United MileagePlus Premier Members: Request Your Luggage Tags

If you’re a United MileagePlus Premier elite member, you can now order yourself a luggage tag reflecting your current status. United discontinued sending luggage tags to elite members in 2019, but due to customer demand, the option is back, though you’ll need to now request one be sent to you.

Ordering a Luggage Tag

If you’re a United MileagePlus Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, or 1K member, visit the MileagePlus Premier Status Tracker website to request a luggage tag to be sent to you.

It appears the function is only available to those who fully requalified through next year, so if your status expires in the next month, or is part of a trial, the option to order a tag likely won’t be available. You would have had to earn a full year of status in 2022 (or early 2023, though likely this would be impossible for most folks) to qualify in receiving the luggage tag.

The tags will take 8 to 10 weeks for processing, so you should expect delivery sometime during that timeframe.

Why Order a Luggage Tag

Many airlines still either send out luggage tags automatically or have a process to request one, though functionally they really don’t offer much purpose. However, there are several reasons you may want one:

• On the surface, it’s really just a “brag tag” and allows you to show off to fellow travelers what status you are. Funny enough, when you lose status, you still get to keep your old luggage tags so there are likely many people walking around with old tags on their bags.
• Some travelers have reported better service with their tags being visible. For example, a flight attendant might see that you’re a top flyer and offer to put your bag in a better spot on the plane, etc.
• Your bag might be expedited to arrive in the first set of bags on the luggage carousel if you check it, though in practice this likely won’t happen as luggage handlers use the checked luggage stickers and strips to determine where a bag goes and what priority it receives.
• If nothing else, the tag it has your name on it and could identify your bag. Addresses and other pertinent info are usually never on an airline-issued luggage tag.

Hot Tip: The luggage tags you receive do not allow you to skip checking your bag at the airport. If you need to check a bag, you still need to follow the proper check-in procedure and print your tag.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a United MileagePlus Premier member, be sure to request your elite bag tags if you want them. They’re a great way to display your loyalty to the airline, and may be a method to receive preferential treatment in certain scenarios!