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When you’re packing your carry-on, what’s on your mind? Clothes, gadgets, maybe your travel documents?
But what about the outside of your bag?
On my first few trips, I was more focused on what went into my bag than on the bag itself.
That changed one busy travel day when I realized a simple luggage tag could have saved me hours of stress.
In this article, we’re going to explore why even your carry-on deserves a luggage tag.
Do You Need Luggage Tags for Carry-On? and Why
Let’s get straight to the question, do you need a luggage tag on your carry-on?
Firstly, no. However, while it’s not a strict requirement, it’s a wise choice for several reasons.
Identification and Security
The primary purpose of a luggage tag is identification.
It’s easy to think, “I’ll recognize my bag,” but in a sea of similar-looking carry-ons, it’s not always that simple.
I learned this the hard way on a trip to Paris.
After a long flight, I grabbed what I thought was my bag from the overhead bin and hurried off.
Minutes later, I realized the mistake – the bag was identical to mine but belonged to someone else. This has contributed to a lot of the cases of mistakenly “stolen” luggage.
A tag with my name, contact information, and a few other TSA tag requirements would have prevented this mix-up.
The uncertainty
Another aspect to consider is the possibility of unexpected check-ins.
Sometimes, due to space constraints or airline policies, you might be asked to check your carry-on at the gate.
In such cases, a luggage tag becomes as essential as it is for checked baggage.
I’ve been in this situation before, and having a tag on my carry-on made me feel more secure, knowing my bag was properly labeled and could be returned to me if it got misplaced.
Also, consider layovers and transfers.
Airports can be confusing places, especially the big international ones.
If you’re in a hurry to catch a connecting flight, there’s a chance you might leave your carry-on behind at a cafe or in a lounge.
A luggage tag with your contact information ensures that a good Samaritan or airport staff can reach you promptly.
Choosing the Right Luggage Tag
Aside from the tags the airport gives you, when you’re looking for a luggage tag for yourself, there are a few important things to consider.
Durability is Key:
The first thing to think about is how strong the tag is. Travel can be tough on luggage, and a fragile tag might break or get damaged.
Metal tags are a great choice because they can handle being knocked around, squished, and even stepped on without breaking. Plastic tags are also good, especially if they’re made of a hard type of plastic.
These materials are strong and can last a long time, even when they travel a lot. A durable tag means you won’t have to replace it often, and you can trust it to stay on your bag through many trips.
Secure Attachment:
How the tag attaches to your bag is just as important as the material it’s made of.
A good luggage tag should have a strong loop or strap. Some tags come with a metal cable or a sturdy plastic loop.
These are designed to tightly secure the tag to your bag’s handle or strap.
The key here is to make sure the tag won’t easily come off.
If the tag falls off, it can’t do its job of identifying your bag. A securely attached tag stays with your bag, making it easy to find if it gets lost or mixed up with others.
Related: Where to get your luggage tag
Privacy Protection:
When you put your information on a luggage tag, you might be worried about other people seeing it.
It’s important to keep your personal details, like your phone number and address, private. Some luggage tags are designed with this in mind.
They might have a flap or a special window that covers your information.
This means that your details aren’t on display for everyone to see.
Only someone who really needs to see them, like an airport worker if your bag gets lost, can easily find and read your information. Keeping your information private helps you feel safer when you travel.
Conclusion
Luggage tags might seem like small, insignificant items, but their impact can be huge.
They keep your belongings safe, ensure peace of mind, and can even add a touch of personal style to your travel gear.
So next time you pack your carry-on, take a moment to attach a luggage tag. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your travel experience.
