How to Choose the Right Luggage Tag for Travel (Full Checklist)

🧳 How to Choose the Right Luggage Tag for Travel (Full Checklist)

Choosing the right luggage tag might seem simple, but the wrong one can fall off, fade, become unreadable, or fail when you need it most. For travellers in New Zealand heading overseas or on domestic flights, a durable and clearly identifiable luggage tag is essential.

This guide gives you a complete checklist to help you choose the best luggage tag for your suitcase, backpack, or travel bag.


🟦 1. Choose a Durable Material

The material of your luggage tag is the biggest factor in how long it lasts.

Best options:

Faux leather (engraved) β€” durable, flexible, weather-resistant

Real leather (engraved) β€” long-lasting, premium look

Thick plastic β€” inexpensive, but can crack or fade

Metal tags β€” strong but can scratch luggage

Why faux / real leather wins:

It balances durability, style, and readability.
It doesn’t crack easily, and engraving looks clean and sharp.

πŸ‘‰ Your store uses engraved faux leather β€” the ideal choice for travel.


🟦 2. Pick Engraving Over Printing

Printed tags fade, smear, or peel β€” especially after rough handling on conveyor belts.

Engraved tags are better because:

Permanent markings

Won’t wash off

High visibility

Scratch-resistant

More professional appearance

If you want your contact details to stay readable, choose engraving every time.


🟦 3. Make Sure Your Details Are Clear and Easy to Read

Phones get lost, stickers peel, and ink fades β€” but a good luggage tag remains readable no matter what.

Your luggage tag should clearly show:

Full name

Phone number (international format if travelling overseas)

Optional: address, initials, or email

Optional: one-colour logo or icon

Engraving ensures these stay visible even after multiple trips.


🟦 4. Choose a Shape That Stands Out

The shape of your tag helps it stand out visually.

Popular options include:

Rectangle (classic, easy to read)

Round (eye-catching)

Pentagonal (unique shape)

Cowtag style (bold agricultural-inspired shape)

Unique shapes help you spot your luggage quickly on busy carousels.


🟦 5. Look for a Strong Attachment Loop

Your tag is only useful if it stays attached.

A good luggage tag strap should be:

Durable

Tear-resistant

Flexible

Thick enough to resist snapping

Made from silicone, leather or reinforced plastic

Metal eyelets also help prevent the strap from tearing through the tag β€” something your products already include.


🟦 6. Consider Custom Artwork or Icons

Adding a one-colour logo or custom artwork:

Makes your bag unique

Helps with quick identification

Adds personality

Makes the tag ideal for gifting

Minimalist single-line artwork engraves beautifully and still remains clear after years of use.


🟦 7. Choose NZ-Made for Faster Shipping (and Better Support)

NZ-made luggage tags offer:

Faster delivery

Better customer service

Stronger quality control

Support for local businesses

Travellers planning last-minute trips especially benefit from quick NZ shipping.


🟦 8. Ensure Your Tag Matches Your Bag’s Style

A luggage tag is both functional and aesthetic.

Match your tag with:

Suitcase colour

Travel style

Business / casual vibe

Backpack design

Sport team or school branding

Your store offers multiple colours and engraving styles β€” ideal for matching any travel setup.


πŸ† Final Checklist: What Makes a Great Luggage Tag?

Here’s your simple summary:

βœ” Durable faux-leather or leather

βœ” Engraved, not printed

βœ” High contrast visibility

βœ” Strong metal eyelet

βœ” Secure strap

βœ” Customisable details

βœ” Recognisable shape

βœ” Fast NZ shipping

If a tag ticks these boxes, you’ve found a winner.

View Range - https://bagtags.nz/collections/luggage-tags

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