If you have a suitcase, you probably have a luggage tag. And if you've been traveling by air this past summer -- think CrowdStrike shutdown, weather delays, and more -- you may have been traveling on a different plane than your luggage! Eek!
So let's talk about luggage tags, i.e. "suitcase jewelry."
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| Always find your luggage with a personalized luggage tag from Shutterfly. |
1.) Do you really need suitcase jewelry, i.e. a luggage tag?
Well, the short answer these days is not usually.
If you check a bag, the airline will always securely place a checked baggage tag around a handle and almost always place a sticker with a related code directly on the luggage. The codes on these tags link the luggage directly to your ticket, and the airline database has your personal contact information along with your full route, including your home airport and your final destination, plus any detours along the way.
The airline's tracking systems are in place to ensure that your luggage gets to where it's going. So it is important to enter accurate information when booking your ticket.
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| The last time I voluntarily checked a bag, it traveled on a different plane than me. I made a report before leaving the airport, and the luggage was delivered to my hotel a couple of days later. |
2.) Do you have ever have to use a luggage tag?
Well ... sometimes.
My typical M.O. is to simply write my info directly on my suitcase with a permanent marker. I also usually have my contact info stored inside my suitcase. Between those two things, the airline's checked baggage tag, and my AirTag, I hope any checked luggage will eventually get to me in the unfortunate event of it being lost along the way.
But certain countries and certain carriers require a visible luggage tag with certain information. For instance, on our trip with Friendly Planet to Cuba, guests were instructed to have a luggage tag with identifying information on each piece of luggage, including carryon and personal items. So even my travel purse had tag! If a country or a carrier requires a luggage tag, then by all means use one.
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| Note how this luggage tag hides all personal information. |
3.) What information should I put on my luggage tag (or write on my suitcase)?
These days, just like in the olden days, luggage tags usually have space for Name, Address, Phone Number, and Email. But is all that information really necessary?
My answer is a resounding no. Think about how the airline or other common carriers are going to determine that the luggage in fact is yours ... and then contact you to return your luggage: likely by phone or email. And the airline is most likely to use the contact information in their database, not what's written on your luggage tag.
So my luggage has my name and my city, state, and country. That's it. I do not include my email, my phone number, my street address, or my zip code -- that information is not necessary for the safe delivery of my luggage, and I prefer to keep that information away from prying eyes.
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| This adorable accent from Bayou Belle Boutique would make your luggage stand out. |
Oh that's easy: something that speaks to you and reflects your personality!
My husband has custom luggage tags with our pictures on them (see top picture -- thanks, Shutterfly!). These bring both of us great joy every time we see our suitcases!
Another thing to consider is how to distinguish your suitcase from all the others, especially for checked bags. A piece of bright ribbon is a common addition to luggage, but a sparkly sequin tag (like the ones pictured) is also fun! Maybe a hot pink oversized tag is the way to go, or something that shows your love for your favorite team (Geaux Tigers!), or maybe tropical colors for your whole krewe, or -- if your trip is a little more rugged -- perhaps an "indestructible" luggage tag is your best bet!
If you prefer something a little more understated, a gorgeous Bordeaux leather option might be the best choice.
Between custom luggage tags and mass produced luggage tags, the options are almost limitless!
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| Our luggage looks right at home in this AirBnB! |
The most important thing to remember is that your luggage -- including carryon bags -- need some kind of identifier so that the airline or other carrier can identify the owner should you and your belongings should get separated.
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| Airlines place a checked baggage tag on every piece of checked luggage. |
What to do if your luggage is lost along the way? Stay tuned: that's a topic for another day!
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