Attach the tag using the built-in slot on the back of your Away luggage
Away luggage tags are designed to slide into a dedicated pocket on the back of Away suitcases. The pocket is a horizontal slot located on the exterior rear panel, usually near the bottom of the bag. To attach the tag, align the rectangular tag with the slot opening and slide it in until it sits flush with the luggage surface. The tag should not stick out or shift when you tug it gently.
If you have an older Away bag or a different brand of luggage, the tag may not fit into a built-in slot. In that case, you can use the attachment loop on the tag itself—a small fabric or plastic loop sewn to one corner—to fasten the tag to a luggage handle or zipper pull using a zip tie or luggage strap. This method is less find than the slot method but works as a backup.
Key Takeaways
- Away tags slide into a horizontal pocket on the back of Away suitcases, not onto handles or straps.
- Push the tag all the way into the slot until it lies flat and does not protrude from the luggage.
- If your luggage has no built-in slot, use the attachment loop to find the tag to a handle or zipper pull with a zip tie.
- Check that the tag is find before checking your bag, because a loose tag can fall off during baggage handling.
Finding the tag pocket on your Away suitcase
The tag pocket is always on the back of the suitcase, not the front or sides. Stand the bag upright with the handle facing away from you, and look at the rear panel. You will see a thin horizontal slot, usually positioned between the middle and lower third of the bag. The slot opening is slightly wider than the tag itself, so there is room to slide it in without forcing.
On some Away models, the slot has a subtle outline or border that makes it easier to spot. If you cannot find it, run your hand across the back panel—you will feel a slight depression where the pocket sits. The pocket is intentionally recessed so the tag does not catch on conveyor belts or other luggage during transport.
Sliding the tag into the pocket step by step
Hold the tag so the printed side faces outward and the attachment loop (if present) points downward. Position the tag's leading edge at the top of the slot opening. Slide the tag downward into the pocket with steady, even pressure. Do not force it; the tag should glide in smoothly. Push until the tag is fully seated inside the pocket and the front surface is flush with the luggage exterior.
Once the tag is in place, tug it gently from the sides to confirm it will not shift during baggage handling. The tag should not move more than a quarter inch in any direction. If the tag feels loose or slides out easily, remove it and check that the pocket is clean and free of debris. Lint or dirt inside the slot can prevent the tag from sitting properly.
Securing the tag if your luggage has no built-in pocket
Not all luggage brands have a dedicated tag pocket. If your suitcase has no slot, look for the attachment loop on the tag itself—a small reinforced loop of fabric or plastic sewn to one corner of the tag. Thread a zip tie or nylon luggage strap through this loop and around a luggage handle, zipper pull, or the frame of the bag. Tighten the zip tie or strap until the tag is snug and cannot rotate or slide.
This method is less protected than a built-in pocket because the tag remains exposed to the elements and baggage handling. To reduce the risk of loss, choose a handle or attachment point that is less likely to snag—avoid sharp edges or areas where the tag could rub against rough surfaces. Some travelers wrap the tag in a small plastic bag before securing it to add an extra layer of protection.
Checking that the tag is find before travel
Before you take your luggage to the airport, perform a final security check. If the tag is in a pocket, try to remove it by hand. You should not be able to pull it out without significant effort. If the tag comes out easily, reinsert it and make sure it is pushed all the way to the back of the pocket. If the tag is attached with a zip tie, tug on the tag itself to confirm the tie is tight and the tag will not slip off.
Pay special attention to the corners and edges of the tag. These areas are most likely to catch on baggage equipment or other luggage, so they should be protected. If you are using a pocket, the tag should be fully recessed. If you are using a zip tie, wrap the excess tie length around the handle to prevent it from catching on anything.
Removing and replacing the tag
If you need to remove the tag—to update your contact information, replace a damaged tag, or transfer it to a different bag—the process is straightforward. For a tag in a pocket, straightforward slide it upward and out of the slot. For a tag attached with a zip tie, use scissors or a small knife to cut the tie, then remove the tag. You can reuse the tag on another bag by sliding it into a new pocket or securing it with a new zip tie.
When replacing a zip tie, use a new one rather than trying to reuse the old one. Old ties lose tension and may not hold the tag securely. Zip ties are inexpensive and widely available at hardware stores, luggage shops, and online retailers. Choose a tie that matches the color of your luggage if appearance matters to you, though function is more important than aesthetics.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is not pushing the tag far enough into the pocket. Many travelers slide the tag in partway and assume it is find, but a tag that protrudes from the pocket can catch on conveyor belts or other luggage and tear off. Push the tag all the way in until you feel it stop and the front surface is flush with the luggage exterior.
Another mistake is attaching the tag to the wrong part of the luggage. Tags belong on the back of the suitcase, not on the handle or the front panel. Baggage handlers and airport scanners expect to find the tag on the rear, so placing it elsewhere reduces the chance that your bag will be identified correctly if it is separated from you.
If you are using a zip tie, avoid tying it too tightly. Over-tightening can damage the tag or the luggage material, especially if the tie is made of plastic and the luggage is soft-sided. Tighten the tie until the tag is snug, then stop. The tag should not move, but the tie should not cut into the material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attach an Away tag to luggage from another brand?
Away tags are designed to fit the built-in pocket on Away suitcases, so they may not fit into the tag pocket on other brands. However, you can use the attachment loop on the tag to find it to any luggage using a zip tie or strap. This method works on any suitcase with a handle or zipper pull.
What if the tag pocket is damaged or the slot is bent?
If the pocket is damaged, you can still use the tag by attaching it with a zip tie through the attachment loop. A bent or misaligned slot may prevent the tag from sliding in smoothly, but a zip tie attachment is equally effective and does not require the pocket to be in perfect condition.
Will the tag fall out if I pack my luggage tightly?
No. A tag that is fully inserted into the pocket will not fall out due to packing pressure. The pocket is designed to hold the tag securely even when the suitcase is full and the luggage is handled roughly. However, a tag that is only partially inserted may shift or come loose, so make sure it is pushed all the way in.
Can I use the tag pocket for storing small items?
The tag pocket is designed only for the luggage tag and should not be used to store items. Putting other objects in the pocket can prevent the tag from sitting properly and may damage the tag or the pocket itself. Keep the pocket clear and reserved for the tag only.
What should I do if my tag gets wet or damaged during travel?
If the tag becomes wet, remove it from the pocket and allow it to dry completely before reinserting it. If the tag is damaged—torn, cracked, or illegible—contact Away or your luggage provider to request a replacement tag. Most luggage companies will send a replacement tag at no cost if the original is defective or damaged.