(7 minute read time) – As travellers increasingly rely on technology to streamline their journeys, the market for QR code travel tags is growing. From labels that track luggage to personal contact information, choosing the very best QR code tag service can make a significant difference in your travel luggage security for both long or short journeys abroad.

With so many options available, which QR code travel tag is the best on the market right now? Let’s explore some of the top choices and help you make the right decision for your next trip. Here, we’ll assess some of the latest QR code travel tags available, evaluating their features, ease of use, and overall value to help you decide which is the best fit for your next adventure. So let’s go!

The importance of QR code travel tags

Just before we dive into the best options available, let’s first understand why QR code travel tags are essential for any traveller. Traditional luggage tags can easily get lost or damaged, leading to potential mix-ups and delays in retrieving your suitcase. With a QR code travel tag, you can store important information such as your name and contact details securely in a digital format. This information can be easily accessed by anyone who scans the QR code using a smartphone, making it easier to reunite you with your luggage in case it gets lost.

Comparing the best QR code travel tag solutions

When it comes to choosing the best QR code travel tag, there are several factors to consider. By weighing these factors carefully, you can select a QR code travel tag that not only safeguards your belongings but also makes your travel experience less stressful. So let’s dive in!

Attaching: QR code stickers

Let’s be clear, QR codes are now widely used for a huge amount of purposes and QR code technology is for sure a smarter solution for tagging luggage, suitcases and personal items. Moreover, QR codes are by design a complex square pattern which is a smaller size than a tag, meaning they don’t really need to be part of a full tag, as tags could become prone to detaching from the item you’re securing.

Unlike tags which required fasteners such as plastic or metal loops to attach them, stickers simply peel on and off. Stickers adhered smoothly to a flat area of suitcases or luggage items, can eliminate clutter and present a sleeker, more stealthy appearance. So let’s explore which options you have for a QR code tagging solution using stickers:

  • Best: QRtrav’s Premium intelligent stick and trace QR code sticker for luggage, suitcases and other valuables, with secure online user ID number matching and verification. With QRtrav you can sign up and try the service completely free of charge. Then afterwards, if you decide to buy a Premium QRtrav sticker, your sticker requires a one time payment, with no minimum order cost, free worldwide delivery and importantly, no ongoing subscription costs.
  • Similar Options: LostIt Tag offers a QR code sticker solution for orders delivered only within the United States. ME-QR does not offer a physical QR code sticker solution. NoLongerLost offers a QR code sticker product, however, orders have a minimum purchase amount (example: EU is 35 euro). QR TIGER does not offer a physical QR code sticker solution. Retreev offers a QR code sticker product, however, orders have a minimum purchase amount (example: UK is £25 – EU is 25 euro). Scanotag did offer a QR code sticker product, however for unknown reasons, they are currently not accepting new orders for QR code stickers.

Attaching: QR code secure travel tags

The primary function of a travel tag is to help identify luggage or suitcases, especially if it gets misplaced, lost, or mistakenly picked up by someone else. QR code travel tags contain essential contact information such as the owner’s name, phone number, and maybe an address or email which can be retrieved via a scan.

QR code travel tags allow finders to scan the code and be directed to a secure online profile where contact information can be retrieved without revealing it directly on the tag. These days, smart travel tags are based on QR code technologies. So which QR code travel tags are best on the market right now?

  • Best: QRtrav Premium intelligent tag and trace QR code tag for luggage, suitcases and other valuables, with secure online user ID number matching and verification. With QRtrav you can sign up and try the service completely free of charge. Then afterwards, if you decide to buy a Premium QRtrav tag, your tag requires a one time payment, with no minimum order cost, free worldwide delivery and importantly, no ongoing subscription costs.
  • Similar Options: LostIt Tag offers a QR code tag solution for orders delivered only within the United States. ME-QR does not offer a physical QR code tag solution. NoLongerLost offers a QR code tag product, however, orders have a minimum purchase amount (example: EU is 35 euro). QR TIGER does not offer a physical QR code tag solution. Retreev did offer a QR code tag product, however for unknown reasons, they are currently not accepting new orders for QR code stickers. Scanotag quality of their tags is questionable as users have reported that they can rip off, due the the materials used for the tag, itself.

