When traveling by plane, you might believe that writing your home address and personal information on your luggage is a safe way to prevent your baggage from getting lost. However, Ally Case, a flight attendant with American Airlines, warns against this practice.
In her TikTok video posted July 18, Case advised travelers to always “flip” the information on their luggage tag “backwards” to protect sensitive details from strangers.
“I cannot tell you how many people I see, on a daily basis, with their information displayed for anyone to see,” the flight attendant, who boasts over 150,000 followers on TikTok, shared.
@allycase1 One of my top travel safety tips 🙌 I don’t even like strangers to know my name — no chance am I going to have my phone number and home address on display!! #travelsafety #safetraveling #traveltips #safetytips
Alternatively, you can write “flip over” on your luggage tag to guide airport staff on where to find your information if your bag gets lost, Case added.
“I don’t even like strangers to know my name,” the travel guru penned in the caption. “No chance I’m going to have my phone number and home address on display.”
Source: Deagreez / Getty
You can also use an AirTag or One Point tracker to protect lost luggage.
For a reliable way to track lost luggage, travelers can consider placing an Apple AirTag in their bags. These trackers work effectively as long as there are nearby iPhone users, and they don’t require a subscription, unlike many GPS alternatives.
According to NBC News, AirTags emit a Bluetooth signal that can be detected by your phone and other Apple devices within the “Find My” network. When you’re close to your item, the Precision Finding feature directs you right to it. If your luggage goes out of Bluetooth range, the AirTag uses signals from other iPhones to relay its location back to you, making it especially effective in busy areas. However, keep in mind that Android users won’t benefit from this feature. But don’t worry!
Earlier this month, Slovenia-based tech company Chipolo released two new tracking tags specifically for Android users: the One Point fob for keys and the Card Point for wallets and bags, ZDNet reported. These devices function similarly to the AirTag, allowing users to keep tabs on lost or stolen items. They integrate seamlessly with Google’s “Find My Device” app for easy tracking.
Always catch the first flight out.
Here’s another great travel tip from Ally Case. On Aug. 16, the American Airlines crew member shared that travelers should always book the first flight of the day, often referred to as the red-eye flight. Case notes that airlines feel significant “pressure” to ensure these early flights depart on time, which can lead to fewer delays. Additionally, booking the “early worm” flight gives you more flexibility for rebooking or adjusting your travel plans in case of cancellations or lost luggage.
Listen to the full clip below.
@allycase1 The early bird catches the worm 🐦🐛 If you can, opt for the first flight of the day!! There’s a TON of pressure on airlines to get the first flights out on time every morning, to every destination. Airplanes are reused throughout the day, all across the world, and those first few flights (whether on time or delayed) set the tone for the rest of the day. The domino effect is real 😅 #airlinetips #airporthack #airlinehack #traveltips #travelhack #flightattendant
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