At airports today, there's rarely someone checking baggage claim tickets when you leave the baggage claim area. That means that anyone can grab your bag and leave. It's usually done accidentally, so it's important to identify your luggage as "yours!" When traveling, you can't help but notice how much of the cases look alike. You will especially realize how important identifying your bag is when you see the array of black luggage circling the airport carousel. It's relatively easy to make yours stand out as yours alone. Begin with those real important luggage tags. You'll notice that most tags today do not have your home address exposed. This is to protect you, in case there's no one at home. No use advertising that the house is empty! The bigger and brighter the color of the tags the better! Additionally, it's a good idea to put a tag on the top handle as well as the side handle.

In that way, it won't matter which way your bag comes down the carousel, the tag will be seen. Use the same color tags, or the same combination of colors, so you know what colors to look for, and you can tell it's your bag at a glance. Luggage tags that are made up of your business card are another good idea. They don't expose your home address on the outside of the tag. One on each handle is the best way again. To be doubly sure or identifying your bag, always add your name and address inside your bags as well. It's also a good idea to include your destination inside as well as your destination phone or cell phone number. The airlines, or the wrong passenger with your bag can get hold of you. Some brands like Tumi Luggage and Mosaic Luggage has a tracer program to reunite you with your bag permanently bound inside the suitcase. It offers a toll free number to call, and sometimes a reward. This program is also sold separately from other companies such as BoomerangIt as a travel convenience.

Monogramming the case is another very important feature for identifying your bags. The monogram is permanent and cannot be removed easily. It's generally burned on to the suitcase. No one can claim they thought the bag was "theirs" if their initials do not match yours! These monograms will stay on for years and years and will be the best identifying feature. Some brands have an additional place for initials on the bottom of the case. Mosaic Travel Gear has an area on the bottom that their mosaic tiles fit inside showing your initials. The luggage can also be monogrammed on the front leather panel. This gives you two areas showing your initials making the case undoubtedly yours! This feature is especially handy on the carry on size. When it's in the overhead compartment, you easily see the monogram initial tiles facing out.

Companies are always designing new ways for you to identify your luggage. One of the smartest ideas is a handle wrap. This changes the color or your handle with a Velcro bright colored wrap. You can put one of these handle wraps on the top handle and on the side handle as well. Some of these wraps have an area for your name and address underneath. Once again, try to keep to the same color scheme so you know instantly what to look for at these busy airport carousels. Travel shields are a suitcase cover, which goes over the entire suitcase. The shield leaves the pull up handle area exposed, and also the wheels. In that way, the luggage can easily be used as designed. Travel shields not only help you to identify your bag, but they protect your case from the elements and the vigor's of travel. They are available in bright, instantly identifiable colors. Placing them on and off your case is easy! You'll see a lot of ribbons tied around handles. These can be easily removed, and also can get caught in the conveyor belts damaging your bag. Instead, try one of these "know your luggage" suggestions!