What Information Should You Put on Luggage Tags? | Detailed Luggage Tag Guide
Traveling is often exciting but it can also be stressful, especially when it comes to securing your belongings. One simple solution that can make all the difference is using a luggage tag. A luggage tag helps identify and secure your luggage in transit.
In this guide to luggage tags, we’ll take a look at whether you should use luggage tags or not, what the benefits of luggage tags are, what to put on luggage tags, how to use them effectively, and much more.
We’ll also be sharing some of the best luggage tags that you can choose from. Whether you’re an occasional traveler or a frequent traveler, this guide to luggage tags will prove to be beneficial for you and help you make an informed decision.
This guide is all about luggage tags and covers different concerns like what is a luggage tag, what to put on luggage, and much more
Table of Contents
What is a luggage tag?
First and foremost, we should start with what a luggage tag is. Making it simple, a luggage tag is a small label or identifier you can attach to your luggage to distinguish it from others.
Luggage tags are usually made from materials like plastic, leather, or paper. They include the owner’s information, which generally includes the owner’s contact information, such as name, phone number, address, and email.
This information proves to be crucial in case your luggage gets lost or exchanged during travel, as it helps airlines, airports, and even fellow travelers identify and contact you. It ultimately helps you get your lost luggage back.
What should I put on luggage tags?
When you fill out your luggage tag, make sure you provide essential information that can suffice for someone to get you in touch without compromising your privacy or security. This information includes the following details:
Your Full Name
First and foremost you should mention your first and last name. This is because whoever finds your luggage can verify ownership easily and quickly, whether you’re the real owner or not.
Your Contact Details (Phone Number, Email and Location)
You should also provide your contact details, which might be your phone number, email, or both. The person who finds your luggage can easily contact you. This is important because a phone number is the fastest way to reach you.
The address of your hotel or accommodation and email address are the secondary options, If the phone number is not accessible, the person might write an email to you but it might take time. The last option is your staying location; if somehow you can not be reached by your phone number and email, here your accommodation address might work for you.
If your luggage is delayed but arrives at the destination, mentioning the address where you are staying can help you ensure that your luggage is directly delivered to you. But chances become less unless you’re very lucky. So make sure your phone number and email address are up-to-date.
Is it safe to put your home address on a luggage tag?
It’s not recommended to put your home address on your luggage. But still, if you prefer to include it, make sure you fill in only your city and state for privacy and security reasons. I’d not recommend including the complete address.
Most travelers prefer not to include their home addresses for privacy reasons. However, if you still want to, make sure you don’t provide an exact, complete address. You can provide a manipulated address but the state and city must be correct.
Example of Information to Include
- Name: Joseph Mark
- Phone: +123 456 7890
- Email: Josephmark@example.com
- Destination Address: ABC Hotel, 123 Street, City, Country
- Home Address: New York, NY
Also read: Guide to TSA-Approved Lock: Everything You Need to Know
Important Tips to Follow When Using Luggage Tags
There are a few additional tips that you must follow when you use luggage tags. Let’s take a look at them one by one.
- Use Inside Tags: Besides your outer luggage tag, make sure you also put a luggage tag inside your luggage and the information must be the same on both luggage tags. This is because if, unfortunately, your outer luggage tag gets lost or damaged, the inner luggage tag will be a backup that can help you find your luggage back.
- Use Luggage Tags with Privacy Covers: There are luggage tags, both with and without cover. So make sure to have a luggage tag with a privacy cover so that it’s not visible to others. It will help you maintain your privacy while being accessible to those who need it.
- Provide Only Essential Information: While filling in the information, be conscious that you provide only the essential information, as we explained above. Providing too much personal information can be harmful and it can be misused.
Unique Luggage Tag Tips You May Not Have Considered
Here are a few unique tips about using luggage tags that many people may not consider:
1. Use a QR Code Instead of Personal Information:
Instead of displaying your personal information on the tag, generate a QR code that links to a private, secure contact form or temporary email. This way, your personal data is protected, but anyone who finds your bag can still reach you.
2. Add an Itinerary Inside the Luggage:
While luggage tags help identify your bag, they can get lost or damaged. Place a copy of your itinerary or contact details inside the bag in case the tag is lost. This ensures your luggage can still be traced back to you.
3. Make Your Luggage Tag Stand Out:
Most people choose generic luggage tags. Opt for a bright or custom-designed tag that’s easy to spot on a luggage carousel, reducing the chance of someone else mistakenly grabbing your bag.
4. Include Travel Dates and Destinations:
If you’re going on a multi-leg trip, consider adding your travel dates and destinations to your luggage tag. This way, if your bag is misplaced, the airline or airport staff can have immediate context about where it should go next.
5. Attach a Backup Tag in a Hidden Spot:
Attach a secondary, discreet luggage tag inside a pocket or on an internal handle. If your main tag is ripped off, this backup can help reunite you with your luggage.
Why are luggage tags important?
There are various benefits or importance of luggage tags, but two of them are the most important. Let’s take a look.
Identification
Think of yourself waiting at baggage claim for your luggage among hundreds of similar-looking suitcases. In such a case, someone might pick up your luggage, thinking it is theirs and even you yourself might pick up someone else’s luggage, thinking it is your own. It’s common at airports.
So it helps prevent mix-ups and misplacing of suitcases. In this way, it helps you identify your luggage in the sea of hundreds of suitcases.
Lost Luggage Recovery
As we mentioned above, if, unfortunately, your luggage gets lost or misplaced, there are still chances for airlines or other travelers to get it back to you. This is just because of the information you provided on your luggage tag.
Also read: Ultimate Guide to Luggage Size and Linear Inches Rule
Conclusion
You must use luggage tags; they are really helpful in keeping your belongings and luggage secure, especially if your luggage gets lost or misplaced at the airport. But while filling out your luggage tag, make sure you provide only essential information that can suffice to reach you.
I do not recommend filling out the home address but if you prefer to fill it out, make sure you don’t write the complete real address. I hope this guide helped you. If you still have any concerns about luggage tags and traveling, do let me know in the comment section below.
