Skip to main content

Are luggage tags necessary? Here’s the truth

Everything you need to know about luggage tags

person rolling white suitcase
Eminent Luggage / Unsplash

I’ll admit it – using luggage tags when I traveled used to feel like an afterthought for me, but that changed the first time my bag didn’t show up at the airport baggage claim. After a long and stressful process of tracking it down, I finally understood how important it is to have a good luggage tag with clear information so you can be reunited with your bag if it gets lost. Now, I never travel without one. If you’ve ever wondered, “Are luggage tags necessary?” I’m here to break it down for you. Here’s the real purpose of luggage tags and why they’re important.

The purpose of luggage tags

Baggage claim in airport terminal. Suitcases on the airport luggage conveyor belt. 3d illustration
Maxx-Studio / Adobe Stock

As I’m sure you know, luggage tags help identify your bags. Airports handle millions of suitcases, backpacks, and duffels every year. And according to NPR, airlines actually lose 2 million suitcases a year. With so many bags that look alike, it’s easy to grab the wrong one or, worse, lose your own, whether someone accidentally grabs yours, or your bag misses your flight. According to Ben Thoennes from Ben Thoennes Dream Vacations, not only do luggage tags help distinguish your belongings from everyone else’s, but they also serve as a backup identification method if your airline’s barcode sticker is damaged or lost.

Recommended Videos

Why luggage tags are necessary

Easier bag identification

luggage gets airport security tag put on
Sergei Starostin / Pexels

Think about this for a minute – how many times have you stood at the baggage carousel waiting for your suitcase, only to see a dozen bags that look just like yours? A brightly colored or uniquely designed luggage tag can help you find yours right away.

Protection against lost luggage

While no one wants to think about their luggage going missing, it’s a reality for many travelers (like me). In fact, Nicole Hogg, director of product management at SITA, recommends including your name and contact information both on the outside and inside of your bag to assist in case it gets lost during travel.

Backup for airline tags

Airline baggage stickers are not foolproof. They can peel off, get smudged, or even be placed on the wrong bag. A luggage tag is a secondary identifier that ensures that even if the airline’s system fails, your bag has a clear label that points back to you.

When luggage tags are non-negotiable

luggage in trunk of car
Swansway Motor Group / Unsplash

While the evidence points to luggage tags generally being a good idea, there are certain situations where they’re pretty much essential:

  • During international travel- With multiple connections and long distances, the risk of lost luggage increases. A luggage tag can be a lifesaver in these scenarios.
  • Group travel- When traveling with friends or family, it’s common for everyone to have similar suitcases. Tags help avoid mix-ups so you can easily keep track of your bags.
  • Checking in at hotels or cruise ships. Many hotels and cruise lines handle your luggage for you. Having a clear luggage tag ensures it’s delivered to the right room.

How to choose the right luggage tag

A view of a suitcase making its way through Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel.
Andrew Davey/The Manual / The Manual

Here are a few factors to consider when picking a luggage tag:

  • Choose tags made from sturdy materials like leather, metal, or thick plastic. They’ll withstand the wear and tear of travel better than the flimsy paper tags usually supplied by the airlines at the check-in counter.
  • Bright colors or unique designs make it easier to spot your bag from afar.
  • Look for tags with strong straps or fasteners that won’t easily break or fall off.
  • Pick tags that protect your personal information from prying eyes.
  • Some tags allow you to include additional details like your travel itinerary or emergency contacts.

The downsides of luggage tags

a "bag claim" sign in the airport
Drew Taylor / Unsplash

Despite their advantages, there are a few drawbacks to consider as well:

  • Exposing your personal information on a tag can be risky if it falls into the wrong hands. However, this can be mitigated with privacy covers or QR-coded tags.
  • High-quality luggage tags can be an added expense, though they’re often worth the investment.
  • Some travelers forget to update their luggage tags or fail to attach them securely, rendering them useless.

Alternatives to traditional luggage tags

man standing in an airport with his suitcase next to him
Ashim D’Silva / Unsplash

If you’re not sold on the idea of using a traditional tag, there are alternative methods to identify your luggage:

  • Smart luggage tags. These incorporate technology like GPS tracking, QR codes, or Bluetooth to help you locate your bag in real-time.
  • Custom luggage wraps. If you just want an easy way to make your luggage stand out from the rest, personalized covers or straps can make your suitcase stand out without the need for a tag.
  • Permanent markers. Writing your contact details on the inside lining of your suitcase can serve as an easy backup.

So, are luggage tags necessary?

Traveler pulling a rollaboard suitcase outside an airport, sun shining directly into the camera.
Tim Mossholder / Unsplash

Are luggage tags necessary? While they’re not legally required, they are undoubtedly a smart and practical travel accessory. A well-chosen luggage tag can save you time, prevent mix-ups, and give you peace of mind when you’re on the go. Taking a few extra minutes to attach a tag to your bag is a small effort that could make a big difference.

Kelly Baker
Kelly is a writer who loves good books, baking homemade bread, playing the piano, and spending time with her family.
Can you bring an electric toothbrush on a plane? We’ll help you pack
What to know about packing your electric toothbrush
Man with tatted arm packs suitcase for adventure travel trip. Packing bag with camera, laptop, portable battery charger and electric toothbrush.

When I'm getting ready for a trip, I spend some time thinking about what I'm going to bring, but I don't think much about what's in my toiletry kit. Packing that seems like a no-brainer -- hairbrush, deodorant, toothbrush. But what if you use an electric toothbrush instead of a manual toothbrush? Often, people don't consider if you can take an eclectic toothbrush on a plane until it comes time to pack. Unlike packing a traditional toothbrush, travelers must follow certain rules when traveling with an electric toothbrush.

Let us help you make packing easy with the simple answers to the questions you want to know, such as, "Can you bring an electric toothbrush on a plane?"
Can you bring an electric toothbrush on a plane?

Read more
What happens when someone dies on a plane mid-flight?
Death is inevitable — this is what happens when a passenger passes away during a flight
Blue and red airplane in the sky

Death seems to come at the most inconvenient times, doesn’t it? Elvis died on the john, Segway owner Jimi Heselden drove his own Segway off a cliff, and Steve Irwin met his maker at the end of a stingray barb (although eternal optimists would argue the man "died doing what he loved"). We can’t all pass peacefully in our sleep. So, it’s no surprise that some are bound to keel over mid-flight among the millions of air travelers taking to the skies daily. But what happens to their bodies — and their unfortunate seatmates — when they do?

Personally, this is not something that I spend a lot of time thinking about when I'm boarding a plane, and I just figured that the flight crew would know what to do, so it was interesting learning about exactly what what happens when someone dies on a flight.
Be prepared

Read more
How to replace an AirTag battery: A step-by-step guide
Battery low? Here’s how to give your AirTag new life
man tracking AirTag on phone

Many people swear by Apple’s AirTags (including me) for their simple and reliable way of keeping track of their stuff. You can use an AirTag for your keys, bag, or even your pet’s collar. If it's something that you frequently lose track of, an AirTag will be your best friend. One of the best features is that it uses a user-replaceable battery, so you don't have to worry about buying a whole new tracker when its power runs low. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to replace an AirTag battery so you can get back to tracking without missing a beat.
How do you know when to replace your AirTag battery?

The first sign that your AirTag’s battery might need replacing is when you receive a notification on your iPhone that the battery is low. Apple will send you a notification when the battery is nearing the end of its life.
What you'll need to replace the battery
Before you get started, make sure you have what you’ll need:

Read more