Airline passengers are being urged to pack an extra item inside their hold luggage before flying, following a viral tip shared on social media. The advice, posted on the Reddit forum r/airport, comes from a traveller who swears by the method and claims it 'really helped' when their bag was delayed.
Reddit User Shares Simple Travel Hack
In a post asking for the best airport tips, one user suggested always carrying an empty water bottle to fill after security. But another traveller offered a different recommendation that could prove invaluable for anyone flying with checked luggage. They wrote: 'I might be old school, but I not only tag my bag on the outside but I also put my name and address identification on the inside.'
The passenger explained that this practice became crucial when their bag was delayed and the exterior tag was ripped off. 'I was able to describe the bag, its contents, as well as the additional tag information in the bag — it really helped!' they said. They advised writing your name, address, and phone number on a piece of paper, placing it inside a Ziploc bag, and stowing it somewhere inside your checked luggage.
Airlines Endorse the Practice
Most airlines recommend that passengers include a label both inside and outside their luggage. While the inner label is not often needed, it can be a lifesaver if the exterior label falls off. EasyJet, for example, advises customers to add a luggage label to their bags and leave contact information inside. The airline's website states: 'Make sure your bags stand out from the crowd on the carousel! We advise attaching something noticeable and unique to your luggage like a colourful ribbon, eye-catching sticker or personalised tag.'
EasyJet adds: 'We also recommend adding a label to your luggage with your name and contact details such as address, email and phone number and put a copy of these details inside your bag too! This would really help us reunite you with your bag in the unlikely event of the exterior tags falling off.'
British Airways offers similar guidance, telling passengers: 'Label your bags inside and out with your name, destination address, email address and mobile number.'
Why This Tip Matters
Lost or delayed luggage is a common travel frustration. By placing identification inside the bag, travellers increase the chances of being reunited with their belongings quickly, even if external tags are damaged or removed. This simple, low-cost measure can save time and stress at the airport.
