It’s happening. You can feel the blood pump ferociously underneath your skin, which itself is already starting to produce small beads of sweat. You feel the salty substance trickle down your travel-worn and dehydrated complexion.
Oh, how you wish you had packed a hyaluronic sheet mask in your travel bag. You shake your head, uncaring of how strange you might appear to other passengers. You won’t let skincare distract you from the Olympic task at hand. Locating and removing your precious luggage from the infinitely spinning conveyor belt of doom.
There’s nothing quite so specifically anxiety-inducing as collecting hold luggage after a long journey via planes, trains or automobiles. Despite the relative safety net provided by innovative Bluetooth tracking devices such as AirTags, Tiles and Chipolos – none of these devices can protect against the simplest of human errors: mistaking a near-identical piece of luggage for your own.
With the ever-increasing popularity of sturdy and stylish suitcases crafted by the likes of Rimowa, Away and Tripp – this innocent, yet entirely stress-inducing mistake is becoming more and more of an issue amongst frequent travellers.
Yet there’s one simple, seemingly old-fashioned means to protect against the woes of lost suitcases at home and abroad: luggage tags. We know what you’re thinking – mismatched luggage is often hastily grabbed by tired and frustrated passengers who simply want to be on their way – why would they check for a barely attached name and address?
The answer lies in making your luggage tag a noticeable, yet sturdy accessory. You need not tie colourful ribbons and pieces of string in triple-knots onto suitcase handles during big moves and overseas travel. While a fantastically practical solution, there are a variety of more stylish ways to keep your luggage identifiable.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the chicest luggage tags for all your travel needs.
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Longchamp Le Foulonné Luggage Tag
Longchamp’s iconic Le Foulonné luggage tag is available in a variety of colours, but we’re particularly partial to this Barbie-approved candy pink hue. Measuring 6.3cm in length, it’s discrete enough that any old Ken won’t be sneaking a peak at your identification details, but bright enough to ensure panicked travellers won’t mistake your luggage for their own. Crafted from cowhide leather with silver hardware, you simply can’t go wrong.
Buy now £37.00, Longchamp
Alexander Girard x Kate Spade New York Luggage Tag
This beautiful luggage tag is the result of an ongoing collaboration between artist Alexander Girard and fashion house Kate Spade. Featuring Girard’s bright pink sun motif contrasted against a deep jade-coloured background, this luggage tag is the perfect accessory for all your summer adventures. We’re also fans of the button closure for additional discreteness.
Buy now £60.00, Kate Spade
ban.do Getaway Vegan Leather Luggage Tag
Dip your toes into the Western trend with this eye-catching, vegan leather luggage tag from Ban.do. Not only is this value-for-money luggage tag impeccably stylish, but it’s sure to make identifying your luggage on that pesky conveyor belt easier than ever.
Buy now £14.00, Amazon
Smythson Luggage Tag in Panama
What better way to make your luggage appear both noticeable and unique than with a gorgeous, neon leather accessory? Though available in a range of colourways, we think opting for a distinctive, bright and beautiful hue is sure to make your luggage stand out from the rest.
Buy now £85.00, Smythson
Apple AirTag Hermès bicolour luggage tag in Swift calfskin
If written identification simply isn’t your style, and you’re all for the hi-tech tracking afforded by AirTags – we highly recommend purchasing a dedicated luggage tag for your easily misplaced miniature device.
This luxurious option from Hermès has been crafted from Swift calfskin and has been etched with the iconic Clou de Selle motif. A similar, cheaper alternative can also be purchased via Not Another Bill for just £20, featuring a carabiner closure instead of the leather pin and hook.
Buy now £399.00, Hermès
Thom Browne Leather Hector Luggage Tag
We understand, bright colours just aren’t your thing. It’s ok, Wednesday Addams, for Thom Browne has produced the perfect means to make your luggage identifiable without incorporating all the colours of the rainbow. Shaped like the designer’s own loyal pup, this Dachshund-shaped tag is sure to be a fantastic travel companion.
Buy now £380.00, Harrods
Aspinal of London Set of 2 Luggage Tags
Scoop up a set of two matching luggage tags from Aspinal of London for both your hold and cabin bags. Handcrafted from full-grain leather, we’re big fans of the durable reinforced corners which will protect the tag from any bumps and bruises. These tags can also be personalised with yours or a loved one’s initials.
Buy now £65.00, Aspinal of London
The Tech Bar retreev SMART luggage tag
Another option for the tech-loving travellers, this smart luggage tag offers the best of both worlds. With no subscription required, this tag features a unique ID in the form of a QR code, which can be easily scanned by passengers who might have accidentally picked up the wrong bag.
The finder simply fills in an online form which details how they’ve come into possession of your luggage, and you’ll get a call or text with all the information regarding your bag’s whereabouts without having to list your personal information on an exposed luggage tag. Now that’s secure.
Buy now £24.95, Selfridges
Fortnum's Luggage Tag, Eau de Nil
Concerned that your luggage might not make it back to the UK? Make your oh-so-English citizenship clear with this luggage tag from Fortnum and Mason. It is featured in the brand’s iconic Eu de Nil hue with a pop of colour in the form of bright orange accents.
Buy now £45.00, F&M
