Delta Air Lines has announced that it’s improving elite status this year by… rolling out new bag tags for elite members!
In this post:
Delta SkyMiles rolls out new luggage tags for elite members
Delta has once again introduced customizable luggage tags for SkyMiles Medallion elite members. I love how the airline describes this initiative:
For Delta’s most loyal customers, the 2025 Medallion Year means new adventures, new memories and new ways to make the most of your Medallion Status. As one of the most valuable elite status programs in the U.S., Medallion Status is designed to reward you more than ever.
Yes, you’ve gotta love how SkyMiles is “one of the most valuable elite status programs” in the United States and “is designed to reward you more than ever” by… letting you customize your bag tags (along with a few other things, like letting you select Choice Benefits via the Delta app).
SkyMiles Medallion elite members can select new, enhanced metal bag tags, and those can be selected by visiting this website, and logging in with your SkyMiles account information. Customization is possible in the form of adding your name, Million Miler status, SkyMiles membership details, and more.
I know some people prefer to just get generic ones, so that they can then turn around and sell them online. 😉
Where do you stand on elite status bag tags?
So I’m curious, where do OMAAT readers stand on elite luggage tags, which people often refer to as “brag tags?” It’s funny, back in the day (like, 15 years ago), I used to love putting elite tags on my bags, because I thought they were kind of cool, or something. Nowadays I have zero tags on my bags.
Aside from outright showing off, I guess the alternative explanations for having elite bag tags would be to maybe have something that identifies your bag, or hope that it leads to better treatment when traveling, like when it comes to gate checking bags? Is there something else I’m missing?
I just spent a significant amount of time in Delta lounges and terminals (more on that shortly), and I definitely noticed that Delta seems to have a disproportionate number of elite members who show off their status with bag tags. I’m not sure if that’s just because Delta actually still sends out bag tags, if it’s because people really love the brand, or both.
Bottom line
Delta has rolled out new customizable bag tags for elite members, which the airline views as one of the ways that SkyMiles status is even more rewarding this year. While you might not get many first class upgrades on account of your status, at last you can enjoy the “luxury” of your new bag tags. 😉
Where do you stand on elite bag tags?
I laugh and shake my head whenever I see someone with their status tag on a backpack or carry-on. Why? For the absolute love of God, why? Until I read this article, I didn't even know people would buy them on ebay. I'm actually a little upset because I can't tell you how many Diamond and Platinums I have thrown away over the years. I'm fighting the urge to look up the pricing now. I...
I laugh and shake my head whenever I see someone with their status tag on a backpack or carry-on. Why? For the absolute love of God, why? Until I read this article, I didn't even know people would buy them on ebay. I'm actually a little upset because I can't tell you how many Diamond and Platinums I have thrown away over the years. I'm fighting the urge to look up the pricing now. I truly can't imagine someone giving a flying F over another person's status. And I truly feel for anyone that gets joy out of having one on their bag.
One would normally avoid reading one of Ben’s articles on such a mundane subject as a baggage tag, however, one was intrigued by the number of comments the article received. From a casual readers standpoint, one notes that there are those who wish to promote their ‘status’ by displaying to others their ownership of a limited edition luggage tag. Really?
One has been exposed to such a mindset by that ‘C’-list actress who kissed...
One would normally avoid reading one of Ben’s articles on such a mundane subject as a baggage tag, however, one was intrigued by the number of comments the article received. From a casual readers standpoint, one notes that there are those who wish to promote their ‘status’ by displaying to others their ownership of a limited edition luggage tag. Really?
One has been exposed to such a mindset by that ‘C’-list actress who kissed a sprog to marry a Prince. You all know the bolter as Mrs Harry Hewitt, who lives somewhere in California and preaches to the gullible via social media.
Surely it is not beyond the bounds of the thinking person to realise that such a baggage tag is only a cheap advertising gimmicks, also they pose an additional security risk, yes? Even Eskimo recognised that a cheap and nasty Costco brand suitcase was less likely to be targeted by thieves.
