eBags Blog

The right luggage isn’t the only thing that helps make travel go smoothly. Sure, having a carry-on that’s the right size and weight helps you avoid checked baggage fees and a checkpoint friendly laptop bag gets you through security quicker, but there’s more to comfortable and convenient travel than avoiding fees and dashing through the airport. Sometimes a good trip means avoiding potential headaches.

 

Consider, for instance, the scenario where you can’t find your luggage at baggage claim. When you packed your suitcase, you thought it was fine. Now you realize that it’s one of many seemingly identical black, gray, or blue bags making their way around the carousel. You can either pull each bag off and look for the name and address information or you can wait until everyone else has picked up their bags to see what’s left (I certainly do not recommend the latter only because it increases your odds that your bag could be stolen).

 

What could have helped you avoid this problem? Why, a set of brightly colored luggage tags and/or a luggage handle wrap of course. These are just some of the luggage accessories that can help make travel easier. Discover these and other products designed to help you avoid the headaches of travel beyond avoiding fees and security lines.

 

Luggage Handle Wraps: Luggage handle wraps are just as they sound; they wrap around the handle of your luggage. The purpose of a handle wrap is two-fold. One, they offer a bit more cushioning for your hand while you roll it around the airport. Secondly, many luggage handle wraps are brightly colored so they help you identify your luggage quicker at baggage claim. For this reason, they are particularly useful when you take along black, blue, brown, or gray bags since these are some of the most common luggage colors.

 

Luggage Tags: Another great way to help you identify your luggage easier is by using colorful or unique luggage tags. Sure you can always pick up and fill out the free tags provided by the airline, but so can everyone else. Don’t rely on those to A) hold up under the stresses of loading and unloading luggage from the plane and B) help you identify your luggage since you may not be the only one with black luggage and the airline’s tags. Luggage tags are usually inexpensive but the convenience payback can be much more than you’d expect.

 

Luggage Locks: It used to be that you could use any lock on your luggage and that would be fine. Now, if you’re checking your luggage, you need to make sure your lock is TSA compliant. Why? Because if it isn’t, there is a good chance that the security screeners will need to cut your locks in order to inspect your belongings. A TSA approved lock cuts down on that chance (but note that it doesn’t guarantee they won’t need to cut the locks off). So why bother with luggage locks anyway? Because they help keep your bag secure. Whether you’re checking your bag or not, a luggage lock helps keep your packed belongings safe from theft. It doesn’t take much for someone to reach into the overhead and into your carry-on while you’re sleeping. A luggage lock can give you that extra peace of mind. Luggage locks also help prevent your luggage from accidentally opening.

 

Luggage Scales: Luggage scales are a great way to help you avoid baggage check fees. Afterall, the carry-on rules are not only related to the size of the luggage, but also how heavy it is. Luggage scales are also a great way to avoid one particular headache. Say, for instance, you got past check-in only to be questioned later about the weight of your luggage. You might be asked to check the luggage at that time - which could even include once you’re boarding the plane. That’s a real headache to sort out when you should be finding your seat and relaxing before takeoff. Avoid that scenario altogether by weighing your luggage when you pack it and ensuring it falls within guidelines.

 

See these and all luggage accessories at eBags including products not mentioned above like luggage straps and luggage carts.

Have you ever found yourself at the baggage claim carousel, staring at the sea of black suitcases, wondering which one is yours? You bend down and move several bags to read the luggage tag only to find out it doesn’t belong to you. While many travelers these days prefer to carry on, this is still an all too common scenario. Afterall, it’s nearly impossible to use only carry-on luggage when you go on long vacations, ski trips, and family getaways.

Want to avoid this frustrating situation? Here are some ways you can help identify your luggage faster and easier the next time you check it.

 

1. Use colorful luggage. One of the easiest ways to identify your luggage at baggage claim is if it isn’t black. Black is one of the most common luggage colors. Even blue and gray these days are becoming just as common so avoid these as well. Consider something in green, orange or pink or, even better, take a look at what’s available in fashion luggage and designer luggage for something that truly stands out.

 



2. Attach different luggage tags. If you already have luggage in a common color and don’t want to buy a new set, then the next best thing to help you spot your luggage quickly is to use luggage tags. Luggage tags, as you know, are important for identifying luggage because of the information they contain. However, tags can also help you find your luggage if they are unique in some way - colorful, different shaped, patterned, etc. If your suitcase came with tags, chances are they match which means the tags will be just as difficult to notice as your luggage. The good news is that luggage tags are inexpensive, so pick yourself up a set that stand out.

 



3. Luggage handle wraps are also useful. Often luggage on the carousel ends up upside down or in an odd angle where one cannot see the luggage tags. Sure you can turn the bags around, but you can also save yourself the hassle by using a luggage handle wrap. Luggage handle wraps serve a dual purpose - they can help make gripping the luggage handle a little more comfortable and they can help you find your luggage. Luggage handle wraps are also relatively inexpensive so if you’re not looking to replace your luggage right away, consider picking up one of these handy accessories.

 



4. Luggage locators are the high tech solution. The most certain way to find your luggage, even up to 60 feet away, is with a luggage locator like the ETA Luggage Locator. A small electronic receiver attaches to your suitcase while you hold a remote. The remote activates a series of beeps and flashes that show you where your luggage is. A luggage locator is also great for letting you know your luggage arrived at its destination before you even see it (a relief for those of us who have had our luggage lost in the past).

 

Have your own way of finding your luggage quickly? We’d love to hear about it. Comment on this post with your ideas.

Rick Steves, the author of the go-to travel books has taken his expertise to the luggage world! Rick Steves Travel Gear takes the travel guru’s previous experiences and incorporates them into the best travel gear possible. Each compartment or pocket is meticulously thought out and placed for a reason…Every detail is accounted for! Whether you’re about to embark on a month long backpacking trip through Europe, or a quiet family vacation to the Cape, these luggage pieces and accessories are a must! He’s even created the perfect bags and backpacks to carry your umbrella, camera, jacket, etc. for a day long adventure around the city. The world-traveller has done it again!

And of course, don’t forget your Rick Steves travel guides!