![]() By the 1930s, says Keiser, they too had been widely adopted in aviation.īut as aviation grew still further, airline tags shed their maritime and railway heritage. "Separable" baggage tags, which featured a removable receipt for travellers, had first been developed for railways in 1882. According to Keiser, a space for weight was commonplace on airline tags by the 1920s. It's critical that airlines know how much bags weigh, and how they're distributed around the plane. What is inconsequential to ocean liners and railways, but vital to airlines? Weight. Maritime tags were the model, but with the occasional important tweak, as Melissa Keiser, an archivist for the National Air and Space Museum, points out. But initially, airlines had no need for destination tags: As the International Air Transport Association explained to me, "a passenger's chauffeur would drive the passenger to the aircraft side, and stewards would load the passenger's bags directly from the car to the aircraft." Nice.Īs air travel expanded beyond the perfumed realms of the chauffeured, destination tags became a necessity. ![]() The reverse held information such as the passenger's name, destination, stateroom and whether the bag was "Wanted in Stateroom" or "Not Wanted on Voyage."Įarly on, airlines offered labels that mimicked maritime-style advertising stickers, with lovely results. One side often bore the line's logo, as in this classic Cunard White Star tag. The other kind of tag - a destination tag - was more practical, though still aesthetically pleasing. Often these were pure advertising for the shipping line, with no room for personal information. Best known are the labels affixed to trunks. In the old days - we're talking steam ships - there were two kinds of tags for luggage. Those members receive an upgraded welcome kit, often tricked out with special gifts, like a pair of Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses for Delta 360s, or a personalized metal luggage tag repurposed from a decommissioned MD-80 aircraft for AA's Concierge Keys.First a little history. In addition to physical kits for elites, each of the Big 3 U.S. ![]() Due to the pandemic, the airline slashed thresholds and added limited-time promotions, the latest of which includes an offer to earn either 2,000 elite-qualifying dollars or spend $15,000 on a co-branded American Airlines credit card to automatically requalify for status this year. Delta appears to be continuing to send personalized bag tags for those who qualify for Medallion status.įor those hoping to score one of the physical elite kits, AA has made it considerably easier to earn status this year. (Those certificates will then be deposited by the crewmember to be eligible for additional bonuses or prizes.)Įlsewhere, United suspended sending physical elite kits in 2021. In addition to bag tags for top-tier members - a source of great pride for select road warriors - all physical kits will include six recognition certificates that can be presented to AA staff for above-and-beyond service. Just like before, Executive Platinum members will receive a personalized membership card along with two personalized luggage tags, while Platinum Pro elites will only receive the membership card.īy signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. With the latest move, top-tier Executive Platinum and second-to-top Platinum Pro members will receive elite kits, while AAdvantage Gold and Platinum flyers will continue to receive online-only membership packages. "These kits are important keepsakes of their achievements," American cited in explaining why they're making a comeback. Now, the airline is now doing an about-face after listening to member feedback. ![]() Last year, American started phasing out physical membership packages, relying instead on a "fully digital" experience to welcome travelers back to status. Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG's free new biweekly Aviation newsletter! 3, American Airlines is once again sending physical elite-status kits to top-tier flyers who achieve and requalify for status.
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