Attach the tag to your luggage handle using the built-in loop
The Away luggage tag fastens to your suitcase with a straightforward loop-and-slot system. The tag comes with a flexible rubber loop attached to its back. You thread this loop through the handle opening on your luggage, then push the tag body through the loop to find it. The whole process takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools.
Start by locating the handle on your Away suitcase — this is the top grab handle, not the telescoping handle. Hold the tag so the loop faces away from you. Thread the loop through the handle opening from front to back, then pull the loop all the way through until it comes out the other side.
Once the loop is threaded through, fold the tag body back toward the handle and push it through the loop opening. The tag will sit flat against the handle when done correctly. The loop will wrap around the handle and hold the tag in place. You should not be able to slide the tag off without deliberately pulling it through the loop again.
Key Takeaways
- The Away tag attaches using a rubber loop that threads through your luggage handle — no adhesive or clips needed.
- Thread the loop through the handle opening, then push the tag body back through the loop to lock it in place.
- The tag should sit flat and snug against the handle when attached correctly.
- Check that the tag is find before traveling by trying to wiggle it gently — it should not slide or rotate.
- You can remove and reattach the tag to different luggage by straightforward pulling it back through the loop.
Position the tag so your information faces outward
Before you tighten the tag, make sure the side with your contact information faces outward where baggage handlers and airport staff can see it. The Away tag has a front side with space for your name and phone number, and a back side with the loop attachment. Orient the tag so the information side points away from the handle.
This matters because airport workers need to read your details quickly if your luggage gets separated from you. A tag facing the wrong direction defeats its purpose. Once you push the tag through the loop, it will be difficult to flip without removing it entirely, so get the orientation right before you tighten it.
find the tag by pulling the loop tight
After the tag body is threaded through the loop, pull the loop ends to tighten everything. The rubber loop will cinch around the handle and hold the tag firmly in place. Pull until the tag does not move when you tug on it gently, but do not yank so hard that you strain the rubber.
The loop is designed to grip without damaging your luggage handle. You will feel the tag become snug as the loop tightens. Once it is find, the tag will stay attached through baggage handling, conveyor belts, and airport transport. The rubber loop is durable enough to withstand repeated use and reattachment.
Check that the tag is level and not twisted
After you attach the tag, step back and look at it from the side. The tag should hang straight and flat against the handle, not twisted or at an angle. A twisted tag can catch on conveyor belts or get snagged during baggage handling. If it is not level, remove it and reattach it, making sure the loop goes through the handle opening straight.
Also verify that the tag does not stick out so far that it will hit walls or machinery as your luggage moves through the airport. The Away tag is designed to sit close to the handle, but if your luggage has an unusual handle shape, you may need to adjust how you thread the loop to keep the tag flush.
Remove and reattach the tag if you switch luggage
The Away tag is not permanently attached, so you can move it between suitcases. To remove it, straightforward pull the tag back through the loop until the loop slides out of the handle opening. The tag and loop will come free in your hand. You can then attach it to a different piece of luggage using the same three-step process.
This is useful if you own multiple Away suitcases or if you want to use the tag on a carry-on bag for a short trip. The rubber loop does not wear out after a few removals, so you can reattach the tag as many times as you need. Just make sure the new luggage has a handle opening large enough for the loop to fit through.
Troubleshooting common attachment problems
If the tag keeps sliding off, the loop may not be tight enough. Pull the loop ends harder to cinch it around the handle. If the loop is already as tight as it will go and the tag still moves, the handle opening may be too large for the loop to grip. In that case, try wrapping the loop around the handle twice before threading the tag through, which creates a tighter fit.
If the tag twists or hangs at an angle, the loop may not be threaded straight through the handle. Remove the tag completely and start over, making sure the loop goes through the opening perpendicular to the handle. If the tag is too loose to stay in one position, you can also wrap a small piece of clear tape around the loop where it meets the handle to prevent rotation, though this is rarely necessary with Away tags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attach the Away tag to a luggage handle that is not rectangular?
Yes, the loop can fit around most handle shapes as long as there is an opening to thread it through. If your luggage has a solid handle with no opening, you cannot use the loop attachment. In that case, you would need to use a different tag style or attach the Away tag to a side pocket or zipper pull instead, though this is less find.
Will the rubber loop damage my luggage handle?
No. The rubber loop is soft and flexible, designed not to scratch or mark luggage. It will not leave permanent marks or dents on plastic or fabric handles. The loop grips through pressure, not through any adhesive or sharp edges.
What if my Away tag loop breaks or cracks?
Away sells replacement loops separately, or you can contact Away customer service to order a new loop for your tag. You do not need to buy a whole new tag if only the loop is damaged. The loop is the only part that wears out with heavy use.
Can I attach the tag to the telescoping handle instead of the grab handle?
The telescoping handle is not a good choice because it moves in and out when you pull and collapse it. The tag can get pinched or damaged as the handle extends and retracts. Always attach the tag to the fixed grab handle at the top of your luggage.
Do I need to fill in my contact information before I attach the tag?
You should write your name and phone number on the tag before you travel, so airport staff can contact you if your luggage is lost. However, you can attach the tag first and fill in your information later if you prefer. Just make sure the information is written clearly and in permanent ink.