While many people prefer carry-on bags, luggage tags are an important part of your checked baggage as they help identify suitcases (especially in the case of loss or delays). Always make sure your luggage tag is durable enough that it won't come off throughout your many journeys.

In 2026, while many airlines have transitioned to digital tracking, physical luggage tags are still strongly recommended for several critical reasons. First, a physical tag acts as a backup in the event that the airline's adhesive thermal tag is accidentally ripped off during the automated sorting process—a common cause of lost luggage. Second, a personalized tag helps you identify your bag quickly on a crowded carousel, reducing the risk of another passenger grabbing your suitcase by mistake. Modern "smart tags" now often include QR codes or RFID chips, allowing finders to contact you without displaying your home address to everyone in the terminal. As of 2026, the global luggage tag market is booming due to travelers' desire for privacy and customization. A peer-to-peer "pro-tip" is to always place a secondary tag or a copy of your itinerary inside the bag, as this is the final resort for airline recovery teams trying to identify a bag with no external markings.