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.
OK, a few people make their bags stand out by wrapping brightly colored duct tape around them, or putting them into a bright neon sleeve, but that’s not really you, is it? If it was, you’d have already MacGyvered something like that yourself.
You want to do it and still look cool, right? We’ve got you covered.
The key thing to realize is you don’t really need to spot your bag from the other side of the carousel. I mean, what are you going to do, scramble up and over? No, you’re going to stand, cool as a lightly misted organic cucumber, watch the luggage go by until your bag is in front of you, then pick it up casually and get on with being fabulous.
At least, that’s what I do. Ahem.
So the real goal is to recognize your bag as it gets near (and then check the name tag, because someone else can own the same suitcase and the same bright strap).
Let’s start with the obvious tricks.
Stickers
Some people plaster their luggage with stickers as if it were a replacement for having an actual personality. I knew a software guy once whose case was covered in stickers like “Keep Calm, I’m an Engineer”.
You do not need to do this. Actually, please do NOT do this.
But one reasonably discreet sticker, in a contrasting color, can be enough to grab and go with élan. Keep it clear of baggage labels, barcodes and locks, and consider a second one on the other side in case the case comes round facing the wrong way.
Tape On The Handle
OK, you could do this one, but it looks a bit less put-together.
Do: Get some contrasting color tape and make a single, neat band around the handle (clear of the retracting mechanism).
Don’t: Wrap it round a bunch of times. It will look clumsy and won’t be any more visible.
Don’t: Buy bright, reflective neon. You aren’t trying to be visible in a force 9 gale; you’re picking up your bag and heading for cocktail hour at your hotel.
Unique Luggage Tags
Ah, now we’re talking.
You should have a name tag on a checked bag anyway, so why not make it your Unique Luggage Identifier (ULI - yes, I just made that up)?
There’s no reason to use a generic one where you write your name on it in an undecipherable scrawl (is that just me?)
Get something stylish, in a contrasting color to your bag (you see the pattern there, right?), with a secure strap. One with a flap or a slot for a business card keeps your details out of sight until they’re needed.
Put a second copy of your contact information inside the bag, too. American Airlines recommends identification both inside and outside, which helps if an exterior tag comes off.
You can get tags 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
These are dual-purpose, adding a little extra security while giving your bag some “individuality”. There are some reasonably stylish ones out there, so do take a look (fit it snugly and tuck the loose end away):
Luggage Covers
OK, these are a lot harder to pull off. They can very easily look dorky.
The main problem? Fit.
Like a good suit, fit is everything. A sleeve that doesn’t fit snugly wrinkles, and wrinkles look… tired. (Sadly, I can relate.) Loose fabric can also catch on the carousel. So measure your actual case, check the openings for the wheels and handles, and don’t just go by “medium” or “large”.
If You’re Replacing the Suitcase Anyway
There’s a great option hiding in plain (plane?) sight here.
Get a better bag.
OK, no, wait, wait, wait… think about it a minute. If your old case is worn out anyway, why not buy one that’s stylish and comes in an unusual color? Add a stylish luggage tag and you have something truly unique. You don’t have to go as expensive as Rimowa; we’re big fans of Away’s colors, for example. Just choose for size, weight and handling as well as looks. Our aircrew luggage guide discusses practical luggage choices.
A Tracker Does a Different Job
Having an easily identifiable bag doesn’t help much if it’s gone astray, so we’d also slip a tracker into it. Just know that the little card-sized trackers aren’t GPS: they report a location when they pass near a compatible phone. 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. Some airlines also accept a temporary Find My location-sharing link: Delta’s baggage tracker explains its process. Use the process for the airline handling your bag.
