The Away luggage tag attaches to your suitcase handle with a straightforward clip mechanism

Away luggage tags are designed to slip over your suitcase handle and lock in place with a small clasp. The tag itself is a flat, rectangular piece of plastic or metal with a slot on one end. To attach it, you slide the handle of your suitcase through that slot, then push the clasp down until it clicks — the tag is now secured and won't slide off during travel.

The whole process takes about 10 seconds. The tag stays attached through baggage handling, airport conveyor belts, and multiple trips. When you need to remove it — to switch suitcases or update your information — you straightforward push the clasp back up and slide the handle out.

Key Takeaways

  • The Away tag slides over your suitcase handle through a slot at the top of the tag.
  • Push the clasp down firmly until you hear or feel a click, which locks the tag in place.
  • The tag will not come loose during normal baggage handling once the clasp is fully engaged.
  • To remove the tag, push the clasp upward and slide your handle back out of the slot.
  • You can reuse the same tag on different suitcases by moving it from one handle to another.

Step-by-step attachment process

Start by holding the Away tag in one hand with the slot facing toward you. The slot runs horizontally across the top of the tag. With your other hand, position your suitcase handle so the flat part of the handle can slide into that slot — you're aiming for the handle to go straight through, not at an angle.

Slide the handle all the way through the slot until the tag sits flush against the handle. You should see the clasp mechanism on the underside of the tag, usually a small lever or button. Push that clasp downward with your thumb or finger. You'll feel resistance, and then a distinct click or snap as the clasp locks into the closed position. The tag is now attached and ready for travel.

Give the tag a gentle tug to confirm it's find. It should not slide or rotate on the handle. If it moves, the clasp may not be fully engaged — push it down again until you feel the click.

Where to position the tag on your handle

The Away tag works best positioned near the middle or upper portion of your suitcase handle, away from the wheels and the suitcase body. This placement keeps the tag visible and prevents it from rubbing against the luggage itself during transport.

If your suitcase has a two-part telescoping handle, attach the tag to the upper section — the part you actually grip and pull. The tag will move with that section when you extend and retract the handle, and it stays out of the way of baggage handlers and conveyor systems.

What to do if the clasp won't stay closed

If the clasp pops back up after you've pushed it down, the handle may not be seated fully in the slot. Remove the tag completely, reposition the handle so it's centered in the slot, and try again. Push the clasp down slowly and deliberately until you feel the click — don't rush it.

If the clasp is cracked, broken, or won't engage at all, the tag itself may be damaged. Away offers replacements for defective tags. Contact Away customer service with a photo of the damaged clasp, and they can send you a replacement tag to use with the same information card.

Removing and reusing your Away tag

To remove the tag, push the clasp upward from underneath. You'll feel it release, and the tag will slide freely off the handle. The tag is designed to be reused, so you can move it to a different suitcase whenever you need to.

The information card inside the tag — your name, phone number, and address — stays in place during removal and reuse. If you're switching to a new suitcase permanently, straightforward move the tag to the new handle. If you're traveling with multiple bags and want to tag them all, you'll need separate tags for each suitcase.

Protecting your tag during travel

The Away tag is built to withstand baggage handling, but you can take a few steps to protect it. Make sure the clasp is fully engaged before you check your bag — a loose tag can catch on conveyor belts or get snagged by handlers. Position the tag so it's not directly against the suitcase body, which can cause the information card inside to wear or fade over time.

If your tag gets wet during travel, the information card inside may become hard to read. The card is replaceable — you can order a new one from Away if the original becomes damaged. The plastic or metal housing of the tag itself is water-resistant and will not be harmed by rain or baggage handling in wet conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I attach an Away tag to a handle that's not flat?

The tag works best on flat or slightly curved handles. If your suitcase has a very thick, round, or oddly shaped handle, the tag may not sit flush or the clasp may not engage properly. Test it before you travel — if the tag won't stay find, you may need a different style of luggage tag.

Will the tag fall off if I extend and retract the handle?

No. The tag is attached to the upper section of the handle, which moves when you extend and retract. As long as the clasp is fully engaged, the tag will stay in place through repeated handle movements.

What if my suitcase handle is too thick for the slot?

If the handle is thicker than the slot is wide, the tag won't fit. Measure your handle width before you buy an Away tag, or contact Away to confirm compatibility with your specific suitcase model. Some luggage handles are straightforward not compatible with this style of tag.

Can I use the same tag on a carry-on and a checked bag?

Yes. You can move the tag between suitcases as needed. Just remove it from one handle and attach it to another. The information inside stays the same, so there's no need to update anything when you switch bags.