Posts Tagged luggage tags
Quick Pass Luggage Tag Doesn’t Pass the Test
Occasionally, I invest in a piece of travel gear that doesn’t quite measure up as I had hoped. Such is the case with Quick Pass Luggage Tag from Magellan’s.
I really liked the idea. First, it works as an ID tag for a carry-on bag. But it also cleverly holds a mesh pouch that unfolds to carry a cell phone, keys and other items you need to shed before going through an airport metal detector.
I enjoyed using it for a few months. While approaching or standing in line at a security checkpoint, I’d just shuck my pocket change, phone, keys and other metal items and place them in the pouch. That way they went through the x-ray machine attached to the bag and easy to retrieve at the end of the checkpoint.
Unfortunately, after less than six months of use, the pouch began falling apart and became unusable. This might be fine for infrequent travelers. But as many times as I’m going through airports, it just didn’t hold up.
Of course, I can’t complain too much for $12.85. And Magellan’s customers give this gadget five out of five stars in their reviews, so apparently it works for some.
But for me, it just wasn’t durable enough for anyone who travels more than a few times a year. I finally tossed the Quick Pass Luggage Tag and now just put my metal items inside the carry-on bag.
I do enjoy browsing Magellan’s selection of travel gear and they offer some useful items. But for my use, the Quick Pass just doesn’t hold up well enough for frequent travel.
Posted by JohnG in Business Gear, General Gear on May 31st, 2010
Cure for Disappearing Luggage Tags: Easy Spot Handle Wraps
Recently, I received a call from a friend who had just returned from a business flight and his luggage tags had disappeared from all three checked suitcases.
While I can’t make airline baggage handlers be more careful (wishful thinking), I have found an ID tag that not only stays put but has an important added benefit—Easy Spot Handle Wraps from Magellan’s.
Have you ever seen the way airline baggage handlers treat your bags? Unfortunately, I’ve watched the process many, many times from window seats on planes.
There must be an unwritten rule among baggage handlers that doesn’t allow them to simply place a bag on a loading belt outside the plane. No, the standard procedure must require dropping or throwing the bag—when it would be just as easy to gently put it down on the belt or on the ground before it is loaded.
I’ve also seen gate-checked bags dropped down a 15-foot chute before they are loaded–so don’t assume those bags get any better treatment than suitcases checked at the ticket counter.
Then there are the mechanical belts that bags travel on through the airports, another trouble spot for anything like a luggage tag that might be dangling from your bag.
So along comes the travel store Magellan’s to the rescue with the Easy Spot Handle Wraps. They are actually made to help you spot your bag and, for that, they work well.
Ever notice how many black rolling suitcases come out on the luggage carousel? I can think of two times when I watched my black roller get picked off the carousel by someone else.
Surely they were just mistaken and not trying to steal my bag. Surely.
But I knew it was my bag because of the neon yellow wrap around the top handle, so I went and retrieved it.
If neon yellow doesn’t suit you, the handle wraps also come in neon pink, neon green and hibiscus.
The added benefit is the identification tag that’s inside the wrap. The wraps are secured with Velcro and, in my experience, I’ve never had one come off. I’ve used these for a couple of years and the only problem is they will get dirty after repeated trips.
By the way, besides the airline routing tags and your own ID on the outside, it’s always a good idea to put a piece of paper with your contact information inside the bag. That way the airline will have no excuse for not reuniting you with your bag, even if all the outside tags and wraps were to somehow disappear.
The brightly-colored handle wraps cost $14.85 for a set of three.
Some travelers tie colored string around their bag handles to help spot them, which no doubt would be cheaper. These handle wraps look less “touristy” and also offer the added benefit of having your contact information readily available if your bags go astray.
In my experience, they’re among the best luggage accessories you can find.
Posted by JohnG in Business Gear, General Gear on June 22nd, 2009
