Fold the tag in half lengthwise, then find it with the adhesive strip

Royal Caribbean luggage tags come as a flat rectangle with a fold line printed down the middle and an adhesive strip along one edge. To fold it correctly, hold the tag with the barcode facing up, then fold it in half along the printed line so the barcode is on the outside and the blank side faces inward. Press the adhesive strip firmly against the back of the tag to seal it shut. The result is a small rectangular packet about half the size of the original, with the barcode visible on one side.

The adhesive strip is designed to stick to itself, not to your luggage. This matters because it keeps the tag from unfolding during baggage handling and prevents the barcode from getting scratched or torn. If the adhesive does not stick on the first try, peel it back and reposition it—the strip usually works a second time if you have not already pressed it against something else.

Key Takeaways

  • Fold the tag in half along the printed center line so the barcode ends up on the outside of the folded packet.
  • The adhesive strip seals the tag to itself, not to your luggage, which protects the barcode during baggage handling.
  • Press the adhesive firmly and evenly along the entire back edge to prevent the tag from unfolding.
  • If the adhesive fails to stick, you can peel it back and try again before the tag leaves your hands.

Position the barcode on the outside after folding

The barcode must be visible on the outside of the folded tag so Royal Caribbean's baggage system can scan it at each checkpoint. When you fold along the printed line, the barcode should face outward. If you fold it the wrong way and the barcode ends up on the inside, unfold it and start over—scanning equipment cannot read a barcode through the paper.

Check the barcode before you seal the adhesive. Make sure it is not creased, smudged, or partially covered by the fold. A damaged or hidden barcode can cause your bag to be delayed or routed to the wrong ship.

Press the adhesive strip firmly to prevent unfolding

The adhesive strip runs along one edge of the tag and is the only thing holding the folded packet together. Press it down with your thumb or the edge of a hard object, moving from one end to the other to make sure the entire strip makes contact. A weak seal will come undone as your bag moves through conveyor belts and baggage carts.

Do not fold the tag and then set it down without sealing it. The adhesive needs pressure to bond properly. Spend five seconds pressing it down firmly before you attach the tag to your luggage.

Attach the folded tag to your luggage handle

Once the tag is folded and sealed, loop the string or plastic attachment through your luggage handle. The attachment point is usually a hole punched near the top of the tag. Pull the string tight so the tag sits flat against the handle and cannot slide around. The barcode should face outward so it is straightforward for baggage handlers to scan.

Do not wrap the string around the handle multiple times or tie it in a knot. A straightforward loop through the handle is all you need. Wrapping it too tightly can cut into the string and cause it to break during baggage handling.

Common mistakes that damage the barcode

The most common error is folding the tag so the barcode ends up on the inside. This happens when you fold it backward or upside down. Always check which side the barcode is on before you seal the adhesive.

Another mistake is pressing the adhesive strip unevenly, which leaves gaps where the tag can unfold. The tag will open up as your bag bounces around, and the barcode may get bent or torn. Take the time to press the entire strip down in one smooth motion.

Do not crease the barcode itself when you fold the tag. The fold line is printed to guide you, but if you fold too sharply or at the wrong angle, you can crease the barcode area. Fold gently and check that the barcode is flat and readable on the outside.

What to do if the tag unfolds during travel

If your tag unfolds and the barcode becomes damaged or unreadable, tell a Royal Caribbean crew member or baggage handler as soon as you board the ship. They can scan your reservation in the system and locate your bag using your name and cabin number instead of the barcode. Your bag may arrive a few hours later than other passengers' bags, but it will reach you.

To prevent this, check your tag before you leave home. Make sure the adhesive is sealed completely and the barcode is not creased. If you are unsure, ask a Royal Caribbean agent at the check-in counter to verify that your tag is folded correctly before you hand over your luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fold the tag a different way?

No. Royal Caribbean tags are designed with a specific fold line and adhesive placement. Folding it any other way will either hide the barcode or prevent the adhesive from sealing properly. Stick to the printed fold line.

What if the adhesive strip does not stick?

Peel it back gently and try again. The adhesive usually works a second time if you have not already pressed it against something else. If it fails a second time, ask a Royal Caribbean agent at check-in for a replacement tag.

Do I need to attach the tag before I check my bag?

Yes. Attach the folded tag to your luggage handle before you hand your bag to the check-in agent. The barcode needs to be visible and readable when your bag enters the baggage system.

Will the tag stay on if my luggage gets tossed around?

A properly folded and sealed tag with a tight string attachment will stay on through normal baggage handling. Rough handling can loosen it, but the string is designed to hold. If you are worried, ask an agent to double-check the attachment before your bag goes down the conveyor.