6 Best Luggage Tags for 2024

I was on a two-week backpacking trip with some college classmates, and we arrived in Germany, went to baggage claim, and waited patiently for our suitcases to arrive. It took three days for our suitcases to arrive, and we were well into the trip, but one pair of jeans was especially dirty.

With delayed and lost baggage becoming an increasingly common occurrence these days, more and more travelers are opting for carry-on luggage. Rather than risk the hassle of locating a lost item and ruining their trip, many would rather pack lightly. However, sometimes checking luggage is a wise, if not unavoidable, choice, especially on longer trips or international travel.

According to a 2023 study by aviation technology company SITA, global mishandled baggage rates will rise by 74.7% in 2022, and the percentage of bags delayed during connections will increase to 42%. However, passengers can quickly recover lost or delayed suitcases by attaching a baggage tag (in addition to the airline’s baggage sticker) with their name, email address and phone number.

International travelers (who are likely to have at least one layover) should also consider writing down the address of their hotel or residence so they can be contacted immediately and any lost luggage can be forwarded without delay. If you use handwritten luggage tags, you can add a temporary address by simply writing your hotel information on a separate card and inserting it over the permanent tag. It is also a good idea to take a photo of your secure luggage and luggage tag before checking in. That way, you will have evidence of what your luggage looks like, which can help you get compensation if it is not delivered or is damaged.

For security reasons, do not write your home address on your luggage tags. In most cases, this information is not needed because the airline will contact you by phone or email to return your lost luggage. Also, if you write your address on your luggage tags, many people can see this information after you depart for your trip, which can make you more vulnerable to robbery while traveling.

The best luggage tags have security flaps so your personal information is not easily visible, and in the case of smart tags, the data is stored electronically and only accessible to authorized users. You can also help airport officials and ease your own fears by tracking your luggage yourself using smart tags or luggage tracking devices. Many smart tags not only allow you to monitor your luggage, but also allow airport officials to scan your luggage and obtain your personal information if your luggage is lost. What’s more, the data can be easily edited and hotel and flight information can be added, helping you recover your lost luggage as quickly as possible. So you no longer have to wear the same clothes for days on end while on vacation.

Photo: Amazon

This simple yet practical luggage tag is the perfect item to help you find your bag, even from across the room. The adjustable strap has a buckle closure for added durability, and the information card is double-sided so it can be adjusted if your contact details change. The tag also comes with a 1-year limited warranty for added peace of mind while traveling.

Photo: Amazon

For tech-savvy travelers who want to not only track their luggage but also store personal information such as flight itineraries and hotel details, this smart tag is the perfect choice. Personal information can only be accessed by scanning the code, and an email is automatically sent to the user upon scanning the QR code, ensuring complete privacy wherever you are. You can also set a common ID for multiple bags with the tag, making family trips or traveling with multiple bags even easier.

Photo: Amazon

After months of exhaustive testing, the Eufy SmartTrack Link is our favorite luggage tag. The tag provides an accurate way to track your luggage in real time. It’s especially useful when you’re in a hurry or your luggage is lost. It took less than 15 seconds to set up, just add the device to the Find My app and rename it. The device is square in shape, compact and easy to use, so you can store it in a suitcase pocket, handbag, backpack, purse or other bag. It also has a key ring hole so you can attach it to a chain without having to buy a cover. During months of travel, we had no problem finding our suitcases with the app or locating our bags by making the device ring.

Photo: Amazon

These stainless steel luggage tags are unbreakable and built to outlast the most durable luggage. They also come with a lifetime warranty, so if your tag is lost or stolen, you’ll receive a free replacement. These tags are especially useful for people who travel a lot. They come with nine card inserts in various colors, so you can not only update your information, but also choose your favorite color to help you find your luggage as it moves around the conveyor belt.

Photo: Mark & ​​Graham

The easiest way to spot your luggage in a throng of travelers is to have a bag and bag tag that stands out in the crowd. This vegan leather option adds an extra touch of uniqueness to your travel gear by showing off your monogram in a fully customizable color and font. You can even coordinate your luggage tag with your passport cover or other travel accessories to further show off your personal style.

Photo: Amazon

Silicone luggage tags are a long-lasting, durable, and fun way to label your suitcases. BlueCosto offers them in 13 fun colors, from lime green to vibrant red, so you’ll never have trouble finding your bag on the luggage carousel. The set comes in a pack of five, so you can have matching items for the whole family. Best of all, the tags attach to your bags with a stainless steel loop for extra durability.

Tips for Purchasing Luggage Tags

Consider the installation method

Luggage tags are useless if they fall out of your bag during transport, so choose an option with a sturdy strap, clip, or other attachment to prevent your tag from getting lost. If you prefer a more aesthetically pleasing luggage tag (such as a leather option with a delicate buckle), you can also reinforce the attachment with a stainless steel loop for an extra layer of protection.

Durability is a priority

Luggage tags are a small but important part of your travel experience. While many people prefer to carry on luggage, luggage tags are an important part of checked luggage as they help you identify your suitcase (especially if it gets lost or delayed). Make sure your luggage tags are durable enough to last through multiple trips.

Make it easy to update your information

If you choose a smart tag, you should be able to easily update your personal information using a smartphone application that is compatible with the tag. With handwritten luggage tags, you should also make sure that the information can be easily updated if you move house or change your phone number. Some tags come with multiple inserts so that you can update the information as needed, while others require you to cut out new inserts yourself.

FAQ

Where should I attach my luggage tags?

Attach your luggage tag to the handle or strap of your bag where you can easily find it. If your tag has an adjustable strap, make sure it is pulled tight to minimize the risk of the tag getting caught.

What are the benefits of smart luggage tags?

Smart luggage tags are extremely useful for anxious travelers who want to keep track of their luggage at all times, and can also be helpful if your luggage gets lost or takes forever to reach the baggage carousel, especially when you’re in a rush. As well as tracking your suitcase, many smart luggage tags also have the ability to store your personal information and flight itinerary, which can be scanned by airport staff if your luggage gets lost or sent to the wrong destination.

Why trust Travel + Leisure?

Taylor Fox is a writer for Travel + Leisure, where she writes about and reviews travel products. She’s also an avid traveler, using her research and personal experience to select the best items for travelers.

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