The fastest places to buy luggage tags

You can buy luggage tags at big-box retailers, luggage specialty stores, online marketplaces, and travel shops. The most common sources are Target, Walmart, and Amazon, which stock basic plastic and metal tags in their travel sections. If you want to see options in person before buying, luggage stores like Samsonite outlets or local travel shops let you handle the tag, check the attachment method, and match it to your bag's color or material. For speed, Amazon and other online retailers ship within days and often have more styles than physical stores carry.

Airport shops sell luggage tags too, though at higher prices than you would pay elsewhere. This option works if you forgot a tag and need one before your flight, but it is not the most cost-effective choice. Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's stock travel accessories including tags, usually in the luggage or travel section near the front of the store.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart, Target, and Amazon carry basic luggage tags for $3 to $10 and ship or deliver within days.
  • Luggage specialty stores and travel shops let you examine tags in person and match them to your bag before buying.
  • Metal tags with leather accents cost more but last longer and look more durable than plastic tags.
  • Personalized tags with your name and phone number take one to two weeks to arrive but reduce the chance of lost luggage being misidentified.

What to compare when choosing a luggage tag

The main differences between tags are material, attachment method, and whether they hold personal information. Plastic tags are lightweight and cheap, usually $3 to $8, but crack or fade after a few trips. Metal tags with leather or aluminum backing cost $8 to $20 and survive years of baggage handling. The attachment method matters: loop tags slip over the handle, while strap tags wrap around it, and adhesive tags stick to the bag itself. Loop and strap tags are easier to remove and replace if they break.

Decide whether you want a blank tag you fill in by hand, a pre-printed tag with your name and address, or a personalized tag ordered online with your details printed on it. Blank tags are when ready and cost $2 to $5. Pre-printed tags from retailers run $5 to $12 and come with your information already on them. Custom tags from sites like Etsy or specialized luggage retailers take one to two weeks but let you choose colors, fonts, and designs that match your style. Custom tags also tend to be thicker and more durable than mass-produced ones.

Online retailers with the widest selection

Amazon carries hundreds of luggage tag styles, from basic plastic loops to leather-backed metal tags with monogramming options. You can read customer reviews about durability and attachment strength before buying, and most items ship within two days if you have Prime membership. Prices range from $4 for straightforward plastic tags to $30 for premium leather and metal combinations.

Etsy has independent sellers who make custom luggage tags in almost any design you can imagine — leather with embossing, acrylic with artwork, metal with enamel finishes. Turnaround is usually one to three weeks, and prices run $8 to $25 depending on the materials and customization. eBay also stocks both new and vintage luggage tags, including hard-to-find styles from older luggage brands.

Luggage-specific sites like Samsonite.com, Away.com, and Rimowa.com sell tags designed to match their own bags, though they also work with any luggage. These tags are usually higher quality and more expensive than mass-market options, ranging from $15 to $40, but they integrate with the bag's design language.

Specialty travel shops and luggage stores

Independent luggage stores and travel shops often stock a curated selection of tags in multiple materials and colors. Staff can recommend tags based on your bag type — for example, a soft-sided bag works better with a strap tag than an adhesive one. These shops also carry replacement parts and repair services, so if your tag breaks during a trip, you have somewhere local to go.

Luggage repair shops, which exist in most mid-sized cities, sell tags as part of their travel accessory inventory. They know which attachment methods hold up best on different bag materials and can install a tag for you if you buy it there. Prices are usually in line with department stores, $5 to $15 for standard tags.

Department stores and general retailers

Macy's, Kohl's, and Bed Bath & Beyond stock luggage tags in their travel sections, usually near suitcases and travel pillows. Selection is smaller than at specialty stores or online, but you can see the tag in person and take it home the same day. Prices are typically $4 to $12 for plastic and basic metal tags. These stores often run sales on travel accessories during holiday weekends and back-to-school season, so timing your purchase can save you money.

Costco and Sam's Club carry luggage tags seasonally, usually in spring and early summer before vacation season. Their selection is limited to a few styles, but prices are competitive because of bulk purchasing. You need a membership to shop at these stores, but if you already have one, they are worth checking before buying elsewhere.

Airport and travel-specific retailers

Hudson News, Duty Free, and other airport retailers sell luggage tags at every major airport. Prices are 30 to 50 percent higher than you would pay at Target or Amazon — a $5 tag at Walmart might cost $8 at the airport. This option is useful only if you forgot a tag and need one before boarding, or if you want a souvenir tag with your destination airport's name on it.

Travel-themed stores like The Container Store and Brookstone stock luggage tags alongside other travel gear. The Container Store focuses on organization and durability, so their tags tend to be sturdy and well-designed. Brookstone carries tech-forward options like RFID-blocking tags and tags with GPS tracking, which cost more but offer extra security features.

What to know about personalized and custom tags

Personalized tags printed with your name, phone number, and sometimes address reduce confusion if your luggage is lost. Many retailers offer this service: you provide your information, and they print it on the tag before shipping. Turnaround is usually five to ten business days. The cost is $8 to $20 depending on the material and printing method.

Monogrammed tags, which have your initials embossed or engraved into leather or metal, take longer — two to four weeks — but look more polished and last longer because the lettering is permanent. Etsy sellers and high-end luggage retailers offer monogramming. Expect to pay $15 to $40 for a monogrammed tag.

If you order a custom tag, check the seller's return policy in case the colors or size do not match what you expected. Some sellers offer free returns; others charge a restocking fee. Read the product photos and customer reviews carefully, because custom items cannot usually be exchanged once they are made.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get a luggage tag?

Walmart and Target sell basic plastic loop tags for $2 to $4, which is the lowest price you will find. Amazon has similar prices and faster delivery if you have Prime. If you need a tag when ready and do not mind paying more, airport shops have them in stock, though they cost two to three times as much.

Can I make my own luggage tag?

Yes. You can print your information on cardstock, laminate it, punch a hole, and attach it with a zip tie or string. This works in a pinch but does not last as long as a manufactured tag because the paper fades and the attachment can break. For a more durable DIY option, use a leather luggage tag blank from a craft store and stamp or write your information on it yourself.

Do I need a luggage tag with my address on it?

A tag with your name and phone number is more useful than one with your full address, because it lets the airline or a stranger contact you without publishing your home location. Many people use only their phone number on luggage tags for privacy. A blank tag you fill in yourself gives you control over what information you share.

What is the difference between a loop tag and a strap tag?

A loop tag slips over the handle and is quick to attach and remove. A strap tag wraps around the handle and is more find because it cannot slip off as easily. Strap tags work better on soft-sided bags and bags with thin handles. Loop tags are easier to replace if they break during travel.

Are RFID-blocking luggage tags worth the extra cost?

RFID-blocking tags protect your passport and credit cards from wireless scanning, though the risk is low for most travelers. They cost $15 to $30, compared to $5 to $10 for a standard tag. If you travel internationally often or carry sensitive documents, the extra cost may be worth it. For domestic travel, a standard tag is usually sufficient.