After a long flight, the last thing you want is to lift a dozen suitcases off a conveyor belt to check which one is yours. From buying decorated duffel bags to creating custom tags and patches, there are many ways to make your luggage recognizable. Even with the best precautions, however, luggage can get lost, so always take steps to make your luggage easy to find if it gets lost.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Decorating the Suitcase
Step 1. Use a colored strap
You can find a belt in any department store. Choose one of a very bright color, so it will be easy to see from a distance. Secure it around your suitcase after packing it so it's easy to spot at baggage claim.
Step 2. Embellish your luggage with stickers
Buy some stickers and use them to decorate your bag. Choose colorful or sparkly stickers to make your bag particularly eye-catching.
- This can be a great idea if you have children. They will appreciate the work of decorating the luggage and it will also make travel easier.
- You can buy letter stickers and use them to write your name on the bag, which can help identify it if it gets lost on the journey.
Step 3. Decorate your luggage with bias tape
The bias is a thin strip of fabric used for decoration. You can purchase colored strips of bias tape online or at a haberdashery. Wrap the bias around your luggage or glue it to create interesting patterns, such as crisscross, along the tops or sides to make it more evident.
Step 4. Tie or sew fabric or ribbon onto the luggage
Stop at a haberdashery and grab a ribbon or decorative fabric, which can then be sewn onto your luggage or that you can tie around the zippers and handles. This can make your bags easy to locate at baggage claim.
If you find a shimmery fabric or ribbon, it can be a great choice as it is especially noticeable
Step 5. Tie a fluorescent bracelet to the handle
Many jewelers, especially those for the younger ones, sell neon glowing bracelets. These can be attached to the handle of your bag, making it easy to spot in a busy airport.
- Choose a bracelet that can be wrapped tightly around your luggage to prevent it from opening or falling. Try a fabric, mesh or rubber bracelet, for example, on a plastic one. Old friendship bracelets can work great for this purpose.
- If you put several bracelets wrapped around the handle of a suitcase, particularly if it has very bright colors, you can really help your luggage stand out.
Part 2 of 3: Using Tags and Patches
Step 1. Choose bright, highly visible personal tags
You can purchase personal tags online or in some department stores. Look for patterns that are a little weird and noticeable. A brightly colored or uniquely designed tag can really make your luggage stand out at the right time.
- In general, choose the largest badges you find - they will be much easier to see.
- You can also try an original nameplate. It could be personalized with your name or initials. Or you can also look for a funny one, for example in the shape of a smiley face or emoji. Anything a little unusual or quirky can make your luggage stand out.
Step 2. Personalize your luggage with unique patches
You can purchase patches on many e-commerce sites and then sew them onto your luggage. A variety of unique patches, including one with your initials, will make your luggage easy to spot.
You can use patches that reflect your personal taste and style. For example, if you love horseback riding, sew on your luggage patches related to the world of horse racing
Step 3. Use lanyards or zip ties
Lanyards and zip ties are often sold in department stores. You can use one to attach a sheet of laminated paper with your personal information on it to the suitcase. This way not only will the strap or lanyard make your luggage more noticeable, but it will be useful if your luggage gets lost.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Loss
Step 1. Put a copy of your travel itinerary in your luggage
If your luggage gets lost, having a copy of your itinerary somewhere in it can help. Airport operators can figure out where your baggage should have ended up in case it ended up in the wrong destination.
Step 2. Photograph your suitcases and their contents
Be sure to bring photographic evidence of everything in your bag. Airport operators may need to be reminded of the contents of the baggage to help them locate it in case of loss.
Step 3. Make sure your bag has identification tags inside and out
Keep your ID clearly visible out of your baggage, but make sure you also keep some identification tags inside. In the event that an external identification tag falls off, having a spare inside can help your luggage find its way back if it gets lost.
Expert Advice
Find your luggage more easily with these easy tips:
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Avoid using a black suitcase.
Suitcases today come in many colors and styles that will help you locate yours easily. Black is the most common color, so your luggage will look like everyone else's.
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Add unique details.
To make your suitcase easier to spot, wrap a colored belt around it or stick some stickers on it.
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Include a tag.
Make sure there is always a tag on the suitcase with your email and phone number, remembering to add the country code.
Advice
- Decorate your bags when you have time. Don't wait for the morning of departure.
- Buying flashy luggage can also help. Look for a suitcase with a unique design or a bright color.
