Finding Your Bag in a Sea of Black

Have you ever stood in front of the luggage carousel, waiting for your stuff and accidentally picked up one that looks identical to yours? Have you ever seen someone accidentally pick up your bag? Have you ever had a bag stolen at the airport?

The problem is that most of us gravitate to either black, navy or gray luggage. There are only so many suitcase manufacturers out there so it only makes sense that a lot of us carry identical bags.

You may have read on other blogs to tie a ribbon or a scarf on your luggage to set it apart. That’s not a bad idea except that ribbons and scarves are too easily removed, whether by intentional means (by a thief) or unintentional (excessive bumping around while being handled).

There are several affordable and effective ways to set your bag apart from the look-alikes at the airport. My favorite method is two-fold. First, I bought a set of big pink luggage tags. Luggage tags are easy to remove, so as a back-up, I bought pink Duck Tape and put a strip on the bottom of each of my bags. I put it on several years ago and it’s still hanging tight. With my bright tag on the top of the bag (if it has survived the flight) and the pink tape on the bottom of the bag, I can spot my bag quickly no matter which end comes off the conveyor first.


Big, bright luggage tags


Bright strip of tape


Duck Tape

Two other options are handle grips and luggage straps. It’s a matter of personal choice but I say the brighter the better.


Handle Wraps


Luggage Straps

If your luggage is uniquely marked, not only will it help you find it in baggage claim faster but it will help the airline find it faster should it be misdirected. It also deters thieves. Most thieves will avoid uniquely marked bags because they are too easily spotted by their rightful owners.