Getting ready to take to the skies on an interstate or international trip?
Before you pack your bags, think about how you will make sure they don't end up missing.
Your first step is to attach a personalised luggage tag, to make your bag easier to spot and identify at the carousel or if it is delayed in transit. This small investment is 100 per cent worth it for better peace of mind as you travel, and it brings that little bit of luxe to your adventure.
Key takeaways
- A personalised luggage tag is worth it because it provides a backup if an airline barcode tag is damaged or detached.
- Having a one-of-a-kind tag helps your bag stand out on a crowded carousel.
- Your tag should include enough contact information for recovery without displaying sensitive details.
- A quality leather tag is designed for years of use.
- Personalisation makes your tag one of a kind.
Why luggage tags are worth it
Baggage systems have improved over the years, but misplaced bags are still a problem for thousands of travellers. SITA's Baggage IT Insights 2025 reported that 33.4 million bags were mishandled in international air transport environments in 2024, equivalent to 6.3 bags per 1,000 passengers. The majority of these cases were bags being delayed, but around 8 per cent were reported as lost or stolen.
Those figures show two things:
- Mishandling still affects millions of journeys every year.
- Identification matters when a bag has gone off course.
An airline tag and digital tracker can help, but a sturdy luggage tag provides the first and most important backup contact point if the travel provider's label is damaged or missing.
It's not all about your plane trip either. Catching buses requires you to let your bags out of your sight, and often so does checking into a hotel. Clear labels make all the difference to ensure they are returned to you.
Stop luggage mix-ups before they happen
Rows of black and navy suitcases can look almost identical after a long flight. Having a distinctive leather tag, colour and monogram will make your bag easier to recognise before you reach for the handle.
A clearly identifiable bag is less likely to be collected accidentally by someone with a similar suitcase. And if you're chasing a bag that has gone missing, it will be much easier to confirm ownership thanks to a personalised luggage tag.
Yes, digital trackers are helpful to show your bag's location, but they won't actually identify your bag if someone is trying to find you. If they have your name and contact details, they will be able to make sure your bag is returned to you.
What to put on your personalised luggage tag
The aim is to make contact easy without advertising more personal information than necessary. Include:
- Your name or recognisable initials
- A mobile number with the Australian country code, +61, when travelling overseas
- An email address you can access while you're away
Avoid listing your full home address, passport number, flight booking reference or complete itinerary. These details are not needed to return a bag and may expose information you would rather keep private.
What are the best luggage tags for Australian travellers?
The free paper or plastic tag available at the airport check-in is useful, but it is designed as a short-term solution. It can bend, tear or become unreadable after contact with conveyor belts, baggage trolleys and wet weather.
A well-made leather tag is a longer-term solution. Saffiano leather has a textured finish suited to regular handling, while secure hardware helps the tag remain attached through repeated trips. Rather than replacing a temporary label each time you fly, you have one familiar piece that you can transfer between suitcases, weekend bags and backpacks.
Travelling as a family? Invest in a set so everyone can spot their bag straight away, and have each tag monogrammed so it's easier to know who owns what.
Personalised luggage tags: Made for frequent travellers
Olivia & Co.'s In Transit Luggage Tag is made from genuine Saffiano leather with gold hardware. This chic piece gives you a durable and recognisable alternative to relying solely on the paper tag attached at check-in, and will come in handy whether you are travelling for work or pleasure.
Choose your monogram in gold, rose gold, silver, or blind (no colour), with up to 2 letters or numbers.
Want to build a full set of quality travel pieces? Get organised with the best personalised travel accessories for 2026 to build a practical travel collection that keeps your essentials easy to identify and close at hand.