7 Clever Ways To Make Your Luggage Stand Out at Bag Claim

After a flight lands, travelers often find themselves in a sea of similar suitcases circulating around the baggage carousel. While opting to travel only with a carry-on is ultimately the best way to avoid any luggage swapping mishaps, sometimes checking a bag is unavoidable. To avoid the baggage carousel guessing game (and the risk of someone else mistaking your bag for theirs), here are seven smart tips to make your checked luggage unmistakably yours.

Add a Luggage Belt

Luggage belts — those expandable nylon straps that wrap around the exterior of luggage — provide an extra layer of security, but can also be a stylish way to personalize your bag. Available in vibrant colors and patterns, they make your luggage instantly identifiable and are adjustable to fit any checked bag size. The brand Gorilla Grip offers a multipack of single-strap belts in various colors, while Samsonite offers a brightly colored version with a built-in TSA-approved lock, adding peace of mind and some flair.

Use Wheel Covers

Wheel covers are another clever way to add a splash of color to your luggage — for under $10. Made from silicone, they also reduce noise, resist wear and tear, and protect wheels. Most wheel covers come in a standard one-size-fits-all, but make sure to measure your suitcase wheels before purchasing.

Get a Personalized Luggage Cover

Dents and scratches in checked luggage are expected by frequent flyers. That’s why many turn to luggage covers, which provide protection, easy identification, and a layer of security. Samsonite’s luggage covers come in several playful designs and are machine washable. For a wider range of styles and sizes, Travelkin’s covers are functional and affordable, fitting suitcases measuring 18 inches through 32 inches. And for a more minimalist look, RainVillage offers several bold, single-color options.

Add Stickers and Patches

Luggage stickers are one of the most affordable (not to mention fun) methods of personalizing your luggage. Rimowa made stickers cool again with its sleek city-themed or monogram-style options to decorate the luxury luggage brand’s aluminum hard-shells. Bags from Away are also perfect canvases for stickers thanks to their sleek polycarbonate shells.

Not ready to commit to putting stickers directly on your luggage? Try a clear protective cover, like those from Explore Land. Whether you’re collecting stickers of national parks or international landmarks, you can decorate the cover without the risk of leaving sticky residue on your suitcase. (Tip: Look for waterproof and scratch-resistant stickers to ensure longevity.)

For soft-sided fabric luggage, opt for iron-on or sew-on fabric patches instead. This is a fun way to personalize your bag with patches of countries visited, vintage designs, embroidered initials, sports teams, or anything else that makes your bag “you.” 

Opt for Handle Covers 

Handle covers aren’t just for aesthetics — they add comfort, especially while hauling around a heavy checked bag. But instead of picking a neutral-colored handle wrap, opt for something bold to make your suitcase instantly recognizable at bag claim. Cosmos soft handle grips, for example, come in various bright colors, and there are even handle wrap options inspired by famous artists like Van Gogh. For a custom look, embroidery featuring your name or initials is also an option.

Use Luggage Tags

Luggage tags are another low-cost add-on to make your suitcase stand out. Choose one with a bright hue, fun pattern, or even your initials. For frequent flyers concerned about durability, personalized aluminum luggage tags come in neon shades and include space for your contact details. For a more playful design, brands like Catch On and Zouity offer fun shapes such as sea turtles, flowers, and fruit. (Tip: Some designs include slots for an Apple AirTag, helping you track your luggage in real time.)

Choose Standout Luggage

If accessorizing isn’t your thing, consider investing in luggage that stands out on its own. Bold colors, unique textures, and distinctive shapes make your bag easier to spot. 

For instance, Samsonite offers vibrant luggage options such as the Venue x Large Spinner in matcha green and the Voltage DLX Large Spinner in chili red. NOBL’s All-in-One Check-In luggage (with interior compression system) features a hot pink color option. And Calpak, known for its durability, offers the Hue Large Luggage, which comes in 10 colors. Keep an eye out for limited-edition designs and seasonal color drops from these brands to make your luggage even easier to spot at baggage claim.

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