The 6 Best Luggage Tags of 2025
On a two-week backpacking trip with a group of college classmates, I landed in Germany, made my way to baggage claim, and waited — and waited — for my suitcase to arrive. It didn’t show up for another three days, well into our trip, and with my one pair of jeans feeling particularly disgusting.
Today, more and more travelers opt for carry-on luggage due to increasingly frequent baggage delays and loss. Many people would rather pack lightly than risk having their vacation spoiled by the headache that comes with relocating lost items. However, checking a bag can sometimes still be a smart, if not inevitable, move, especially for long or international trips.
In 2023, delayed bags made up 77 percent of all mishandled bags, according to a 2024 study by aviation technology company SITA, while the proportion of bags delayed at transfer increased to 46 percent. But flyers can help get their lost or delayed suitcases back quickly by attaching a luggage tag with their name, email address, and phone number (in addition to the airline’s luggage sticker).
International travelers (who will likely go through at least one transfer) should also consider writing the address of their hotel or residence so they can be quickly contacted and lost luggage can be redirected without delay. For those using a written luggage tag, you can add a temporary address by simply slipping your hotel’s information into the tag on a separate card atop your permanent one. It’s also a good idea to take a photo of your secure luggage and luggage tags before checking in. That way you have proof of what your bags look like to help you get compensation if the items don’t arrive, or arrive damaged.
For safety reasons, you should not include your home address on your luggage tag. For the most part, this information is unnecessary since the airline will contact you via phone or email to reunite you with any lost bags. Furthermore, adding your address to luggage tags could open you up to robbery while you’re away as many people could view this information once you’ve headed out on your travels. The best luggage tags also feature a security flap, so your personal information can’t be easily seen, or are smart tags where your data is stored electronically and only accessible by authorized users. You can even help out airport staff, and calm your own fears, by tracking your bags yourself using smart tags or luggage trackers.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Nations-Photo-Lab-Luggage-Tag-f999ef4e2f064b23b810439394ff4dc0.jpg)
If you really want your luggage tag to stand out from the crowd, we recommend this personalized photo option from Nations Photo Lab. All you have to do is upload your favorite photo and add optional text, and then your luggage tag will arrive at your doorstep before embarking on your trip.
T+L’s associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker frequently travels with her dog via airplane, so she opted to print a headshot of her beloved Beau onto her luggage tag. “I like that this tag can have his face and name on the front and my name and contact info on the back. There’s room for several lines of text so I added his microchip number, too,” Parker shared. For keeping track of precious cargo, Parker appreciates the peace of mind that comes with attaching the customized tag to Beau’s carrier. She also thinks it makes a great personalized gift option for the traveler in your life.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fillmore-vegan-leather-luggage-tag-printed-0efe1eefa4f34f2891ac3ad4b2dccce0.jpg)
It should be no surprise that your luggage is more likely to be mistakenly claimed by someone else if it looks like every other bag in the airport. When associate editor Anna Popp’s black suitcase was taken off a carousel by another traveler, she did not enjoy the experience of chasing after a stranger to get her things back.
Now, with her bright Mark & Graham luggage tag, her suitcase actually stands out in an airport. Popp had her initials monogrammed on the front in massive blue and pink letters so she’ll never have to worry about confronting strangers again (hopefully). She also loves how the privacy flap can’t be opened unless someone unbuckles the strap fully.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/choieo-monogrammed-luggage-tag-38dcfb3496534b26b88910c42226f283.jpg)
A luxe luggage tag doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This one from Choieo is a clear indicator of that — made from supple PU leather, it looks much pricier than its under-$10 price tag. The material is soft and flexible so it won’t damage your luggage while the sturdy metal buckle will keep it securely attached to your bag at all times.
T+L writer Asia London Palomba also likes that this tag has a subtle privacy shield to cover personal information and is affordable enough to stick on every bag she owns. “You can personalize it by choosing your initial in big, bold gold lettering, so it’s also a great gift for friends or family!” she added.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LilyBean-1e7353ac0f984df288be8e049bda0918.jpg)
Want to monogram your full name on your luggage tag instead of just your initials? This tag and passport cover set allows you up to 10 characters of space, which Parker loves as an alternative to her other “MAP” stamped goods. Made from 100 percent leather, both items look and feel premium enough for your nicest suitcases, backpacks, and weekenders. It has a traditional buckle closure and a clear ID slot that stays hidden until the entire tag is unlatched.
