There's something about the way that baggage tags stick out of one of my suitcases that means that airport luggage systems seem to eat them. (Yes, I know a true-FT-er doesn't check bags, but I often do....)

Typically, with this particular suitcase, a baggage tag will last 2-3 legs, then be destroyed beyond recognition. Since I put the tag onto my bag so I (+ airlines + hotels + etc) know it's mine, that means I replace the tags on that bag fairly often.

A few months ago, all my spare Gold tags had been eaten, as had my spare Silver tags from the year before. Hunting round, I found some Bronze tags, and popped one on before a trip. Long line at the Club/J checking, so headed to F checkin to drop the suitcases off. The nice lady at checkin was rather shocked to see the Bronze bag tag on my suitcase when adding the luggage tag! She said, hesitantly, "you do know you're Gold, don't you?". I pointed to the gold one on the other suitcase which doesn't have it's tag eaten ever flight, smiled, and just said "I'd run out of gold ones"

This trip I've had my silver tag eaten, and I'm down to using my Virgin Atlantic tags, which has also raised eyebrows... I do wish suitcases came with ratings not only for weight and size, but also for how likely luggage tags on the carrying handle are to be eaten by airport baggage systems!