The Wallet Shoppe
We’ve all been there.
A long flight. No sleep. You just want to get out of there, but the baggage carousel seems to have implemented a new rule: “Only Identical Pieces Of Luggage Allowed”.
Sigh.
A contrasting tag or handle marker can save you from inspecting every similar suitcase. Choose something easy to recognize, then check the name tag before walking away with the bag. Someone else can own the same suitcase and the same bright strap.
Let’s start with the obvious tricks.
Stickers
A distinctive sticker can help you recognize a hard-shell case. Place it where you can see it without covering baggage labels, barcodes, locks, or moving parts. A small marker on more than one side helps when the case arrives facing the wrong way.
Tape On The Handle
A neat band of contrasting tape or a fitted handle wrap is easy to spot.
Do: Get some contrasting color tape and make a single, neat band around the handle.
Keep it clear of retracting mechanisms and make sure it doesn’t leave a loose end that can snag.
Choose a color you can recognize quickly. Bright is fine if that’s what works for you.
Unique Luggage Tags
Ah, now we’re talking.
A personal luggage tag adds identification as well as a visual marker. It serves a different purpose from the airline’s baggage label.
There’s no reason to use a generic one where you write your name on it in an undecipherable scrawl (is that just me?)
Choose a secure attachment and a contrasting color. Put contact details where they can be read when needed; a covered tag avoids displaying them constantly.
You can get them in stainless steel, leather, all sorts of great (and stylish) options.
Other Options
There are, of course, lots of other ways to do this.
Luggage Straps
A contrasting luggage strap is another marker. Fit it snugly and secure loose ends; it does not replace a working closure on the suitcase:
Luggage Covers
A cover can change the appearance of a plain case, but check the fit carefully.
The main problem? Fit.
Check the dimensions and openings for wheels and handles. Loose fabric can catch, and the cover must leave baggage labels readable.
Choose by the actual case dimensions, not just a label such as medium or large.
If You’re Replacing the Suitcase Anyway
A less common color or pattern can help. You don’t need to replace a working bag just to recognize it, though; a tag or handle marker is a much smaller change.
If the case is worn out, choose the replacement for size, weight, and handling as well as appearance. Our aircrew luggage guide discusses practical luggage choices.
A Tracker Does a Different Job
A tracker may help locate a misplaced bag, but don’t assume a small wallet tracker provides continuous GPS tracking. Check how the particular device gets location updates, which phone system it supports, and its battery requirements.
Our wallet and bag tracker comparison covers the differences. Keep the airline’s baggage receipt and use its missing-bag process if the case doesn’t arrive; a tracker is an additional aid.
