Why you should never put your address on your luggage tag – and what you should put instead

NEXT time you go on holiday, you should double check what your suitcase luggage tag says on it.

Experts have warned travellers to avoid putting their home address on it - as it puts your house at risk if the bag is stolen.

While families often opt to put their address on it in case their bags are lost at the airport, it is best to instead put on a phone number.

An expert told USA Today: “Don't list your home address on luggage tags. Play it safe by using electronic luggage tags, or by listing only your basic contact information on a luggage tag.

“Virtually everyone within an airport can see the information written on your suitcase tag, so limiting the personal information while providing enough for the airline to return lost luggage is key.

“Most experts agree that if you can avoid listing your home address, you will be less likely to be targeted for a robbery while you are away.

Richard Clive Rowlands, who regularly travels for events and festival work, also said not to put any other addresses on it: “Don’t put a residential address on luggage tags as it says: ‘This house is empty, please burgle - and take your time.’

“Don’t put a friend’s house either because the burglars don’t know it’s a friend’s house and will still burgle it - ideally put a work address and mobile number on it."

While losing a bag is one of the worst things to happen on holiday, we have also explained some of the other holiday tips and tricks to make your next trip stress-free.

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Take a photo of your bag 

Hachi Ko, who has visited more than 200 countries, said: “Take a photo of your luggage, then put it onto a word processor document with your contact details and the dimensions of your luggage.

“If you ever lose your luggage, you can hand this to lost luggage when you arrive and, even if they don’t speak your language they have everything they need to find your luggage.

Leave a business card 

Former Royal Air Force Pilot Jonathan Breeze said: "Always put at least one business card inside the case - that way, the airline can track you down and give you the bag back.

"Name, Number, Email and you are back in business."

Sneak a 'Fragile' sticker 

Benjamin Black Perley, a self-titled ‘Multi-million miler,’ said: “Apparently, the Fragile sticker actually gets your bag some special attention with certain carriers.

“Going to have to try it next time.”