You might not think you need to worry about the size of your luggage tags. However, the size of your luggage tag can make a difference in how visible it is.
It’s also crucial that you know which size luggage tags to choose if you’re having special tags printed.
Luggage Tag Sizes
There are a few different sizes for luggage tags. Most luggage tags are either:
- 2.75 inches or 6.985 centimeters wide and 4 inches or 10.16 centimeters long
- 3.125 inches or 7.9375 centimeters wide and 6.25 inches or 15.875 centimeters long.
If you’re looking to purchase a luggage tag holder, chances are that the holder will accommodate tags in one of these sizes.
Occasionally, you can find bigger luggage tags. There are three standard larger sizes:
- 3.625 inches or 9.2 centimeters wide and 7.25 inches or 18.415 centimeters long
- 4.625 inches or 11.75 centimeters wide and 9.25 inches or 23.495 centimeters long
- 5.125 inches or 13.02 centimeters wide and 10.25 inches or 26.035 centimeters long
Print vs. Holder Sizes
If you’re having tags printed or you plan to purchase the paper tags and the luggage tag holders separately, it’s important to remember that the paper tags and the holders will be two slightly different sizes.
You’ll want to purchase a tag holder that is just a little bit bigger than the printed paper tag. This way, you’ll be able to slip the tag into the holder, and it will be fully visible.
You can put a smaller paper tag into a larger tag holder. The paper tag might have some space visible around it, but it should still be readable. However, make sure the paper tag won’t slip out of the tag holder.
Matching the paper tag to a tag holder designed for that size is always the best option.
Choosing a Luggage Tag
When you’re choosing luggage tags, the most important factor is whether the tag will be visible and easy to read. Any standard tag size should be easy to spot, but if you have a large or oddly shaped piece of luggage, you might want to choose a bigger tag size so that it can be found quickly.
You’ll also want to make sure that the tag, which will display your name, address, phone number, and possibly an email, is legible. Many people choose to have their tags printed so that the writing is crisp and clear.
If you’re having luggage tags printed for an event, such as a honeymoon, resist the urge to choose a fancy or cursive font. A font like this will be harder to read and can completely defeat the purpose of the luggage tag.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that you choose tags that attach easily but won’t come undone. A metal clasp is usually the best option. Most luggage tag holders feature a piece of thick, flexible metal wire with a twisting clasp.
You can twist the clasp open to put the tag on and then twist it tightly closed to make sure it won’t come undone during travel.
When you put your luggage tag on, make sure that the clasp or fastener isn’t too big or loose. If a tag dangles too much or sticks out away from the piece of luggage, there is more of a chance that it will get caught on something and could be ripped off.
If the holder has a large clasp, try attaching it to a wider area, such as a handle, instead of a smaller area, like a zipper pull.