Status and class are all too often misunderstood by many, one can buy a status symbol from the likes of Macy’s, however, it will never improve one’s Class. The likes of Delta must be laughing up their sleeve at such wildly disseminated cheap advertising.
Fools gold.
Where it matters Delta is showing a middle fingers to its most frequent customers.
90% of these tags will never end up on a checked bag. Most will end up on backpacks & carry-ons of DYKWIA people. Smart monetisation, though.
LOL, weak news day?
Delta 360 and 3M miler, I never use tags. Now that I have the fancy status, I feel no need to show it off. Other than here
Having my bags taken by accident twice, I put as many tags on my bag as possible.
Bags need tags, and I've still got a pile from when my FFP sent them out annually. If my suitcase has a more secure tag system, I'll use that.
I always saw those tags more as a means of signifying to other passengers on boarding why I was moving past them as they mucked about the gate. But I don't like to advertise my status either.
I put them on my kids' carryons just to troll people in Zone 5
I am adamantly opposed to wearing any company's brand publicly. I refuse to be a marketing tool for any of them without getting paid for it. So I would not use any of these tags.
Completely agree.
I did once write ot Geox (a shoe company with decent technology) pointing out that the overlap between people wanting to wear formal shoes and those willing to wear branding for free was likely to be very small.
lol @Justin Dev none of your shoes or clothes have any company names or logos?
I never cared for (or used) status tags. I only use a basic AF tag from their merchandise store (anyone can buy it for a few euros) because I like the airline and actually needed something to put on the bag to comply with SNCF rules. What I care about is a physical membership card, that can actually be useful in many instances where IT doesn't work the way it should - sadly that's been enhanced away on many (most?) airlines.
Huh? SNCF have a rule that requires bag tags?
Unfortunately I find that every personal bag tag I've ever put on gets ripped off, cut off or smashed during the handling process, so I no longer bother.
I just use on carry-ons. Although, Since one airport did not have trays for my computer bag, the the tag got torn off in the rollers - but was recovered.
Bag tag ordered! Even if I don't actually use the tag, will be fun to have.
That’s exactly why I ordered them!
I always thought that idiots and morons should be clearly identified so that I could easily avoid them. I had no idea they'd do it themselves.
lol. I think you win at the comments today.
Unbelievable hilarity in a Chicagoan calling others idiots and morons. Any American who is not a loser lives in either New York or the Bay Area.
Arps,, You must've been thrilled with the outcome for either party in the last election. Harris from the Bay, Trump from NYC.
Win win for anyone with such a stupid and moronic view in life.
I don't like to advertise that I am Super Duper elite. I'd like an airline luggage tag with no status mentioned. In fact, the higher elite one is, the less it should say.
During one labor dispute, baggage handlers would purposely put elite bags on the baggage claim carousel last or even misroute bags on purpose.
I can attest to Ben's former love for brag tags, having met him in person on an AA flight. He had like 20+ tags or something along those line.
I think they are a fun way for people plugged into the system to show their allegiance, if they so choose. If you are in the higher levels of elite status with any airline, there is a good chance you are not just flying the cheapest flight, most convenient itinerary, etc. Delta is your preferred airline, and you are willing to show it. It helps that Delta has given me a fair number of "delight...
I think they are a fun way for people plugged into the system to show their allegiance, if they so choose. If you are in the higher levels of elite status with any airline, there is a good chance you are not just flying the cheapest flight, most convenient itinerary, etc. Delta is your preferred airline, and you are willing to show it. It helps that Delta has given me a fair number of "delight and surprise moments" over the years, so I will probably use them.
One question--when you drop down or lose status, are you supposed to take them off? As soon as I dropped from Diamond to Platinum, I removed my tags. But I have seen people with ancient looking Diamond tags board with group 6 and head to the back of the plane (past empty comfort seats), likely with no status anymore. And then there are the people who buy them on eBay, or steal them (I stopped putting them on checked bags after a few went missing).
My wife and I only travel for leisure and until recently we only travelled domestically. So, it wasn't easy to qualify for status with 3/4 flights a year. So, when we first qualified for Delta's Silver, we received their plastic tags. This may be a bit of inferiority complex, but last thing I wanted to do was to add lowly silver status tags. When we first qualified for Gold along with the tags, we also...
