The main places to buy luggage tags

Luggage tags are sold at travel retailers, department stores, office supply chains, and online marketplaces. The fastest option is usually a big-box retailer like Target or Walmart if you need one today. For wider selection and specific styles, Amazon, eBay, and specialty travel sites like TravelSmith or eBags stock dozens of brands and designs. If you want to see and handle the tag before buying, airport shops and luggage stores in your area carry basic options, though prices run higher than online.

Your choice depends on whether you prioritize speed, price, or selection. A plastic tag from a drugstore costs $3 to $8 and works fine for one trip. A leather or metal tag from a specialty retailer runs $15 to $40 but lasts years and looks better. Buying online usually saves money but takes three to seven days to arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • Target, Walmart, and CVS carry basic luggage tags for $3 to $10 and have them in stock today if you need one before a trip.
  • Amazon and eBay offer the widest selection of brands, colors, and materials, with prices typically $5 to $30, but delivery takes three to seven days.
  • Specialty travel retailers like TravelSmith and eBags focus on durable, higher-end tags and often bundle them with other travel gear.
  • Airport shops and local luggage stores stock tags when ready but charge 20 to 40 percent more than online prices.
  • Leather and metal tags cost more upfront but survive multiple trips better than plastic, making them cheaper per use over time.

Big-box retailers for same-day purchase

Target, Walmart, and similar stores stock luggage tags in their travel or luggage sections, usually near suitcases and travel accessories. Prices range from $3 to $8 for basic plastic tags with a name card slot. These tags are straightforward — usually rectangular, in black or bright colors — and work well for one or two trips. You can walk in and leave with a tag the same day, which matters if your flight is tomorrow.

CVS, Walgreens, and other drugstores also carry tags, though selection is smaller. You will find one or two styles, often in a travel section near sunscreen and travel pillows. Quality is basic, but availability is high — most locations stock at least one option. Prices are similar to Target and Walmart.

Online retailers with the widest selection

Amazon stocks hundreds of luggage tag styles from brands like Travelon, Samsonite, and smaller makers. Prices start at $5 for straightforward plastic tags and go up to $50 or more for leather or personalized options. You can filter by material, color, and customer rating, which helps narrow down choices. Delivery is usually three to five days with Prime, or five to seven days without.

eBay works similarly, with both new and used tags available. Prices are often lower than Amazon for the same brand, and you can message sellers to ask questions about durability or fit. Shipping times vary by seller but typically run five to ten days.

Specialty travel sites like TravelSmith, eBags, and REI focus on travel gear and luggage. Their tag selection is smaller than Amazon but curated — most options are mid-range to high-quality. TravelSmith and eBags often bundle tags with other travel accessories like packing cubes or compression bags, which can save money if you need multiple items. REI carries tags from outdoor and travel brands and offers a return window if the tag does not fit your luggage properly.

Airport and local luggage stores

Airport shops in the terminal and baggage claim areas stock luggage tags, usually near other travel accessories. Prices are 30 to 50 percent higher than retail stores — expect to pay $10 to $15 for a basic plastic tag. The advantage is when ready availability: you can buy one while waiting for your flight or after you land. The disadvantage is limited selection and higher cost.

Local luggage repair and sales shops in your city often carry a range of tags, from budget plastic to leather and metal options. Staff can show you how tags attach to different luggage types and recommend durable brands. Prices fall between online and airport shops. Call ahead to confirm they have tags in stock, since smaller shops may not carry them year-round.

Material and durability affect long-term value

Plastic tags cost $3 to $10 and work for casual travelers or single trips. They are lightweight and come in many colors, but the plastic cracks or the name card slot tears after a few trips. If you travel once a year or less, plastic is fine. If you travel multiple times a year, a plastic tag will need replacing within two to three years.

Leather tags cost $15 to $40 and last five to ten years with normal use. The leather softens and develops a patina over time, which many travelers prefer. Brands like Fossil, Coach, and Travelon make leather tags that hold up to baggage handling. The higher upfront cost is offset by durability — a $25 leather tag used on ten trips costs $2.50 per trip, while a $5 plastic tag used on two trips costs $2.50 per trip.

Metal tags (aluminum or stainless steel) cost $20 to $50 and are nearly indestructible. They are heavier than plastic or leather and can dent, but the information stays readable. Metal tags work well for frequent travelers or people who want a tag that will last a decade or more.

Personalized and custom tags

If you want your name, phone number, or initials printed or engraved on the tag, several online retailers offer customization. Etsy sellers create leather tags with hand-stamped initials for $15 to $35. Amazon has personalized plastic tags that print your name on a label for $8 to $15. Engraved metal tags from specialty retailers cost $25 to $60 but look professional and last indefinitely.

Customization adds one to two weeks to delivery time, so order early if you need the tag before a specific trip. The advantage is a unique tag that is harder to confuse with someone else's luggage, and a phone number printed on it increases the chance a lost bag gets returned to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a luggage tag at the airport if I forget one?

Yes. Most airports have shops in the terminal and baggage claim that sell basic plastic tags for $10 to $15. Selection is limited and prices are higher than retail stores, but you can buy one when ready before your flight. Some airlines also provide free paper tags at the check-in counter if you ask.

What is the difference between a luggage tag and a luggage label?

A luggage tag is a durable item you attach to your bag with a strap or loop and reuse on every trip. A luggage label is a paper sticker or card that airlines attach during check-in and remove when you land. You need a tag to identify your bag; the airline label is temporary.

Do I need a luggage tag if my suitcase already has my name on it?

A tag is still useful because it is easier to spot from a distance and includes your phone number, which helps if your bag is lost. Suitcases look similar from far away, but a bright or distinctive tag makes yours stand out on the baggage carousel. Include a phone number on the tag so the airline or another traveler can contact you if your bag is separated from you.

Are expensive luggage tags worth the cost?

If you travel more than twice a year, a leather or metal tag ($20 to $50) is worth the cost because it lasts five to ten years. A plastic tag ($5 to $10) needs replacing every two to three years, so the total cost over a decade is higher. If you travel once a year or less, a basic plastic tag is sufficient.

Can I make my own luggage tag?

Yes. You can print your name and phone number on cardstock, laminate it, punch a hole, and attach it with a luggage strap or keyring. This works for one or two trips but the paper wears quickly in baggage handling. Buying a tag is more durable and costs only a few dollars more than materials for a homemade version.