Pricing: QR code travel products and services (costs and subscriptions)

It’s important to find a balance between quality and affordability, ensuring that the QR code tag you choose enhances your travel experience without breaking the bank. In a world advocating for endless subscriptions, smart people focus on what truly matters, and invest any resources in a product or service that offers a free or one cost solution, rather than endlessly draining a bank balance.

  • Best: QRtrav is a free QR code travel tagging service for individuals worldwide. You can sign up in seconds and create your own unique, downloadable QR code which is linked to your own account profile, totally free of charge. There is also a Premium service which operates on a “one time, low cost payment” where your account QR code with matching ID number is professionally printed and sent to you via postal service.
  • Similar Options: LostIt Tag requires that you buy a tag and then only afterwards you can register with them. You’ll also need to buy credits for ongoing tag scanning. ME-QR allows you to create a free account which offers limited functionality and in order to use their ongoing service you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription fee. NoLongerLost requires that you buy a tag and then only afterwards you can register with them. Also, orders have a minimum purchase amount (example: EU is 35 euro). QR TIGER allows you to create a free account which offers limited functionality and in order to use their ongoing service you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription fee. Retreev requires that you buy a tag and then only afterwards you can register with them. Also, orders have a minimum purchase amount (example: UK is £25 – EU is 25 euro). Scanotag requires that you buy a tag and then only afterwards you can register with them.

Setting up and activation: QR code travel solutions

The process typically begins with the user downloading a dedicated mobile app and creating an account, or creating an account directly from a service provider’s website. The simplicity of a QR code service for travellers is important. We’ve taken a deeper look into this and have summarised the QR code travel service providers who are the quickest and easiest to set up, activate and use.

  • Best: QRtrav sign up for a free account in seconds and create your own unique, downloadable QR code which is linked to your own account profile. Activation is through email verification and set up takes less than a few minutes at maximum.
  • Similar Options: LostIt Tag requires that you buy a tag and then only afterwards you can register with them. ME-QR allows you to create a simple free account which has limitations, unless you upgrade to a monthly subscription. NoLongerLost requires that you buy a tag and then only afterwards you can register with them. QR TIGER allows you to create a simple free account which has limitations, unless you upgrade to a monthly subscription. Retreev requires that you buy a tag and then only afterwards you can register with them. Scanotag requires that you buy a tag and then only afterwards you can register with them.

Functionality: Which features are most important?

Dynamic QR codes work best for uses including travel tags for your suitcases or luggage. When scanned, a dynamic QR code first points to an area hosted on a QR code management platform. It’s recommended that dynamic QR codes are not overly customised, to help with readability when scanned.

Error correction is is one of the most remarkable features of QR code technology. There are four error correction levels (L, M, Q, H), ranging from 7% to 30% correction capability. This means that up to 30% of the code’s data might be missing or corrupted, but it can still be read accurately.

  • Best: QRtrav generates H dynamic QR codes for all users, which are clear and easily readable. There are no options for visual design customisation, as overusing the visual design could in some cases make the QR code unreadable, so QRtrav opts to maximise readability through a standard and uniform design.
  • Similar Options: LostIt Tag uses dynamic QR code generation which is good quality with a high readability rate. ME-QR offers users the ability to alter the design, shape and colour of their QR codes which could result in readability issues for overly customised designs. NoLongerLost uses dynamic QR code generation which is good quality with a high readability rate. QR TIGER offers users the ability to alter the design, shape and colour of their QR codes which could result in readability issues for overly customised designs. Retreev uses dynamic QR code generation which is good quality with a high readability rate. Scanotag uses dynamic QR code generation which is good quality with a high readability rate.

Mobile app connectivity: Who offers the best mobile app solution?

For any QR code-based tracing service to be truly effective and widely adopted by travellers, user experience is paramount. It is absolutely crucial that you can effortlessly and securely log into your personal account, check, change and update details on the move. The most popular QR code mobile phone app services should work with both Apple iOS or Android based phones.

