Tagging Baggage: A Guide To Airport Bag Tagging

Baggage tags are essential for identifying luggage at the airport. They are used by airline carriers to route checked luggage to its final destination and aid passengers in identifying their bags at the baggage carousel. Most airlines provide paper tags, but these can easily fall off or become damaged. Therefore, it is recommended to use durable luggage tags made from materials such as plastic, leather, or vegan leather. These tags should include essential information such as the passenger's first initial and last name, destination address, and contact information like a cell phone number or email address. It is also advisable to attach two luggage tags to checked luggage, one on the outside and one on the inside, to ensure that the bag can be identified even if the outer tag is damaged. Additionally, taking a photo of the luggage and tags before checking in can provide proof of the bag's appearance and contents in case of loss or damage.

What to write on a luggage tag

When it comes to writing your luggage tags, it's important to keep your information clear, concise, and secure. Here's a breakdown of what to include:

Contact Information

Include your first and last name, along with your contact information. A phone number and email address are ideal, as they provide multiple ways for you or the airline to communicate about your luggage. Avoid including your home address for security reasons, as it could make you vulnerable to robbery while you're away.

Temporary Address

If you're travelling internationally and anticipate transfers or layovers, consider adding the address of your hotel or residence. This way, if your luggage gets lost, it can be easily redirected without delay. You can add this information on a separate card atop your permanent address, or include it in your contact information.

Itinerary

While not essential, some travellers include their travel itinerary inside their luggage. This can help airline staff locate you and ensure your luggage catches up with you. It's a good idea to include the dates and locations of your stay, as well as flight information.

Identification

Make your luggage stand out by adding something distinctive to its exterior, such as a colourful scarf or a luggage tag with a unique design. This will help you identify your luggage at a glance and reduce the chances of someone mistakenly claiming it.

Inside the Luggage

In addition to an external tag, place another luggage tag inside your suitcase. This serves as a backup in case the external tag is damaged or removed. Include the same contact information and temporary address as on the external tag. You may also want to include your full itinerary inside for the same reason.

Photos

Taking a photo of your luggage and its tags before checking in is a smart idea. This way, you have a record of what your bags look like, which can be helpful if you need to provide a description or proof of their appearance when filing a claim for lost or damaged luggage.

How to attach a luggage tag

There are several ways to attach a luggage tag, and it depends on the type of tag you have. If you have a self-check-in luggage tag, you can expose the adhesive on the back by peeling off one end, then wrap it around your luggage handle and stick the adhesive side to the other side of the handle.

Some luggage tags come with a plastic loop to attach them to your bag. To use these, start by attaching the loop to the tag by passing the loop inside itself after putting it through the hole in the tag. Then, put the free end of the loop through the hole in your bag, all the way up to the tag. The clever bit is that the loop stretches, so you can pass the tag through the loop by stretching it a bit and then pull it tight.

If you have a luggage tag with a removable chain, you can use that to attach the tag to your bag. You can also use a zip tie to attach the tag, which may be less likely to get snagged and torn off.

Some travellers recommend attaching the tag to the side handle of your suitcase, as they have found that top handles are handled more often and by the full weight of the bag, so they are more likely to break and cause you to lose the tag. However, others argue that the top is better because that is where the bag is handled when loaded onto the plane, and it is right there without a lot of flipping or digging. Ultimately, it may come down to what is most convenient for the staff at the specific airport you are travelling from, so it is a good idea to check with them.

In addition to attaching a tag to the outside of your bag, it is a good idea to put identification details inside your bag as well. This can include your name, email address, phone number, flight details, and hotel information. This makes it easier for baggage handlers to identify your bag and contact you if the tag on the outside gets torn off.

The history of luggage tags

Around the same time, other types of labels were also in use, featuring logos or images of transport companies, primarily for promotional purposes.

With the development of the aviation industry in the 20th century, destination labels became necessary, based on those used in maritime transport. However, there was one crucial difference: the weight of the baggage. While weight was not a significant concern in maritime transport, it was essential in aviation for load distribution in aircraft. Thus, from the 1920s onwards, labels included a space for indicating baggage weight.

In the 1930s, airlines began using a variation of the 1882 baggage label, adding their logos and other information such as the passenger's name, destination, and the distinction between "cabin baggage" and "hold baggage". These labels were pre-printed, and the relevant information was filled in manually.

By the 1990s, these manual labels had become obsolete due to security concerns and the need for more durable labels that could withstand international travel. United Airlines was the first to widely adopt the new automated baggage label in 1992.

Today's luggage tags are typically made of flexible, tear-resistant, and inexpensive materials. They feature adhesive strips for easy attachment and detachment, as well as barcodes for automated sorting. The barcode system has further evolved, with some airlines adopting radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips for more accurate and real-time baggage tracking.

The importance of luggage tags

Luggage tags are an important part of travelling, especially when checking in luggage. They are the identification of each of your bags and are essential if you have any claims regarding your baggage. They are also important for ensuring your luggage is not lost, and if it is, that it can be returned to you.

The primary purpose of a luggage tag is to provide necessary information should your bag be misplaced. This information should include, at a minimum, an up-to-date phone number or email address, and the address of your hotel or residence. It is also important to include your name, and some people choose to include a photo of themselves, to ensure the bag can be matched to its owner.

Luggage tags can also be used to prove that the bag is yours, especially if someone else has a similar bag. They can also be used to identify and trace a specific bag that has gone astray and was not delivered at the destination.

When choosing a luggage tag, it is important to select one that is durable and will not fall off or become damaged. It should also stand out aesthetically so that you can identify your luggage at a glance. It is also a good idea to include a second label or tag inside the bag as a backup.

Luggage tag design

Luggage tags are an important accessory for travellers, helping them to keep track of their bags and ensuring a seamless travel experience. When designing luggage tags, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, functionality is essential—the tag should be sturdy, durable, and securely attached to the luggage. This can be achieved by using materials such as plastic, leather, or reinforced paper, along with strong attachments like metal buckles or stainless steel loops.

The design of the luggage tag should also make it aesthetically distinctive. Bright colours, unique patterns, and personalised touches like initials or photos can help your luggage stand out from the crowd. This is especially important in airports, where most travel bags are similar in shape and size. Consider using bold colours or unique patterns to make your luggage easily identifiable.

The information displayed on the tag is another crucial aspect. It should include essential details such as the traveller's name, contact information (phone number and email), and the address of their hotel or residence for international travel. It is recommended to avoid including a home address for safety reasons. Additionally, consider adding a security flap or using smart tags to protect personal information from prying eyes.

Luggage tags can also offer additional features, such as transforming into a grab-and-go wallet or including a pen and pen holder for on-the-go updates. When designing the layout, ensure that the information is clear, concise, and easy to read. You can also experiment with different fonts and design elements to create a unique and personalised look.

Lastly, consider the size and placement of the luggage tag. It should be attached to the handle or strap of the bag, with adjustable straps pulled tight to secure it in place. For checked luggage, it is recommended to have two tags—one on the outside and one on the inside—as an extra precaution in case the outside tag is damaged.

Frequently asked questions