My wife and I only travel for leisure and until recently we only travelled domestically. So, it wasn't easy to qualify for status with 3/4 flights a year. So, when we first qualified for Delta's Silver, we received their plastic tags. This may be a bit of inferiority complex, but last thing I wanted to do was to add lowly silver status tags. When we first qualified for Gold along with the tags, we also got the metal wires. Which I liked. They are so much better than the ones we got with our Amazon tags.
Personally, I wouldn't want to add Delta tags for Silver or Gold. Platinum and above is fine.
Count me in.
In the old days, you used to get a physical membership card. I found that very helpful because I can never remember my Sky Miles number nor can
I remember the assorted customer service telephone numbers. For example, there used to be a Delta Singapore call center that had its own number. It was a way to cut the wait time during massive IROP situations. When you go to Google...
Count me in.
In the old days, you used to get a physical membership card. I found that very helpful because I can never remember my Sky Miles number nor can
I remember the assorted customer service telephone numbers. For example, there used to be a Delta Singapore call center that had its own number. It was a way to cut the wait time during massive IROP situations. When you go to Google and type "(company) phone number" you sometimes get search results with scam numbers, especially airlines. This is well-documented.
Also, in some airports, they really harass you for proof that you're eligible to use the priority lane for check-in or security. So, having a card or bag tag helps.
Of course, at the end of day, I'd rather see Delta provide tangible elite benefits.
"Also, in some airports, they really harass you for proof that you're eligible to use the priority lane for check-in or security. So, having a card or bag tag helps."
It takes less five seconds to unlock your phone, open the Delta app, tap "Account", and spin your phone around.
There's no need to be pretentious. As others have mentioned, if you want a cool tag you can get neat aviation-themed things like B747 scrap...
"Also, in some airports, they really harass you for proof that you're eligible to use the priority lane for check-in or security. So, having a card or bag tag helps."
It takes less five seconds to unlock your phone, open the Delta app, tap "Account", and spin your phone around.
There's no need to be pretentious. As others have mentioned, if you want a cool tag you can get neat aviation-themed things like B747 scrap metal. Or, better yet, just use an AirTag thrown inside the luggage.
Believe it or not, not everyone uses the app. And the app doesn't give every phone number. Or sometimes your phone is dead. Or you're international and don't want to pay for roaming or can't access wifi.
Don't put any of my "elite bag tags" on, only bag tags I use are the ones that came with the luggage and a PlaneTag made using CX B747.
Tacky. Wouldn't be seen dead.
Ah, Delta-branded bag tags. The only people who care enough to use them are the people who buy them on Ebay.
That being said, I'm all for loyalty programs sending SOMETHING to customers. I would just prefer a free drink coupon or guest lounge pass. You know, something that could actually be helpful.
DL actually does send drink coupons annually to their elite members!
I recently checked in for a Delta flight in the lobby of SFO. I swear - the minute they saw my red Million Miler tag - two agents swooped in to check me and my bag in and then walked me to the baggage drop where another agent completed everything for me. Self-service turned into
Super Full Service. Kudos to the SFO staff. And thanks, Delta, for the tags !!
The only bag tags I've ever kept on my luggage were the United Global Services tags which have a nice city highlight and are made of carbon fiber so quite durable. Unfortunately, they were stolen (or 'removed') by Aeromexico bag handlers some time ago so I no longer use the remaining ones on luggage.
I do like that they went back to metal tags. I've had a couple of the plastic ones break over the years.
I will be getting a bag tag from Cathay Pacific for reaching Silver Status. For me, I’ve always wanted to be a status holder, and as this is my first status achieved with an airline, I am excited to have a memento from the status!
bad link
@ atljetplane -- Which link? To requesting the bag tags? It's the correct link, I believe, but you have to log into your SkyMiles account.
When I click on it I just get a blank screen. Nothing to login into and nothing to view.
Didn't work on Safari for me but did on Chrome!