Are you tired of the never-ending search for your suitcase at baggage claim? Well, have no fear, because today we’re talking itty-bitty tags that will help you identify your suitcase on the carousel—luggage tags! But if you’re going to make your own, you should know what size to print it.
Luggage tags come in a wide assortment of sizes, with the most common measuring:
- 2-3/4 × 4 inches
- 3-1/8 × 6-1/4 inches
- 3-5/8 × 7-1/4 inches
- 4-5/8 × 9-1/4 inches
- 5-1/8 × 10-1/4 inches
Today, we’re going to talk about what luggage tags are and what purpose they serve, how to make your own luggage tags, and what you can do with them.
What Is a Luggage Tag?
To the frequent travelers out there, you probably know all-too-well what a luggage tag is and how great they are. But for those who don’t have as many frequent flyer miles on their account, allow me to break it down for you.
A luggage tag is a tiny sheet with your name, address, and contact number on it. It tells the world that the piece of luggage it’s attached to belongs to you. Consider them the ID bags for suitcases.
Imagine standing around baggage claim and seeing 100 black and dark blue suitcases. How can you know which is yours? You could look for the baggage number and crosscheck it with the sticker on your boarding pass, or you could spot the luggage tag from a mile away! That’s how handy they are!
Luggage Tag Sizes
Now that we know what luggage tags are, how big are they? Well, it doesn’t really matter how big the tag is; as long as you can identify it, and as long as others can read the writing, that’s all that counts.
That said, if you were to purchase luggage tags from an online store, they would most likely come in the following sizes:
- 2-3/4 × 4 inches
- 3-1/8 × 6-1/4 inches
- 3-5/8 × 7-1/4 inches
- 4-5/8 × 9-1/4 inches
- 5-1/8 × 10-1/4 inches
It goes without saying that the larger the tag is, the easier it will be to spot from the other side of baggage claim.
What Are Luggage Tags Made of?
Luggage tags are made from a variety of materials. Some are soft and bendy, while others are sturdy and durable. It really depends on your personal preference and what kind of travel experience you’re looking for.
Here are some of the more common materials:
1. Cardstock
Cardstock is a lightweight material that serves a million-and-one different purpose, including being used as a luggage tag. It’s pretty inexpensive to make, so if you lose one, you can always make another.
That’s the thing, though. They’re not very durable, so they can get wrinkled when your suitcase is in cargo. Also, anyone can just rip it right off in an attempt to run off with your suitcase.
2. Leather
Leather is on the opposite end of the price spectrum. It’s costlier to make than cardstock, but it can look a lot fancier. If you’re a seasoned flyer who wants the best for their suitcase, you should choose leather or stainless steel (we’ll cover this in a bit).
However, ripping the leather tag off a suitcase doesn’t take much work, and you may end up having to get one custom-made with your details all over again.
3. Stainless steel
Stainless-steel luggage tags don’t have a rustic look or feel to them, but they’re the most durable material for luggage tags. They’re usually attached to suitcases with a metallic loop to keep it safe and secure. Plus, it won’t get wrinkled or ruffled while your suitcase is bouncing around in cargo. Another huge upside is that water has no effect on it.
As far as the cons go, you’re looking at a steeper price tag than cardstock and some leather luggage tags. Is it worth the cost? Only you can decide!
4. Plastic or silicone
Plastic and silicone are cheap yet durable alternatives to stainless steel. Plastic may snap in cargo, but it’s weather-resistant and can usually withstand several flights. Silicone is flexible, so it won’t necessarily snap, though it can get stretched beyond recognition.
What Can You Do with Luggage Tags?
Well, as the name suggests, luggage tags are used on luggage. However, with a bit of creativity, you can find use of luggage tags for other purposes outside of traveling!
Did you know you can use a luggage tag as a gym bag tag? Admittedly, this isn’t very out of the box, but it at least demonstrates how versatile luggage tags can be. When you’re not traveling, remove the tag from your suitcase and put it on your gym bag. That way, nobody will ever make the mistake of swiping your bag from the locker room.
The second thing you can use a luggage tag for is marketing! Print a bunch of them out and distribute them. This can help get your name out there, especially among flyers who will lay eyes on their luggage tag.
How to Make Your Own Luggage Tag
Before we begin, you’ll need to prepare the following materials:
- Cardstock or heavy-duty paper
- Clear plastic pouch
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Hole puncher
- Decorative elements (such as stickers, washi tape, or markers)
- Luggage strap or ribbon
Now, let’s get crafty!
- Cut a rectangular piece of cardstock to your desired tag size (take a look at the sizes above if you’re looking for a more “traditional” luggage tag).
- Use a ruler to measure and mark a small rectangle at the top of the tag, leaving space for your name and contact information.
- Fill in the rectangle with your name, address, and any other necessary information using markers or pens.
- Decorate your tag with stickers, washi tape, or any other decorative elements to make it stand out.
- Slip your tag into a clear plastic pouch and use the hole puncher to punch a hole at the top of the tag.
- Attach a luggage strap or ribbon through the hole and tie it securely to your luggage.
And there you have it, your very own handmade luggage tag! Not only will it help you easily identify your luggage, but it will also add a personal touch to your travels. Safe travels, and happy crafting!
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