How to fill out a luggage tag for the plane?

Are you going on a trip soon and you don't know how to complete your labels?

Labeling your suitcases is mandatory for your plane or train trips. If you miss any information, your entire suitcase could end up seized or, even worse, destroyed by security services!

But don't worry, we are specialists in this topic and we will answer all your questions on this subject.

In this article, we will see:

– What should be written on a suitcase label?

– Where to put your luggage tag?

Enough wasting time, let's get to the heart of the matter!

What are luggage tags for?

The reason might surprise you! Very often, Low-cost airlines are trying to overbook their flights and allow too much carry-on baggage on the plane. Naturally, the overhead compartments will not be able to hold everything that passengers bring on the plane.

In this case, airlines require some passengers to check their carry-on baggage for free. And if it's checked, it's likely to get lost. Likewise, you could forget your carry-on baggage in the back of a taxi or at a hotel, so having tags to identify your luggage is a great way to avoid potential complications.

Luggage tags play an important role in finding lost luggage. It is one of the most important accessories to own when traveling.

Indeed, when luggage goes missing, it's usually because the plastic tag that identifies your suitcase has been torn off. This can happen quite easily during transit between different airports. The barcode on the tag indicates who owns the suitcase, where it's supposed to be, and other important information. If this tag is removed from the baggage, airlines can no longer identify its owner or destination.

This is why it is important to affix a separate luggage tag with all the necessary information to ensure that your luggage arrives at its destination. At the same time, you should not reveal too much personal information in case your suitcase is stolen. In this article, we will tell you exactly what you should and should not be written on your luggage tags.

What should you write on your suitcase labels?

For checked and carry-on baggage, your baggage tag must contain the following information:

• Your first and last name, with your first name shortened to one letter.

• Your email address must appear on the next line. (Tip: Use a secondary email address to avoid phishing attempts if your luggage is lost.)

• Your mobile phone number with the appropriate country and area code (example: +33 for France).

In the image above we have shown an example of what you must write on your luggage tag. As you can see, we have deliberately included only the most essential information to get in touch with you. The luggage tag being attached to the outside of your bag, you must be careful about the information you communicate.

What should you write on your child's luggage tags?

For security reasons, avoid writing your child's name on your luggage tag. Instead, write your own name and contact details and include a mobile phone number just in case.

It is important to protect your children's identity!

You should also include more than one luggage tag. For example, if your child has a backpack and a suitcase, it is good to put a label in the suitcase, one in the backpack and one in his pocket. This will allow you to find your child in case of separation.

Luggage tag: what not to write?

Do not register never your home address on your labels!

Many travelers enter their home address and telephone number on their luggage label. This is not not a good idea, because you never know who is looking for other people's information. The theft of personal items or even your identity begins when we are not careful about the information we put out into this world!

This kind of information is exactly what thieves want!

Robbing an empty house while its owners are on vacation is as easy as taking candy from a child. Since your luggage tag is attached to the outside of your suitcase, potential thieves could easily take a photo of your tag and burglarize your home while you're away.

That's why you shouldn't include your home address, your home phone number, or your friends' addresses. Only include your contact information and nothing else. While we're at it, let's also stop writing things like "I'll be on vacation for the next two weeks" on your Facebook timeline.

We live in the age of social media and many people tend to overshare information, thus exposing themselves to danger.

Where is the best place to attach a luggage tag?

If your suitcase has a lock, it is best to attach the tag to the outside of the suitcase. The best places to attach your label are generally around the top or side handle, so that it is more visible. Some suitcases are equipped with luggage tag holders on the back, which is more convenient, as they cannot be detached from the bag.

However, if your suitcase isn't locked, you can simply place your tag inside. Just make sure you place it somewhere you can quickly find it, such as in the zippered mesh pocket in the main compartment.

Attaching a luggage tag in the main compartment is arguably even better, as it can't be accidentally lost and other people won't see it when you're in a public space.

Choose a label that suits you!

Now that you have all the information you need to travel safely, we had to advise you the best places to find your label. In metal or imitation leather, you will be spoiled for choice to distinguish your suitcase from the rest of the travelers. 😉