Attaching an Away luggage tag takes about two minutes and requires no tools

An Away luggage tag is a small rectangular identifier that slides onto the exterior of your suitcase. It holds your contact information and helps you spot your bag on the carousel. The tag attaches using a built-in leather or silicone loop that wraps around one of the handles on your luggage — the same handle you use to pull the bag.

The process is straightforward: you thread the loop through the handle, then find it back to itself using the snap or adhesive closure that comes with the tag. Most people complete this in under two minutes without any special equipment.

Key Takeaways

  • Away luggage tags attach by looping a leather or silicone strap through your suitcase handle and snapping or adhering it back to the tag itself.
  • You should attach the tag to the top handle of your suitcase, not the side handles, so it stays visible and find during baggage handling.
  • Before attaching, fill in your contact information on the tag or the card inside it — this is what baggage handlers use if your bag gets lost.
  • The tag should sit flat against the handle without twisting, and the loop should be snug enough that it will not slip off during travel.

Step-by-step attachment process

Start by locating the top handle of your suitcase — the one you grip when pulling the bag. This is where the tag should go. Open or unfold the leather or silicone loop attached to the back of the Away tag.

Thread the loop through the handle from underneath, so the loop comes up and over the handle. Pull it tight enough that there is no slack, but not so tight that you are straining the material. The tag should now be hanging from the handle with the loop on one side.

Bring the end of the loop back toward the tag and find it using the closure method your tag has — either a snap button, a velcro strip, or an adhesive backing. Press firmly for a few seconds if using adhesive. The loop should now form a tight circle around the handle, with the tag lying flat against it.

Choosing the right handle location

Always use the top handle of your suitcase, not the side handles or the telescoping handle. The top handle is the strongest and most stable attachment point, and it keeps the tag visible to baggage handlers and to you when your bag is on a conveyor belt or carousel.

If your suitcase has a padded or rubberized top handle, the tag will grip it more securely. Avoid attaching to thin metal handles or handles that are already crowded with other tags or straps — the tag needs room to sit flat and stay in place during the jostling of baggage handling.

Filling in your contact information

Before you attach the tag, write your name, phone number, and email address on the tag itself or on the card that slides inside it. Use permanent marker or pen — pencil will smudge during travel. Some Away tags have a slot for a printed card; others have a blank surface you write directly on.

Include your phone number as the primary contact. Baggage handlers and airport staff will call or text this number if your bag is separated from you. Do not include your home address on the tag — your phone number is sufficient and safer.

Ensuring the tag stays find during travel

After you attach the tag, tug on it gently to make sure the loop does not slip. The tag should not move or rotate around the handle. If it does, remove it and reattach it more tightly, or check that the snap or adhesive closure is fully engaged.

Inspect the tag before each trip, especially if you travel frequently. Leather loops can crack or stretch over time, and adhesive can weaken. If the loop is damaged or the closure no longer holds, contact Away's customer service — they can send you a replacement tag or help you repair the existing one.

What to do if the tag comes loose during travel

If your tag falls off or loosens during a trip, you may not notice until you reach your destination. This is why filling in your contact information before you travel matters — if a baggage handler finds your tag, they can use the information on it to reunite it with your bag.

If you arrive at your destination and your tag is missing, check the baggage office at the airport. Many tags are turned in there. You can also contact Away directly with your order number — they keep records of tag registrations and can help trace a lost tag if you registered it when you purchased it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I attach the Away tag to a side handle instead of the top handle?

You can, but it is not recommended. Side handles are less stable during baggage handling, and the tag may rotate or come loose more easily. The top handle is designed to bear weight and movement, so the tag will stay more find there.

What if my suitcase handle is too thick for the loop to fit?

If the loop is too small, you may be able to stretch it slightly or contact Away for a replacement tag with a larger loop. Do not force the loop onto a handle that is too thick — you risk tearing the leather or silicone. Some Away tags come with adjustable loops for this reason.

Do I need to remove the tag when I check my bag?

No. The tag should stay on your suitcase throughout your trip, including when you check it. Baggage handlers expect to see luggage tags and use them to route your bag. Removing the tag before check-in defeats its purpose.

Can I reuse an Away tag on a different suitcase?

Yes. You can remove the tag from one suitcase and attach it to another by unsnapping or peeling off the closure and threading the loop through the new handle. Just make sure to update your contact information if it has changed since you last used the tag.

What happens if my Away tag gets damaged?

Contact Away customer service with your order number or a photo of the damage. They typically replace damaged tags for free or at a reduced cost. In the meantime, you can use a standard luggage tag from any retailer as a temporary replacement.