'Better safe than sorry': Luggage tag mistake travellers are making every day
If you've ever stood at an airport baggage carousel, watching bags go round and round, looking for your own, you'll know that a lot of suitcases look quite similar.
There are a number of things that travellers do to make their luggage stand out - ribbons, stickers, and tags.
But there are some issues that can arise if you have an ID tag on your luggage.
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How do you distinguish your bag? Getty Images/iStockphoto
Having an ID tag on your suitcase, with your contact information, is definitely a good idea. If something goes wrong and your bag is misplaced, it'll be a lot easier for the airline to track you down.
However, it's not something you want just anybody to be able to peek at.
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Silvena Nonev, a travel expert with Scandinavia Private Tours, told HuffPost the number one rule she implores travellers to stick to.
"Always, always, always flip your information card backwards," she advised.
Keep your personal info safe. Getty
"I see countless travellers every single day with their names, phone numbers, and even home addresses on full display," Silvena shared.
"To me, that's like inviting strangers into your private life."
It's not a good idea to walk around with your full information on offer for anyone who wants to see it, she said, as you're potentially opening yourself up to threats.
"If someone knows your name, number, and address, they already have enough to attempt identity fraud or, at the very least, harass you."
Also, the fact that you're at an airport with luggage signifies that your home is very likely empty, and will be for a while.
You never know who's snooping. Getty
"The tag doesn't stop working if it's turned backwards," Silvena pointed out.
"Security and airline staff can still open or flip it when required. You're just making sure that the average passer-by or fellow passenger doesn't get a free peek into your life."
It's one of those 'better safe than sorry' situations - it takes all of two seconds to hide the tag, but could save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
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Include your own info on your suitcase, even if you have an airline tag attached. Getty
Similar advice was shared on TikTok last year, when a flight attendant said she always hides her personal info.
Another person shared in the comments: "I also don't put my home address on that tag. I've set up a dedicated email address instead."
A baggage handler has previously advised travellers to put a note inside your suitcase with your travel details on it, such as your airline reservation code.
This will help airport staff identify your bag even if the luggage tag falls off or is removed.
Avoid sharing too much about your location online until you've left. iStock
Silvena says that if you're conscious about safety, it's a good idea to also refrain from posting too much on social media.
"Parents travelling with children often put everything on display without realising the implications," Silvena shared with HuffPost.
By sharing your holiday in real time, you're letting people know exactly where you are - and also telling the world that your home is empty and unguarded.
Don't put yourself at risk unnecessarily. Getty
Cybersecurity expert Tyler McGee from McAfee previously told 9Travel to hold off on posting about your holiday until you're home.
"Sharing your location online in real-time or sharing details about your travel itinerary can make you a target for thieves and cyber criminals," Tyler said.
So whether it's on social media or on a luggage tag, the less strangers know about you, the safer you'll be.
