I don't believe that they are. I do believe that they see this very bright yellow, fairly large, laminated plastic tag which says "Priority" on it and that is enough.

It is the only logical conclusion that I can come to in light of my experiences. Remember, most of my flights are in Coach and I have no valid claim to priority luggage handling, but since putting on these tags I have been getting it on a regular basis. Once or twice might have been luck, but luck has its limits and I have way surpassed those.

Can you think of a better explanation?

Further update:

TLV-JFK on El Al. As it was a Delta code-share flight, I had both the FlyerTalk tags and Delta priority tags. It was a jumbo jet and my baggage was not in the first 30 or so to come out but it did beat all the Coach Class luggage (I was in Coach).

JFK-PBI on Delta. My bags were the third and sixth bags to come out. This was especially interesting as Delta has gotten rid of priority baggage handling on domestic flights.

PBI-ATL-MXP on Delta. I can't tell you exactly when my bags made it to the carousel as I was still going through Passport Control but they were waiting for me -- while others were still coming out.

MXP-BUD on Malev. No Delta tag, just the FlyerTalk tag. One piece of luggage and it was the fifth off the flight.

BUD-MXP on Alitalia. One piece of luggage -- and the very first one off the plane.

Again, on all of these flights, I was in Coach. I can not believe that this is just coincidence. I am certain that tags stick out more than normal priority tags and the baggage handlers react accordingly.

I've had my tags on for a year now, mainly to meet other Flyertalkers. And to be honest -don't hate me know- I would rather have that the tags did not say priority. I don't understand why I should get priority over other bags when not deserved by status, cabin class etc. (Yes, I know I can use scissors )

PappaG, while I can respect your stand personally I am willing to throw all morals aside in order to get out of the airport as quickly as possible in order to light up a cigarette -- especially after a very long flight.

Today I flew MXP-TLV on Alitalia and, yes, my bags were among the very first off even though I was in Coach and have no AZ status.

Just ordered mine (6 actually), as my AA Gold have seen better days. Will let you know the results!

Look forward to your report.
I�ve got two handles on my suitcase and I have a �Magic FT Priority Tag�� on one handle and a bona fide DL Platinum Medallion� priority tag on the other.
My bag comes off, without fail, in the last 10% of bags on every flight.
Dovster lives a charmed life in many ways I guess....

Not always. Go to the Ben Gurion Airport forum and take a look at the "747 Restaurant" thread.

I have the tag on the handle of my carry-on, as a way to meet other FT'ers and to publicize the forums. Although I see folks looking at the tag, no one has ever started talking to me about it. I've had that tag for over a year, and I'd have thought by now other FT'ers would have come out of the woodwork.

Has there ever been a forum on 'Flyertalk Tag Sightings?' I think it'd be neat if there was. If you see one, you could post where, when and who you saw it with. Every now and then, someone might recognize themselves and say, "Hey that was me!" (Yes, I know I am a geek).

I ordered my self some for my all asia pass journey next month.

I can't wait to try them out!

And the idea for a 'Tag sightings' forum or thread is a good idea!

Just flew in/out of SJU for a cruise, and there was no priority handling of our bags by AA. If anything, the last third of what came off the plane. They were, however, awesome to nearly instantly identify our luggage to go through SJU customs. The bright color was easy to identify. So, for supporting FT plus that, i'm already happy. ^

And that�s about all I can say in their defense either.
You can spot them easily after they come off the turnstyle last.
I�ve had the �Magic Tags� for years as well as the airline applied FC Priority tags. My bags either come off first, in the middle or last....and usually last.
Buy �em so you can identify your bags or so you can be identified by other FlyerTalkers.
But, IMO, don�t expect them to work magic.