Bag tags: should I just throw them in the bin?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: BA Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,809
Bag tags: should I just throw them in the bin?
So I've just got back from Munich to discover that, for the third time in 8 flights my BA Silver bag tag has disappeared somewhere between check in and the baggage belt. Honestly, what is the point? Do frequent flyers of other airlines have this stupid problem? Surely, providing sturdy fastenings would save BA some money because they wouldn't have to keep re-issuing them every few months.
#2
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: NCL
Programs: FB Plat; BAEC Gold
Posts: 929
I use these keychains. I know you shouldn't have to need to buy an alternative but the leather straps come open easy and they don't cost the world. I also find they allow the tags to lie properly when wheeling the case/bag.
You get 4 spare for the next time they go missing!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stainless-St...screw+key+ring
You get 4 spare for the next time they go missing!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stainless-St...screw+key+ring
#5
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 946
My OH calls them wa..er tags. Though I am told they fetch a nice price on eBay.
#6
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle
Programs: BA GGL & LTG, EK Silver, HHonors Lifetime Diamond; Proudly Mucci Free - total nonsense
Posts: 862
The sticky tag with the barcode that they attach when you check bags in achieves the purpose needed - to identify the bag. Of course you can always tie bandanas or scarfs too which seems to be popular
Attaching BA tags serves no purpose and they'll disappear fast as they break, and the leather strap opens by itself it seems.
Speaking of w****r tags, was on a LHR-BHD today and someone had 2 GGL tags on EACH of his 2 bags. Perhaps he did buy them on ebay. But he sure looked like a w****r with all that unnecessary bling.
Attaching BA tags serves no purpose and they'll disappear fast as they break, and the leather strap opens by itself it seems.
Speaking of w****r tags, was on a LHR-BHD today and someone had 2 GGL tags on EACH of his 2 bags. Perhaps he did buy them on ebay. But he sure looked like a w****r with all that unnecessary bling.
#7
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: South West
Programs: BAEC Silver. Tracking for TP run.
Posts: 150
I use these keychains. I know you shouldn't have to need to buy an alternative but the leather straps come open easy and they don't cost the world. I also find they allow the tags to lie properly when wheeling the case/bag.
You get 4 spare for the next time they go missing!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stainless-St...screw+key+ring
You get 4 spare for the next time they go missing!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stainless-St...screw+key+ring
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: BA Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,809
You can buy them on eBay? Why would someone want to buy someone else's bag tags?
I use them because my brain doesn't read barcodes and they are a good way of identifying my rather generic looking Samsonite roller case.
The key ring thing looks good. I think that I saw a colleague of mine with something similar securing his LH tag.
I use them because my brain doesn't read barcodes and they are a good way of identifying my rather generic looking Samsonite roller case.
The key ring thing looks good. I think that I saw a colleague of mine with something similar securing his LH tag.
#11
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle
Programs: BA GGL & LTG, EK Silver, HHonors Lifetime Diamond; Proudly Mucci Free - total nonsense
Posts: 862
You can buy them on eBay? Why would someone want to buy someone else's bag tags?
I use them because my brain doesn't read barcodes and they are a good way of identifying my rather generic looking Samsonite roller case.
The key ring thing looks good. I think that I saw a colleague of mine with something similar securing his LH tag.
I use them because my brain doesn't read barcodes and they are a good way of identifying my rather generic looking Samsonite roller case.
The key ring thing looks good. I think that I saw a colleague of mine with something similar securing his LH tag.
And for extra validation, look at the last 4 digits on the bag sticker, compare with the sticker they put on your boarding pass/passport to be truly certain its your bag.
I've yet to see the sticky tags ever come off, but have seen and heard of dozens of w****r tags disappear randomly. so the regular tag method seems more reliable too.
#12
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,104
Many may fail to see the difference between advertising their status on a baggage tag or when displaying their numerous shiny cards on their FT profile!
Each to their own.
Last edited by passy777; Aug 21, 2014 at 4:48 pm
#13
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
The plastic material BA uses is too thin. Has been for about 12 years now. The f**kin things keep cracking so I gave up years ago. They now mostly go to the children who play aeroplanes with them.
#14
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYZ
Programs: BA Gold/Marriott Gold/HH Diamond/IC Plat Amba
Posts: 5,982
And imagine the outrage of those who see no point in them if BAEC were to 'enhance away' the baggage (w**ker) tags. Accusations of racing to the bottom again no doubt!
Many may fail to see the difference between advertising their status on a baggage tag or when displaying their numerous shiny cards on their FT profile!
Each to their own.
Many may fail to see the difference between advertising their status on a baggage tag or when displaying their numerous shiny cards on their FT profile!
Each to their own.
#15
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: UK
Programs: I go wherever the content takes me.
Posts: 5,698
Bag tags: should I just throw them in the bin?
I only use mine for hand luggage. I find it quite useful when queuing - I have been asked if I'm at the right check in before when dressed casually. I don't get offended by staff being proactive but it does save a bit of embarrassment all round.
Never put it on checked bags though. The sticky barcode label is all that's needed.
Never put it on checked bags though. The sticky barcode label is all that's needed.