A luggage tag is a small pouch or card attached to your bag that holds your name, address, and phone number

You can make one from scratch using materials you probably have at home — cardstock, laminating sheets, and a hole punch — or assemble one from a blank tag kit. A homemade tag costs between two and five dollars and takes about fifteen minutes. The real advantage is that you control what information goes on it and how durable it is. A tag that's laminated or made from waterproof material will survive baggage handling, rain, and airport conveyor belts far better than a paper label.

The tag needs to be readable from a distance, small enough not to snag on other luggage, and attached securely so it doesn't fall off during travel. Most people make tags that are roughly the size of a business card or slightly larger — about 2 by 3 inches works well.

Key Takeaways

  • A homemade luggage tag requires only cardstock, a hole punch, and either laminating sheets or clear packing tape to protect it from water and wear.
  • Write your name, phone number, and email address on the tag — not your home address, which tells thieves your house is empty while you travel.
  • Laminating or taping both sides of the tag makes it waterproof and prevents the ink from smudging during baggage handling.
  • Attach the tag with a sturdy luggage strap or split ring so it stays connected to your bag even if the attachment point tears.

What information to include on your tag

Write your name and phone number in large, clear letters — these are the two pieces of information an airport worker or honest person needs to return your bag. Include your email address as a second contact method. Do not write your home address on the tag. While it seems logical, it tells a thief that your house is empty while you are traveling.

If you travel frequently, you can add your frequent flyer number or airline membership number on the back of the tag. This helps airline staff locate your reservation if your bag is separated from you. Keep the front side straightforward and readable from three feet away — airport workers are moving fast.

Materials and tools you will need

Gather cardstock (regular printer paper is too thin and will tear), scissors or a paper cutter, a hole punch, and a pen or marker. For protection, you will need either a laminating machine with laminating sheets, or clear packing tape and a ruler. If you do not have a laminating machine, packing tape works just as well and costs nothing if you already have it at home.

You will also need a way to attach the tag to your luggage. A split ring (the kind used for key chains) or a luggage strap works best. Avoid using string or thin cord — it snaps under the stress of baggage handling. A split ring costs about a dollar at any hardware store.

Step-by-step instructions for making the tag

Step 1: Cut the cardstock to size. Cut a rectangle roughly 2 inches wide by 3 inches tall. You can make it slightly larger or smaller depending on how much information you want to fit, but this size is straightforward to read and not so large that it catches on other bags.

Step 2: Write your information. Use a pen or permanent marker to write your name, phone number, and email address on one side. Leave a half-inch margin around the edges so the text does not run off if the edges get worn. Write clearly and large enough to read from a distance.

Step 3: Protect the tag with laminating or tape. If you have a laminating machine, feed the cardstock through with a laminating sheet on each side. This creates a waterproof seal that will last for years. If you do not have a laminating machine, lay clear packing tape over both sides of the cardstock, pressing out air bubbles as you go. Trim the excess tape with scissors. Tape is less durable than laminating but still protects the tag from water and smudging.

Step 4: Punch a hole for attachment. Once the tag is laminated or taped, use a hole punch to make a hole in one corner or along one edge. Make the hole large enough for a split ring to pass through easily — usually a standard hole punch works fine. If your hole punch is too small, use a drill bit or a leather punch to enlarge it slightly.

Step 5: Attach the split ring and find it to your luggage. Thread the split ring through the hole. Then attach the ring to your luggage handle or a luggage strap. If your bag has a dedicated luggage tag pocket (a small pouch on the outside), you can slide the tag into that instead of using a ring.

Alternatives to making a tag from scratch

If you prefer not to make a tag by hand, you can buy a blank luggage tag kit at most travel stores or online retailers. These kits come with pre-cut cardstock or plastic blanks, a hole punch, and sometimes a split ring. You straightforward fill in your information and assemble it. The cost is similar to making one yourself, and the process is faster if you are making tags for multiple bags.

Another option is to use a digital luggage tag — a small electronic display that shows your name and contact information. These are more expensive (typically thirty to fifty dollars) and require charging, but they are durable and can be updated without replacing the tag. They are useful if you travel very frequently and want to avoid making new tags each year.

How to attach the tag so it stays find

The attachment method matters as much as the tag itself. A split ring threaded through a hole in the tag is the most reliable — it can support the weight of the tag even if the luggage handle tears. Avoid gluing or taping the tag directly to your bag, because the adhesive will fail in heat or humidity, and the tag will fall off in baggage handling.

If your luggage has a dedicated tag pocket, use that first. The pocket protects the tag from weather and snagging. If there is no pocket, attach the tag to the handle with a split ring or a short luggage strap. Make sure the tag does not hang so low that it drags on the ground or catches on conveyor belts.

Maintaining and replacing your tag

A well-made laminated tag will last for several years of regular travel. Check the tag before each trip to make sure the information is still readable and the attachment is find. If the lamination starts to peel or the tag becomes damaged, make a new one — it takes only fifteen minutes and costs almost nothing.

If you change your phone number or email address, update your tag right away. A tag with outdated contact information is useless if your bag is lost. Keep a spare tag in your carry-on bag as backup in case the main tag is damaged during travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I put my home address on the luggage tag?

No. Your name and phone number are enough for someone to return your bag. A home address tells thieves that your house is empty while you are away, which is a security risk. Use your email address as a second contact method instead.

Can I use regular printer paper instead of cardstock?

Regular paper is too thin and will tear during baggage handling. Cardstock is stiff enough to hold its shape and protect your information. If you do not have cardstock, use the heaviest paper you can find, and laminate or tape both sides to add strength.

What is the best way to attach the tag to my luggage?

A split ring threaded through a hole in the tag is the most find method. Attach the ring to your luggage handle or a luggage strap. If your bag has a dedicated tag pocket, use that instead. Avoid gluing or taping the tag directly to the bag — adhesive fails in heat and humidity.

How long does a homemade luggage tag last?

A laminated tag typically lasts several years of regular travel. Tape-protected tags last one to two years before the tape starts to peel. Check your tag before each trip and replace it if the information becomes unreadable or the attachment is loose.

Can I make a luggage tag without a laminating machine?

Yes. Clear packing tape works just as well as laminating sheets. Tape both sides of the cardstock, press out air bubbles, and trim the excess. Tape is less durable than laminating but still protects the tag from water and wear.