“I’ve been using this tag on my last several international trips and the light taupe color blends perfectly with my Caraa Ivory Sport Tote personal item, which has an exterior zippered pocket for that matching passport holder as well,” Parker said. You can also get this set in black, pink, tan, and more.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AntlerLuggageTag-52d068ef88de47579f51a04af2f6f822.jpg)
While most luggage tags are made from plastic or leather, this rubber option from Antler may convert you like it did Parker. It comes in one long piece that’s less than two inches wide and loops through itself to attach to a bag. Parker likes that this feature means there are no worries about a buckle coming undone, plus the thick rubber material feels sturdier than other tags she’s tried.
This tag doesn’t have a designated ID slot where you can write contact information (although there is some blank space where you could write a phone number in pen or marker), so it’s meant to personalize your luggage more than anything else. Parker got one to match her Lightest Luggage Set in the brand’s trademark green, but the tag comes in eight total shades.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Beis-Passport-and-Luggage-Tag-Set-694d56073d0048908b889d9a0803447b.jpg)
Personal information is the last thing you want shared with the public eye, so this passport cover and luggage tag set from Béis is the solution to keeping important documents hidden on the go. The light pink shade is easy to spot on a suitcase or in your purse, and the clear pouch included is the perfect to store both of these accessories at home. The set also comes with a pen and pen holder so that if you forget to fill out your luggage tag, you can do it on the go.
“These luggage tag/passport holder sets from Béis are so popular, they’ve sold out in multiple colors. The set makes a great gift for a traveling friend — or an even better excuse to color-coordinate your own travel look,” senior editorial director Nina Ruggiero said. “Now, I’m tempted to buy the matching suitcase, too.”
Tips for Buying Luggage Tags
Choose something recognizable
The bolder the color, the easier it could be to spot your luggage at baggage claim, and, of course, you can always opt for personalized luggage as well. Neutral colors are a perfectly acceptable option, too, especially customizable tags with initials or a photo on it. There are also luggage tags with unique patterns and prints if solid colors aren’t your favorite.
Travel + Leisure
Look for durable, high-quality materials
It’s no secret that luggage can go through the wringer while traveling, which means luggage tags can also take a hit, too. Plastic, silicone, and metal luggage tags can ward off the elements but leather can also be just as durable and long-lasting if you take care of the material. Be sure to select options that also feature strong straps, clips, or other attachments to prevent it from detaching from your bag. If you prefer a luggage tag that’s more aesthetically pleasing (like leather options with delicate buckles), you can always reinforce the attachment with stainless steel loops to adds an extra layer of protection.
Make sure it’s easy to update your information
Opt for a luggage tag that comes with a removable card for adding or updating your information. If your tag only comes with one paper card and you need to change the information, you can always buy luggage tag inserts or DIY the insert with thick paper.
Travel + Leisure
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need both a luggage tag and a luggage tracker?
It doesn’t hurt to have both a luggage tag on your suitcase and a tracker inside your bag. A tracker is the best way to find out where your luggage is in real time, but a luggage tag ensures that someone else can contact you in the event your suitcase gets lost.
When you use any type of digital device for travel, you run the risk of it dying or getting damaged, which can be a huge issue if you’re solely relying on the device. A luggage tag will never run out of battery life and it’s a hassle-free way to get your information attached to a suitcase without having to invest in a digital device.
-
Are luggage tags necessary?
While luggage tags are not required to fly, they are incredibly important if your bag is lost during transit. Without a luggage tag or tracker, it will be very difficult (if not impossible) for airline staff to locate the correct bag to return to you.
Airlines do provide printed tags for checked luggage, but these are used for internal baggage handling and do not always contain enough information to track you down if the bag is lost. It’s also a good idea to have luggage tags for checked bags, as airlines will occasionally need to check carry-ons at the gate if the overhead bin space is full.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Taylor Fox is an outdoor gear editor at T+L, where she writes about and reviews travel products. She is also an avid traveler and uses research and her personal experience to select the best items for travelers. To put together this list of the best luggage tags, Taylor chatted with her colleagues to find out which tags come highly praised.
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.
link
