Baggage tags are used to identify luggage and provide return information in case of loss. Personal tags can be simple or creative, while official tags are issued by travel operators for routing and tracking purposes. Computer technology is used for official tags, which can be scanned and tracked throughout the journey. Personal tags are recommended in addition to official tags for clear identification of the owner.
A baggage tag is any type of identification affixed to baggage. There are two main types of luggage tags. The former is affixed by owners individually, as a means of distinguishing their pieces and providing return information in case of loss. Other temporary tags, usually issued by commercial airlines, shipping lines, or train operators, contain information about a bag’s direction. The latter type of tag is used almost exclusively for checked bags, i.e. bags that owners leave for the custody of a travel operator at the start of a trip, and then collect at their destination upon arrival.
Personal luggage tags range from purely informative to truly creative. The simplest bag tag is usually little more than a sturdy card or laminated card that contains the owner’s name, address, and telephone contact information. More sophisticated tags can include fancy covers, decorative fonts, and graphics or icons. Groups traveling together often require members to use uniform baggage tags so that all group members’ bags can be easily identified in a crowd. Tags are usually attached to bag handles with drawstrings of some variety.
A bag tag can be made at home or purchased from various travel stores, luggage retailers, and gift shops. They usually need to be tough enough to withstand moderate travel. The tag is simply a precaution in case of loss for many people. For others, however, it’s a personal statement, and it’s a way to keep an eye on a bag and easily distinguish it from others that might look similar.
Other official luggage tickets have a completely different purpose. Commercial travel operators often issue tags at baggage checkpoints to ensure all checked bags are properly routed. This type of bag tag is often much more useful and generally needs to be removed by the owner once the bag arrives at its final destination.
Commercial baggage tagging procedures usually depend on computer technology. A baggage handler has to tell a computer where a suitcase should go, and the computer will then spit out a personalized baggage tag. This tag is usually peppered with acronyms, symbols and barcodes. The passenger name and flight number are usually printed, but the focus is on the destination and any intermediate connections. Official tags are either securely attached to the bag handles, or attached to one side with adhesive.
Once a bag with an official route tag enters the checked baggage system, it can be scanned and tracked throughout its journey. This allows travel staff to assist passengers in retrieving lost luggage and can also allow for diverted luggage to be rerouted mid-river. However, route tags do not clearly identify the baggage in terms of owner. Therefore, a more personal baggage identifier is usually also recommended.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
