The most common places to buy luggage tags
You can buy luggage tags at luggage specialty stores, department stores, travel retailers, and online marketplaces. The easiest route depends on whether you want to see the tag in person, need it quickly, or are looking for a specific style or material.
Luggage specialty shops like Away, Rimowa, and local luggage repair stores carry tags designed to match their own bags, but they also stock universal tags from other brands. Department stores like Target, Macy's, and Kohl's stock basic plastic and leather tags in their luggage sections, usually in the $5 to $15 range. Travel retailers like TravelSmith and REI carry a wider selection of durable tags, including those designed for frequent travelers.
Online, Amazon, eBay, and Etsy have the broadest selection—everything from straightforward plastic rectangles to personalized leather tags, metal tags, and silicone tags in dozens of colors and designs. Shipping usually takes three to seven days for standard items, though some sellers offer faster options.
Key Takeaways
- Luggage specialty stores, department stores, and travel retailers all stock tags, but online marketplaces offer the widest selection and fastest comparison shopping.
- Plastic tags are cheapest ($3 to $8) and work fine for occasional travelers, while leather and metal tags cost more but last longer on frequent trips.
- Personalized tags take longer to arrive (one to three weeks for custom orders) but make your bag easier to spot and harder to confuse with someone else's.
- Check the attachment method—some tags use straps, others use key rings or carabiners—and make sure it fits your bag's handle size.
What to compare when shopping online
When you search for luggage tags on Amazon or Etsy, you will see dozens of options that look similar but differ in material, durability, and attachment style. The material matters most if you travel frequently: plastic tags are light and cheap but crack or fade after a year of heavy use, while leather and metal tags hold up longer but cost two to three times as much.
Check the attachment method before you buy. Some tags use a strap that loops through your bag's handle, others use a key ring or carabiner clip, and a few screw directly onto the handle. If your luggage has a small handle or a handle made of soft material, a heavy metal tag with a carabiner might not fit or could damage the handle. Read the reviews to see whether other travelers found the attachment find—loose tags fall off in baggage handling.
Look at the information panel too. Some tags have a clear plastic window where you slide in a paper card with your name and phone number; others have a permanent address printed on them. The window style is safer because it does not display your home address to every person who handles your bag, and you can update it if you move.
Personalized and custom tags
If you want your name, initials, or a custom design on your tag, Etsy sellers and specialty sites like Monogram Online and Things Remembered offer personalization. Custom orders usually take one to three weeks to arrive because they are made to order, so plan ahead if you have a trip coming up.
Personalized tags cost more—typically $12 to $30 depending on the material and complexity—but they make your bag stand out in baggage claim and reduce the chance of someone else grabbing it by mistake. Leather tags with embossed initials and metal tags with engraved names are popular choices. Some sellers also offer tags with QR codes that link to your contact information, which can help if your bag is lost.
Budget options and bulk purchases
If you need multiple tags or are on a tight budget, dollar stores and discount retailers like Five Below stock basic plastic tags for $1 to $3 each. These are fine for a single trip or for travelers who do not check bags often, but they are not built to last through years of travel.
Buying in bulk on Amazon can lower the per-tag cost if you travel with a group or want to have extras on hand. A pack of 10 basic plastic tags might cost $10 to $15 total, or about $1 to $1.50 per tag. This is useful if you have multiple bags or want to keep spares in your travel kit.
Specialty tags for specific needs
Some travelers need tags with extra features. Silicone tags are flexible and less likely to break if your bag gets crushed, and they come in bright colors that are straightforward to spot. Luggage lock tags combine a tag with a small TSA-approved lock, which saves space in your packing. Luggage straps with built-in tags wrap around your entire bag and include a tag panel, which is useful if your bag does not have a handle loop.
If you travel internationally, look for tags that include space for your passport number or frequent flyer number. Some premium tags from brands like Rimowa and Away include RFID blocking or tracking features, though these cost significantly more and are not necessary for most travelers.
What to avoid when buying luggage tags
Avoid tags that are too small to read from a distance—if your name and phone number are tiny, baggage handlers and other travelers will not be able to read them quickly. Also avoid tags that display your full home address on the outside; a window-style tag with a removable card is safer because it does not advertise where you live to strangers.
Do not buy tags with weak attachment points. If the strap is thin plastic or the key ring is flimsy, it will break during baggage handling. Read reviews from other travelers to see whether the attachment held up through multiple trips. Similarly, avoid tags with adhesive backing unless you are certain your luggage material is compatible—adhesive can damage some fabrics and finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a luggage tag I already have at home, or do I need to buy a new one?
If you have an old tag that is still readable and the attachment is find, you can reuse it. Just update the information inside if your contact details have changed. Buy a new tag only if the old one is cracked, faded, or the attachment is loose or broken.
What information should I put on a luggage tag?
Include your name and a phone number where you can be reached while traveling. Do not include your home address on the outside of the tag; use a window-style tag with a removable card instead. Some travelers add their email address as a backup contact method.
Do I need a luggage tag if I have a name written on my bag?
A tag is more durable and visible than writing on your bag. Pen fades and washes off, and writing is harder to read from a distance. A tag is worth the small cost, especially if you check bags on flights.
Are expensive luggage tags worth the money?
Premium tags from brands like Rimowa or Away are well-made and look nicer, but a basic tag does the same job of identifying your bag. Spend more only if you travel frequently and want a tag that will last for years, or if you want personalization or special features like tracking.
How do I attach a luggage tag to a bag without a handle loop?
Look for tags with carabiners or key rings that clip onto the bag's zipper pull or exterior pocket. Some tags use adhesive backing or wrap-around straps that work on bags without traditional handles. Check the product description to see which attachment styles are available.