Labeling your luggage is essential, and often mandatory before checking in your suitcase. But be careful, this information should not be mentioned, recommends a flight attendant.
Losing or having your luggage stolen is the fear of all travelers. If the loss occurs upon departure, this guarantees not having all the belongings they had taken for this stay and being in a lot of trouble once they arrive at their destination. If the passenger loses their suitcase on the way back, all the souvenirs they brought back are gone. In any case, they no longer have their precious (and/or necessary) belongings. And, on top of that, you have to take sometimes tedious steps to get your suitcase back, which is not always possible if it is truly lost or stolen.
Putting a label with your contact details can make it easier to find lost luggage. Moreover, labeling your suitcase or travel bag is often obligatory. For example, SNCF requires its travelers to label their belongings, as do many airports and airlines. Indicating your identity and contact details on your suitcase is therefore essential, but you must also be careful not to say too much. In a video published on the TikTok account @queenofcockpit, Karine de Falchi gives advice and tells anecdotes about air travel. The flight attendant explains why you have to indicate your last name, first name, telephone number and email address, no more.
According to her, it is common for travelers to indicate their home address on the label: “We say that it’s useful, in case the suitcase gets lost. In reality, it’s golden information for burglars! Yes, your luggage passes through dozens of hands, it is visible on the carpets, in the holds, even in transport… Everywhere. Not only do you give your address, but you also indicate that you are not there! Valuable information for people who have bad intentions… Likewise, avoid indicating what is inside (for example, “Fragile, camera”) so as not to risk attracting thieves.
Just your name, number and email address is more than enough to find you if you lose your travel bag. If the latter is not waiting for you when you get off the plane, you must notify the airline by going to the counter or, if it is closed, by calling or using the website. They may then ask you for your personal address or that of your vacation home so that you can receive your belongings if they are found.
