Packing your luggage is often an exciting experience, but making sure it arrives safely is just as important. No one would ever question why you need to carry luggage tags, right? It’s not uncommon for airlines to mishandle luggage, so it’s important to learn how to properly tag your carry-on and checked luggage. The following guide can help you keep your luggage safe.
Why Use a Luggage Tag?
Using a luggage tag is a simple but effective way to protect your belongings and ensure a smoother travel experience. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in the event of misplaced luggage. Here’s why:
Quick Identification
In crowded baggage claim areas, many bags look alike. A luggage tag helps you quickly spot your bag, saving time and reducing the risk of picking up the wrong one.
Lost Luggage Recovery
In the unfortunate event that your luggage gets lost, a well-marked luggage tag with your contact information significantly increases the chances of your bag being returned. Airlines rely on the information provided on these tags to identify and reach out to the owner.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that your bag is clearly marked with your details provides peace of mind. Even if your luggage is misplaced, you have a better chance of recovery because your bag can be easily identified.
International Travel
When traveling internationally, a luggage tag is even more critical. It ensures that, should your luggage be rerouted to the wrong destination, the correct information is readily available to get it back to you, even across borders.
Proof of Ownership
In cases of dispute, such as if someone else mistakenly takes your bag, a luggage tag can serve as proof of ownership. Your contact information, and sometimes additional identifiers like a business card or unique design, clearly indicate the bag belongs to you.
How Often Does Luggage Get Lost on International Flights?
Luggage loss during international flights is more common than many travelers might expect. In 2022, the number of lost or mishandled bags reached a 10-year high, with 26 million bags going missing worldwide. This surge is attributed to a combination of increased post-pandemic travel and staff shortages at airports. On average, 7.6 bags per 1,000 passengers were lost or mishandled, with Europe being the worst-affected region. For international travelers, this highlights the importance of using luggage tags and other protective measures.
Choosing the Right Luggage Tag
When choosing luggage tags, it is important to prioritize durability and visibility. A sturdy tag will not only stand up to the test of travel but also make your luggage easily identifiable. Look for a lightweight and sturdy tag with a clear slot to record your contact information. While some airlines offer free tags, investing in a quality tag can provide better protection and style.
For a reliable and stylish choice, consider the Seinxon Mate luggage tag. It is designed with high-quality environmentally friendly PU material and a double-sided printed information card for name and contact details.
(Seinxon Mate - Luggage Tag $7.99)
With a slot for a hidden cover and a rainproof PVC layer, it can be easily and securely fixed with a spring buckle.
The size is 2.76*4.53 inches and the Seinxon wallet finder can fit perfectly in it, while also serving as the ultimate luggage.
Information to Include on Your Tag
When filling out your luggage tag, less is more. A business card is ideal because it usually omits sensitive personal information like your home address. Here's what luggage tag to include:
- Initial and Last Name: Use your first initial and last name to maintain privacy.
- Country of Residency: This helps in identifying where the bag belongs.
- Work Phone Number or Email: Provide a contact point should the airline need to reach you.
- Concealing Your Information: Avoid including your home address or both your first and last names. If you must use a personal mobile number, ensure it's the only phone number on the tag.
- Double Up Inside Your Luggage: Place the same information inside both your checked and carry-on luggage. In cases where the outer tag is lost or damaged, having backup info inside ensures your bag can still be routed correctly.
Also, for added security and tracking, consider using a luggage tracker that integrates with the tag. This can help you locate your luggage in real time if it gets lost.
In addition, carrying a wallet tracker with RFID blocking technology can protect your bank cards, etc. from unauthorized scanning during travel. This combination of tracker and RFID protection ensures the safety of your belongings and sensitive data.
How to Secure Luggage Tags with Small Plastic Loops
Traveling can get stressful, especially when it comes to keeping track of your belongings. A secure luggage tag is essential for identifying your bags and making sure they return to you if lost. In this guide, we'll show you how to use small plastic loops, also known as luggage loops, to attach tags securely to your luggage.
Step 1: Prepare Your Luggage Tag and Loop
Before attaching your luggage tag, gather your tag and a small plastic loop. Begin by inserting the loop through the slot on your luggage tag.
Step 2: Secure the Loop to the Tag
To attach the loop to your tag, take one end of the loop and thread it through the other side. Pull gently to tighten the loop around the tag. This step ensures that your tag remains firmly attached and won’t slip out during your journey.
Step 3: Attach the Tag to Your Luggage
Next, it's time to secure your luggage tag to your bag. Slide the loop under or around the strap of your luggage. Then, bring the loop over and down, so it wraps around the tag and forms a secure connection. Pull it tight to ensure the tag stays in place.
Step 4: Make Final Adjustments
Once the loop is secure, make any needed adjustments. This ensures your tag is visible and won’t snag or get caught on anything during transit.
Conclusion
Although there's a good chance your bag will arrive with you at your destination, preparing for any mishaps is wise. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that if your luggage takes an unexpected detour, it finds its way back to you quickly. Safe travels! Don't forget to double-check your tags before your next adventure!
