When traveling, luggage tags are essential to ensure that you won't lose your baggage along the way. But do airports give you luggage tags? We looked for answers to this and here is what we found.
No, not the airport per se. But, airlines provide luggage tags during baggage check-in. Some airlines also give luggage tags at the kiosk when you print your boarding pass during self-check-in.
Additionally, you can ask the airline's check-in counter if you want tags where you can write your name and contact information in case your luggage gets lost.
But, why do you need luggage tags when you travel? Keep reading as we give you the answers. Additionally, we'll discuss the advantages of affixing your luggage with tags, what details you should write in them, and how to keep your luggage safe. So, read on!
Why Do You Need Luggage Tags? [Is It Necessary?]
Anytime someone else will be handling your luggage, you should think about tagging your belongings. If you affix a sturdy and well-made tag to your bags, you can easily avoid having lost luggage.
Furthermore, by disclosing this information, you might prevent someone else from stealing your airport bags.
In addition to helping the airline identify your suitcase's destination, luggage tags serve as identity cards that enable the airline to trace your belongings if they go missing, are misplaced, or are mistakenly taken by another traveler at the airport luggage carousel.
Here are some other benefits of using a luggage tag for your travel:
Easy Luggage Identification
In the unlikely event that another person's luggage has a similar style to yours, you can quickly identify it and locate yours.
Quick Return In Case Of Misdirection
If your luggage is accidentally directed to another flight and you have the proper tag, it will be swiftly located and returned to you without any problems.
Add Style To Your Luggage
Tags can have a purpose or be an entertaining item that adds quirky style to your travels.
What Details Should You Put On Your Luggage Tags?
Your luggage tag should just contain essential information, such as your name, phone number, and email address.
You can further safeguard your identification by keeping private details like your home address or social security number private.
However, you can write the address where you'll be staying or your company address. Additionally, if you're going to a place where there is limited internet or phone access, you can write down your trusted family's contact information.
One reason why you shouldn't put your home address is that criminals want this kind of information. It's as simple as stealing candy from a kid to robbing an empty house when the owners are away.
Since your luggage tag is permanently fastened to the exterior of your bag, opportunistic burglars may easily photograph it and plunder your home while you're away.
What Are Some Tips To Keep Your Luggage Safe?
Here are some suggestions to keep in mind to protect your luggage on your upcoming trip:
Put Your Valuables In Your Carry-on Bag
Keep anything that has personal information, or that you'd be upset to lose with you at all times. Laptops, travel papers, jewelry, and cash are a few examples.
Take Photos Of Your Bag And The Items Inside
It will be easier for airport employees to locate your luggage if you take a photo of both the outside and interior of your suitcase. Keeping a list of what's in your suitcase is also a smart idea in case anything is lost or stolen.
Put Tags On Your Suitcases' Exteriors and Interiors
An excellent failsafe is to attach a second baggage tag to the interior of your suitcase. Now, airline workers can still find you even if the outer luggage tag were to ever come off.
Lock Your Luggage
Locks are an effective deterrent to the theft of your belongings. However, before you use it, check to make sure it complies with airport regulations.
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Place Your Business Card Or Itinerary Inside Your Luggage
If you're traveling for business, tuck an itinerary or business card in your luggage. If it is located, it will be simpler to contact you since the airline will be aware of where to look for you.
Check In Your Baggage On Time
There is a good risk that your bags won't make it on the same flight if you check in 30 minutes before takeoff. Your bags will have more time to be checked in and loaded onto the plane if you arrive at the airport early.
Avoid Connecting Flights As Much As Possible
The most common scenario where luggage goes missing is during a flight change. To avoid this frequent error, consider taking a nonstop flight to your destination.
Verify The Accuracy Of The Airport Tag
Airports also affix a barcode, your flight number, and your destination to your bags, even if you have your luggage tag. To ensure the accuracy and proper spelling of your name, double-check the information provided.
Detach Old Tags From Earlier Travels
Airlines detect and track your luggage using barcodes. Their personnel won't scan the incorrect tag if existing tags are removed.
Monitor Your Bags Using A Mobile Device
Some airlines provide a mobile or tablet app for luggage tracking. At the touch of a button, you'll always be able to pinpoint the location of your bag.
For example, if your bag is at check-in, in transit, or has arrived at your destination, Qatar Airways' "Track My Bags" tool will let you know.
Moreover, you can find out where your bag is and where it's going with Delta's baggage monitoring feature. Even an expected time for when it will arrive at baggage claim is provided by the app.
If You Believe Your Luggage Is Missing, Notify The Airline Right Away
If you can't find your luggage, ask for help right away and submit a claim. They'll immediately start looking for your bags and get in touch with you when they find them.
On Which Part Of Your Luggage Should You Place Your Tags?
It's preferable to affix a luggage tag on the exterior of your suitcase if it has a lock. The top or side handles are typically the best places to affix your tag so that it is more visible.
Dedicated baggage tag holders that are attached to the back of some suitcases work better because they can't be removed from your bag.
But you could just put your luggage tag inside if your bag isn't locked. Put it in the zipped mesh pocket in the main bag, or somewhere else where you can easily find it.
It's probably even better to attach a luggage tag to the main compartment so it can't be lost and won't be seen by others when you're out and about.
Attach luggage tags to all carry-on items; you might have to keep them far from your seat. As you start to board the aircraft, you may also be asked to check your carry-on bags if the airline is a smaller one or if there is an overbooking.
Should You Invest In An Electronic Luggage Tag?
For the majority of passengers, many people believe a luggage tag that includes a card with printed information is the ideal choice.
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However, there are now several smart luggage tags, which are technological tools designed to assist you in finding misplaced luggage.
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The New York Times conducted research and reviewed many kinds of smart tags available. As a result, they were unable to identify any that performed well enough for them to advise using them on your luggage regularly.
Final Thoughts
You don't have to worry if you forgot to place a luggage tag on your bags. You can ask your airline to provide one for you without paying any extra.
These tags are important to ensure the safety and security of your luggage in case it is lost along the way. Moreover, owner identification will be easier if your luggage has tags.
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