Whether traveling alone or with your family this winter, you will probably end up waiting and standing with a crowd of people around the baggage carousel at the airport. Trying to find your bag amongst a sea of mostly black bags can be frustrating. It can also cause undue anxiety as you see other people picking up bags that look similar to your own. Recently, police in Arizona arrested a couple for stealing almost 1,000 pieces of luggage from the Phoenix airport! Read more here.

How do you secure the identity of your bag? Here are some quick ideas on how to label your bag and avoid confusion at the airport:

• Attach an eye-catching luggage tag in a bright color or shape. You don’t have to just stick to one. Place one on the handle and on the side or bottom so you can still identify your bag even if it’s turned around or upside down.
• Try a luggage strap or hugger. These straps actually go around the circumference of the bag, either vertically or width-wise. They are very easy to spot and come in a multitude of colors.
• Tie a simple patterned ribbon or thick piece of yarn to the bag. Make sure the knot is secure so it doesn’t come loose during handling or the bumpy trip on the conveyor belt.
• And don’t forget to make sure your name and phone number is clearly printed on a luggage tag so the airline can contact you in case your bag is lost.