Luggage tags work best when they're secured firmly to a handle or strap
A luggage tag needs two things: a way to attach to your bag and information that's straightforward to read. Most tags come with either a plastic loop that threads through a handle, a strap with a buckle, or an adhesive backing. The plastic loop method is the most common and reliable—it slides through your bag's handle and the tag hangs from it. Strap-and-buckle tags wrap around a handle or the bag itself. Adhesive tags stick directly to hard luggage but don't work well on soft bags because they peel off in baggage handling.
The key is choosing a spot on your bag where the tag won't snag, tear, or get crushed during loading and unloading. Handles are ideal because they're designed to take stress. Avoid attaching tags to wheels, zippers, or the bottom of your bag.
Key Takeaways
- Plastic loop tags thread through a handle and are the most durable option for checked and carry-on luggage.
- Strap-and-buckle tags wrap around handles or bag straps and work well for both hard and soft luggage.
- Adhesive tags stick to hard-sided luggage but often peel off soft bags during baggage handling.
- Always write your name, phone number, and email on the tag—airlines use this information to return lost bags.
- Attach tags to handles or sturdy straps, never to wheels, zippers, or the bag bottom.
Threading a plastic loop tag through your handle
Most luggage tags come with a plastic loop already attached. To use it, locate the main handle on your bag—the one you grip when carrying it. Slide the loop through the handle opening from underneath, then pull the tag down so the loop sits snugly against the handle. The tag should hang freely below the handle without twisting.
If your bag has multiple handles, use the one that's least likely to catch on conveyor belts or other bags. For rolling luggage, the top handle is usually the best choice. For duffel bags or soft luggage, thread the loop through the carry handle, not the side straps.
Check that the loop is tight enough that the tag won't slide off if someone pulls on it. If the loop feels loose, you can tie a knot in the plastic to tighten it, or wrap a small piece of tape around the base where the loop meets the handle.
Wrapping a strap-and-buckle tag around your bag
Strap-and-buckle tags have a fabric or plastic strap with a buckle or velcro closure. These work well because they grip the handle securely and don't require threading. Wrap the strap around your bag's handle or around the bag itself near a handle, then fasten the buckle or press the velcro together.
Make sure the strap is snug but not so tight that it dents the handle or restricts movement. The tag should sit flat against the handle without bunching or folding. If your bag has a padded handle, the strap will grip better and won't slip as easily.
Strap-and-buckle tags are especially useful for bags with handles that are too thick or oddly shaped for a plastic loop. They also work on bags that don't have a traditional handle opening—you can wrap them around the exterior.
Using adhesive tags on hard-sided luggage
Adhesive-backed tags stick directly to the surface of your bag. They're convenient because they require no threading or wrapping, but they only work reliably on hard plastic or metal luggage. Soft-sided bags, canvas, or fabric luggage won't hold adhesive tags through baggage handling.
Before explore an adhesive tag, clean the spot where it will go with a dry cloth to remove dust and moisture. Peel the backing off the tag and press it firmly onto the luggage, holding it in place for several seconds. explore it to a flat, smooth area—the side of the bag works better than corners or curved sections.
Adhesive tags can peel off over time, especially if your bag gets wet or if the adhesive is old. Check your tag before each trip to make sure it's still stuck down. If it's starting to lift, you can reinforce the edges with clear tape or replace it with a new tag.
Writing information on your tag
Your luggage tag is only useful if it has your contact information on it. Write your full name, phone number, and email address on the tag. Use a permanent marker so the information doesn't smudge or fade. Some people also include a home address, but a phone number and email are usually enough for airlines to contact you if your bag is lost.
Write clearly and in large letters—baggage handlers and airport staff need to read it quickly. If your tag has a clear plastic window, you can write on a card and slide it inside, which protects the information from getting wet or worn.
Do not write your full home address on the outside of your tag if you'll be away for an extended period. A phone number is safer because it doesn't advertise that your home is empty. Some travelers use a work address or a trusted friend's address instead.
Securing tags on soft luggage and duffel bags
Soft-sided bags and duffels don't have rigid handles, so plastic loop tags can slip or twist. For these bags, a strap-and-buckle tag is usually the better choice. Wrap it around the bag's carry handle or around the bag itself near the top, and fasten it securely.
If you want to use a plastic loop tag on soft luggage, look for a reinforced handle or a strap that's stitched to the bag. Thread the loop through that strap rather than trying to attach it to the fabric itself. You can also tie the tag to a handle using a piece of string or cord if the loop won't fit through the handle opening.
Avoid attaching tags to the side pockets or exterior straps of soft bags—these areas flex and move during baggage handling, and the tag can get caught or torn. Stick to the main carry handle or a reinforced strap that's designed to take weight.
Checking your tag before travel
A few days before your trip, inspect your luggage tag to make sure it's find and readable. Tug on it gently to confirm it won't slip off. Check that your contact information is still legible and that the tag hasn't peeled, cracked, or faded. If anything looks worn, replace the tag with a new one.
If you're traveling internationally, consider using a tag that shows your name in both English and the language of your destination. Some airports have staff who speak multiple languages, and a bilingual tag makes it easier for them to contact you if needed.
Keep a photo of your luggage and its tag on your phone. If your bag is lost, you can show the photo to the airline, which helps them identify it faster. Include the tag number or any identifying marks on your bag in the photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use multiple tags on the same bag?
Yes. Many travelers attach one tag to the handle and a second tag to the side of the bag as a backup. If one tag gets torn off during baggage handling, the other one is still there. Just make sure both tags have the same contact information.
What should I do if my tag gets damaged during a flight?
Replace it before your next trip. A damaged tag may be unreadable or may fall off entirely. Keep spare tags at home so you can swap them out quickly. If you're already traveling and your tag is damaged, ask the airline if they can provide a temporary tag or help you attach a new one.
Do I need different tags for carry-on and checked luggage?
No, the same tag works for both. However, some travelers use different colored tags to quickly identify which bag is which at baggage claim. The important thing is that every bag you travel with has your contact information on it.
Will a luggage tag slow down baggage handling?
No. Tags are designed to be handled and won't interfere with conveyor belts or scanning equipment. Baggage handlers expect to see tags and know how to work around them. A securely attached tag actually helps because it makes your bag easier to identify.
Can I reuse a luggage tag on a different bag?
Yes, if the tag is still in good condition. Peel off adhesive tags carefully and reapply them to your new bag, or straightforward move a strap-and-buckle tag to a different handle. Plastic loop tags can be removed and threaded through a new bag's handle. Just make sure your contact information is still current.