Have you ever been on a family excursion when your child left behind a beloved stuffed animal or snack bag? Did you arrive at your destination and then realize your bags didn’t make the same trip? When traveling with kids, moms already have a lot to think about. Marking your belongings with luggage tags is an easy way to keep your trip at the airport stress-free.
What are Luggage Tags?
Luggage tags are essential labels that you attach to your suitcase, carry-on bag, or other belongings. Bag tags include personal information to make it easy to contact you if anything gets lost.
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Why are Luggage Tags Important?
If your luggage tag contains your contact information, there is a greater chance of it being returned to you in case it is lost, stolen or misplaced.
We all know there’s a certain risk with every flight that our baggage might be damaged or delayed. Luggage tags can help expedite the claims process in those situations. A tag with the proper vital information allows the airline or travel company to reach you quickly and provide a resolution.
Oftentimes, the greatest risk to our luggage is outside of the airport, when we are transferring to a hotel or other mode of transportation. Having your contact details on your personal belongings helps others find you in case of a lost or missing bag.
Do Airlines Require Luggage Tags?
When you check a bag at the airport, they will add their own tags. These look like long pieces of paper with adhesive ends and are printed with a barcode. As long as this tag is intact, the airport will know whose bag it is. Therefore, the airlines don’t require luggage tags but it is still a good idea to add your own. It is quicker to read a phone number on a tag than having to look the information up via the airport barcodes.
Can I Get Luggage Tags at the Airport?
You can label luggage at check-in using paper tags directly from your airline. However, I’m not a fan of these paper tags (keep reading to find out why), and not all airlines will provide them. Some airlines, such as Southwest, offer self-tagging kiosks. These essentially speed up the check-in process. The tags have adhesive ends and barcodes as I mentioned above, but these don’t give vital information to anyone else in case your bag is lost or stolen.
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How Do I Choose the Best Luggage Tag?
When choosing identification for your bag, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you’ll want to choose a tag that is sturdy and durable. Reusable plastic or metal tags are always a good option. You’ll also want to make sure that the tag is large enough to include all of your contact information. Some tags have little flaps that cover your personal details. I like these because it keeps my information away from prying eyes and potential thieves.
Paper tags or reusable tags?
Reusable tags are always my recommendation as opposed to paper options. For starters, paper tags are much easier to lose. They tear easily as they are moved on and off the conveyor belts or to and from the airplane. If the paper tags are damaged, get wet, or completely torn off, all of your important information could become lost or unreadable.
Reusable tags, on the other hand, are made of durable materials such as leather, metal or nylon. They withstand the wear and tear of travel much better and are less likely to incur damage while you are getting on and off the airplane or moving your bags to the next destination.
Show Your Personality with Luggage Tags
Reusable luggage tags are a great idea to show off your unique personality while traveling. Whether you opt for vibrant colors or classic leather, these tags can help you make a statement.
Select a style that either complements your luggage bags or a style that clashes with them in a dramatic fashion. For example, if you have a sleek and modern set of bags, you can either choose tags that are similarly understated or opt for brightly colored, whimsical tags. Tags that are fun and eye-catching will help your bag stand out from the others as it is circling the baggage carousel.
Tip: If you are concerned about losing your checked bags or simply want the ability to track bags when traveling, add an Apple AirTag inside each bag. Then you can track your bags with your “Find My Phone” app.
Best Reusable Luggage Tags
Show off your personality and interests on your next family trip. Reusable luggage tags make it easy to find your bags in case they get lost or delayed.
$13 - these colorful airplane tags give extra protection to your contact information. Only your name shows through. This set comes in a variety of colors and each tag has a steel loop.
$10 - Throw it back old-school style with this retro personalized baggage tag.
$10 - Are you a coffee aficionado? This is a fun way to show your unique personality, and would also make a gift for the coffee lover in your life. This features a durable strap and a peekaboo window for ultimate privacy.
Be inspired to visit the great outdoors with these sturdy luggage tags.
$7 - You'll get an assortment of bold colors in this set of seven luggage tags. Keep your information secure so you can have a stress-free vacation.
$12 - these adorable luggage tags from Etsy can be completely personalized. You provide a photo and your vital information to have a one-of-a-kind luggage tag
$14 - This classy and understated tag compliments sleek and modern luggage. Add your contact details and and attach it to your bag - you'll be all set to fly!
Where To Put Your Luggage Tag?
I recommend that you put your luggage tag on the top handle of your suitcase or carry-on bag. This way, it will be visible no matter how your bag is positioned on the conveyor belts or baggage claim carousels. Most reusable baggage tags will already come with durable straps or loops, but if not, be sure to add one.
Adding a tag to the inside of your bag is another way to ensure you can be contacted just in case there is significant damage to the exterior or if your outside tag got removed.
What to Write On My Luggage Tag?
In general, when filling out your luggage tag, include your name, phone number, and email address. You could also add alternate contact information such as a family member’s email or phone number.
We used to always include our home addresses as well, but these days that is controversial. If a criminal wanna-be sees your home address while you’re traveling, they will know you are gone and it sets your house up as a potential crime scene. As an alternative, you could use the address of your destination or if you are traveling for business, use the office address.
Consider including a photo of yourself or your child on your luggage tags. This may seem like an unnecessary step, but it could be helpful if your bag becomes lost and someone needs to identify it. It’s also useful if you’re traveling with small children as they are prone to setting things down or leaving them behind. If you put a luggage tag with your pictures on your kid’s security items, such as a stuffed animal or blanket, the airport staff might recognize you from the picture and be able to return the item quicker.
Note: Only include information that you are comfortable sharing with strangers. NEVER put your Social Security Number on your luggage tags.
How Many Luggage Tags Do I Need?
It’s a good idea to have tags on each of your bags. It’s not unusual for bags to get split from each other or your intended flight, so having clear markings on each piece of luggage is the best way.
Which Travel Bags Need a Tag?
When packing for a trip, tag all of your bags – this includes carry-ons and children’s luggage. While it’s unlikely that your carry-on bag will be lost or stolen, it’s still a good idea to include a tag in case of any potential mix-ups or if you accidentally leave it behind.
If you are traveling with young children, I also recommend tagging strollers, car seats, and their little bags. For older kids, consider tagging things such as headphones and electronic devices. If the flights are full you might be asked to check your carry-ons or larger personal items at the gate. If you have them tagged before departure, you can rest easy your items will get returned to you once you reach your destination.
Tip: If your kids have a stuffed animal or other comfort items, attach a reusable luggage tag to it as well with a safety pin or sew it on.
Take the time to tag all of your bags and travel items. You can be assured that your belongings will be safe and sound during your travels.
Need more tips for your next family vacation?
- 5 Family Travel Packing Tips To Take the Angst Out of Doing it All
- 10 Tips For Safe Travel With Your Family
- 12 Suitcase Packing Tips to Cut Baggage Fees
- 10 Simple Vacation Planning Tips That Help You Avoid Mistakes that Kill Your Joy
As any mom knows, traveling with children is stressful. There are so many things to think about and prepare for. These simple tips for using luggage tags will help ensure smooth sailing during your next family vacation.
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