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Prepare a Suitcase ID Tag in 6 Steps: Contact Details and Old Labels

Help identify delayed baggage with an external contact tag, a second identifier inside the suitcase and removal of old airline barcode labels.

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Wikimedia Commons · Lreis, 'Luggage-tag-collection.png', Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; unchanged. · Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International ↗

Many suitcases look alike. The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends labeling checked bags with a name, phone number and email; Incheon Airport warns that old barcode tags can misroute baggage. The cover is a collection of historic airline tag examples, not current check-in instructions.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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1. Choose a sturdy tag: Select a luggage identifier with a secure loop that will not easily open or tear. Avoid long loose straps that may snag during handling.
2. Add reachable contact details: Following U.S. DOT guidance, write your name, a reachable phone number and email. Include the country code for international trips. You do not need to display a detailed home address publicly.
3. Put a second ID inside: As Alaska Airlines suggests, place a small card with your name and contact details inside the suitcase in case its external tag detaches. Do not include passport numbers or financial details.
4. Remove previous barcodes: Check for leftover airline destination tags and small barcode stickers. Incheon Airport warns that old barcodes may send baggage to an unintended destination.
5. Confirm the new destination tag: At check-in, check the airport code on the new official baggage label. Your personal name tag does not replace the airline's barcode destination label.
6. Keep your baggage claim check: Obtain a claim receipt for each checked bag and retain it until you retrieve the bag. Verify the bag tag number or name before taking a similar-looking suitcase.

U.S. Department of TransportationLost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage ↗Updated October 29, 2025: recommends name, phone, email on checked bags and keeping airline baggage claim tags.Incheon International Airport CorporationBaggage Handling Procedure ↗Official airport explanation: prior trip barcode labels can misroute checked baggage and should be removed.Alaska AirlinesElectronic Bag Tag ↗Official airline guidance recommends a completed identification card inside the bag.Wikimedia CommonsLuggage-tag-collection.png ↗Verified author Lreis, CC BY-SA 4.0, illustrative airline label examples; original PNG opened.Wikimedia CommonsCommons: Reusing content outside Wikimedia/technical ↗Independent source-level permission for direct hotlinking; file-level CC BY-SA 4.0 checked separately.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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