Travel Tips - All About Luggage Tags!
All About Luggage Tags!
According to the Travel Consumer Reports issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, most folks face less than a one percent chance that a major airline will misplace your luggage. But it does happen.
When planning a trip, don’t overlook the importance of luggage tags. Today with the ease of e-tickets, many people tend to overlook the importance of luggage tags and end up scribbling their names on a paper tag at the airport. It is best to fill out your luggage tags before leaving home because the information included on these tags can sometimes make or break the most carefully planned out trip and can literally be a lifesaver for your belongings.
Information to Include
Name
Make sure you write your name in a clear legible fashion. If you are traveling with more than one bag, make sure your name is on each bag. If you are flying, the name on the luggage tag should be the same name as on your boarding pass.
Hotel or Destination Phone Number
Many travelers include the hotel phone number on luggage tags especially if they don’t travel with a cell phone or are in an area where there is limited cell phone access. Don’t forget to include the country code if you are traveling out of the country. This website will give you an up to date listing of all country codes.
Cell Phone Number
If you carry a cell phone and can be contacted on it in the area to which you are traveling, this is often the best way for the airlines to reach you. If you are traveling out of the country, be sure to include the country code in addition to the area code and phone number.
Email Address
If you have access to your email this can be helpful. Emails also provide a paper trail of confirmation and reference information regarding your lost luggage. If you are nervous about giving out your everyday email address, create a special account.
Luggage Tag No-Nos
So many people at the airport see your luggage tag so it is important to limit the amount of personal information you put on it.
Home Contact Information
Most travel experts will tell you that it is not a good idea to put your home contact information on luggage tags such as your home address while you are away in order to avoid a home robbery. Try a work address if you feel you need an address or a PO box.
Home Phone
Seasoned travelers recommend not using a home phone number since a potential thief could use a reverse lookup website to find the corresponding address. Instead, use a cell phone number which will be more advantageous if the airline is contacting you for the return of lost luggage.
Type of Tag
Another piece of advice is to purchase a luggage tag that has a flap that covers your contact information. This will make your information more difficult to glean when you are traveling.
Inside the Suitcase
As an extra precaution, it is always a good idea to tape your contact information including your name as it appears on your boarding pass, your cell phone number and email on the inside top of the suitcase. This “inside” information will certainly come in handy if your luggage tag is lost.