike its competitor AirTag, which has no obvious additional fees. Nevertheless, Tile trackers can be a useful tool to help keep track of your belongings while travelling.

Frequently asked questions