Well, I remember my dad used to do this and so did I. I was one of the first to use the stupid gay straps around the bags (rainbow colored). At some point everyone did it. Then I was one of the first to use ribbons and all sorts of things.

Now I am actually thinking about buying the lamest most ugly bag that I can find. A really ugly grandma kind of bag with flowers and really ugly colors.

Andre

Travel Photography 

Lol! With that, you're sure that nobody's gonna steal your bag and your idea and you will never have a problem watching out for your things. :)

Radioshack.com sells Neon Pink luggage tags.  Those could make your luggage stand out from the rest.  

Yeah, until everyone has them, thinking their bags will be unique with those.

I have found that most people have the same idea. How many do you think Radioshack will sell? One million of those tags and your bag will not stand out the next time you fly.

Since everyones bag is black, I think my next one will be as pink as Mrs. Piggy.

Andre

Travel Photos

I have tried many different things. But I agree with you I am ready to out and buy the most colorful luggage I can find. hat way it will stick out like a sore thumb.

I have tried everthing and just resorted to this bag that has the uglies huge colored flowers on it. I have had no problem as of yet spotting it. Makes it so much easier.

I have a bright orange-shaded bag with pictures of cats all over it. Haven't lost it once. Since I'm a lesbian, I used to put a rainbow flag on my more normal looking luggage, but after airport security pawed their way through a time or two and left things a mess (one even left me a note with an anti-gay slur), I gave up on that idea. Now I just use ribbon or bumper stickers that aren't likely to offend anyone.

Huh? I bet you could get them fired if you wanted to. I don't know, but I would have called them up and asked for an apology with a gift basket.

You might want to consider leaving a note in your own bag. Something along the lines:

"I hope you find what you are looking for!  When you are done, I would really appreciate it if you put everything back the way you found it. "

Or you could try to make their day:

"Dear Customs Agent, I know it must be tough looking through all these bags all day long. Anyways, just wanted to say thanks for doing such a great job in keeping everyone safe! Keep up the good work!"

Or cynical (although that might get you in trouble):

"Howdy Snoop! Don't touch the device with the wires and the cellphone attached, it might blow up in your face! Thanks, have a blasting day!"

[disclaimer]

Everything I wrote above was meant to be humorous.

[/disclaimer]

Back on topic:

I usually go for a combination of things. I use my own tags and I use some colorful ribbon. Usually if someone has the same tags or ribbon, they won't have the other thing attached as well. This way I can find my bag fairly quickly.

My bags are usually the most deformed and banged up pieces of luggage on the belt anyways. Relatively easy to find.

Andre

http://www.aguntherphotography.com

I have bright pink luggage locks, which no one seems to have adopted yet.  When I come home from traveling I usually have a second bag that is made of some ethnic fabric.  Once, when I had one that was particularly bright, everybody gasped when it came out, and I heard someone say, "Now that's a great bag.  Ugly, but great."

my bag got taken just before a two week trip to egypt! ruins the holiday so definetly worth investing in a ribbon just so you can distinguish your bag quicker!

Problem is so many people lately are doing that. I try to do the name thing, but a red ribbon on the handle is what most people do. I now have 1 piece of duct tape on it with my name written on it, worked on my last trip great.

This is common sense if you travel a lot. I always mark my baggage with these huge golden locks with my anitials on it. Also I put a bright red ribbon on it as well.

Very much so. Oh and my last trip the Tape worked great once again, most people had either Red Ribbons or Yellow ones, one person had a Pink and Blue bag, very easy to find and it was very unique so no one would be able to steal it very easily...

that is a very nice tip. thanks.  well, i had an experience like that.  when I was about t get my luggage, someone already took it. the good thing is, I was able to spot my bag right away from this other guy so I approached him and told him nicely that I think he got the wrong bag.  so he smiled and apologized.such a nice man.

Yes this has happened to my Aunty before. But your idea is a great one. I actually have always done this so I know my bag. I do some volenter work over here with Camp Quality (kids with cancer) when we travel by plan with them we always have the Camp Quality scarf on all the bag handles, that way we know what bags are ours and it makes it easier for the kids to pick there bags out.

Once I emigrated to the US I brought a big box with my computer in it, and to distinguish it from all the other boxes I taped pictures from my favorite comics and cartoons. Suffice it to say I never lost the thing, though I got a few weird looks from my fellow passengers as they struggled to differentiate one black suitcase from all the other black suitcases.