  • Best: QRtrav has mobile apps for both Apple iOS and Android mobile phone and tablet devices, which are free to download and use in conjunction with QRtrav’s services. These mobile apps are tested and updated on a regular basis, to improve optimal performance, security, and user experience.
  • Similar Options: LostIt Tag has a functional iOS and Android app to use as part of their service. ME-QR has a functional iOS and Android app to use as part of their service. NoLongerLost does not have any associated mobile apps connected to their service. QR TIGER has a functional iOS and Android app to use as part of their service. Retreev does not have any associated mobile apps connected to their service. Scanotag does not have any associated mobile apps connected to their service.

Making the right choice

When it comes to choosing the best QR code travel tag, consider your specific needs and budget. Look for a tag that offers a perfect balance of durability, functionality, and affordability. Whether you opt for a high-end tag with advanced features or a budget-friendly option, having a QR code travel tag will give you peace of mind knowing that your luggage is safe and secure.

So, what is the best QR code travel tag on the market right now? The answer ultimately depends on your preferences and requirements. Before you settle on one, consider factors like durability, ease of use, and any additional features that align with your travel habits.

With the right QR code tag in hand, your next trip is sure to be smoother and more secure. With a QR code travel tag, you can travel with confidence knowing that your luggage is always in good hands. Safe travels!

Overview of QR code travel services (from best to worst):

QRtrav

QRtrav is an innovative digital travel service that leverages the power of QR code technology to help reduce lost luggage issues for international travellers. Users can easily create their own, unique profile ID page, which works in conjunction with your own, automatically generated, personalised QR code. QRtrav’s service aims to create a more efficient, convenient, and paperless QR code journey for users worldwide, with both free and Premium options. QRtrav is available online and through iOS or Android free mobile phone apps.

NoLongerLost

With NoLongerLost, firstly you need to buy a QR tag or sticker. Then only after you receive it, you’ll then need to register it.  There are no mobile apps available for this service, which is a big downside for usability.

Retreev

There are users who complain that their Retreev QR code tags could be better quality, with tags falling off after only two or three journeys. There are no mobile apps available for this service, which is a big downside for usability.

Scanotag

Scanotag is attempting to capture two unique technologies for both QR code tagging and wireless tracking, trying to somehow combine them into one. QR code tagging and wireless tracking (AirTag etc…) are different technologies and serve separate solutions. Moreover, for the QR code scanning part of their service, finders who scan your QR code will have to input their own contact details (most would not for personal security/privacy concerns) which this information somehow gets redirected onto you, opposed to seeing your contact details straight away. There are no dedicated mobile apps available from Scanotag.

QR TIGER

With QR TIGER, their free plan includes dynamic QR code creation with a 500 scan limit. To remove scan limitations, you’ll need a paid subscription. Each plan also has specific file size restrictions for content you can link to your QR codes. With QR TIGER’s free plan, there will be advertising displayed with the QR codes you generate, which can be both annoying and can obscure your actual contact information from being read effectively.

ME-QR

ME-QR is a online website service for users to generate QR codes for a wide range of applications. The platform’s free of charge options are very limited (in both functions and time) and you’ll need to buy a monthly subscription in order to create an effective QR code tag for your travel needs. ME-QR advertising seems to be forefront and interlinked with their QR code services. Moreover, their platform is confusing, almost impossible to navigate or use and it’s not clear where your data is stored or how secure your information really is. 

LostIt Tag

LostIt Tag’s are for sale mainly on Amazon, where buyers need to pay to use the tags as well as buying them in the first place. Users will need to purchase a protection credit in the app, for each item a user would like to protect. This is a back to front service, where after buying QR tags, you then need to create an account with them online and then pay again. Items are offered for delivery to the United States only.

Services in focus (A/Z): LostIt Tag – ME-QR – NoLongerLost – QR TIGER – QRtrav – Retreev – Scanotag

Travel smarter with a QR code for your suitcase – Create a free account

QRtrav helps to reduce lost luggage issues for international travellers by offering a free QR code tagging solution for suitcases and personal items.

Setting up your free QRtrav profile ID, downloading your QR code, printing and attaching it to your luggage or personal belongings takes no time at all. To get started – Create a free account

Find out more about our company – About our QR code travel service