A Remove Before Flight keyring is a fabric flight tag based on the red streamers that hang from covers and safety pins on an aircraft on the ground, reminding the crew to take them off before it flies. Car enthusiasts put the same tag on their keys, from the classic Remove Before Flight tag to branded ones like the BRIDE flight tag in our keyrings range.
What does Remove Before Flight mean?
On an aircraft, Remove Before Flight tags are bright, highly visible tags attached to parts that must be taken off or disconnected before take-off: covers over pitot tubes, static ports and engines, control locks and safety pins. They are usually red, yellow or fluorescent orange so they stand out against the aircraft.
The tag is a simple safety reminder. Anything still carrying one is not ready to fly, which is why the words and the long red strip are so recognisable.
Why do people put Remove Before Flight tags on car keys?
It is a style choice with a practical side. The long, bright strip makes keys easy to find in a bag or a dark footwell, and the aviation wording suits the motorsport, JDM and streetwear look of a lot of car clothing and accessories.
Car brands have taken the format and made it their own, so you now see flight tags with seat makers' logos, clothing brands and Japanese lettering as well as the original Remove Before Flight wording.
Which flight tag keyrings do we stock?
We stock the classic embroidered tag plus branded flight tags from car culture brands. Every one below is in stock with us:
The classic Remove Before Flight tag
Remove Before Flight Tag Key Chain
An embroidered polyester flight tag with REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT stitched in bold capitals, a stitched border, a metal eyelet and a split ring. It comes in several colours, with the ones in stock shown on the product page. It is light, so it does not weigh down a car key.
Branded flight tags
LB_JPN Flight Tag Keychain, Black
Black woven webbing with a raised black and white Late Brake logo patch, Japanese lettering and JPN detailing, on a black metal clip and split ring. It is 170mm long, with 125mm of strap.
LB_JPN Flight Tag Keychain, Neon Yellow
The same Late Brake design on bright neon-yellow webbing with black hardware, the easiest of the set to spot. It also comes in neon pink and claret.
Driver Apparel Yellow Flight Tag
A bright yellow woven strip with Driver Apparel in black brush lettering and the web address beneath, stitched around the edge and fitted with a split ring.
A double-sided woven tag with the BRIDE logo, a different colour on the reverse, a stitched border and a metal split ring, for fans of the Japanese bucket seat maker.
Flight tag keyrings compared
| Keyring | Style | Fittings | Colours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remove Before Flight Tag | Embroidered polyester, classic wording | Metal eyelet, split ring | Several colours |
| LB_JPN Flight Tag | Woven webbing, raised Late Brake patch | Black metal clip, split ring | Black, neon yellow, neon pink, claret |
| Driver Apparel Flight Tag | Woven strip, brush lettering | Split ring | Yellow |
| BRIDE Flight Tag | Double-sided woven, BRIDE logo | Metal split ring | Contrast colour each side |
How do you choose a flight tag keyring?
Start with what you want it to say, then pick the colour and the fitting. A tag on your keys is seen every day, so it is worth choosing one you like the look of.
- Pick the wording: the classic Remove Before Flight tag, or a brand you follow, such as Late Brake, Driver Apparel or BRIDE.
- Choose a colour you can find: bright yellow, neon and red tags are the easiest to spot in a bag or a dark footwell.
- Check the fitting: a split ring holds keys securely, while a clip lets you move the tag between keys, a bag and a lanyard.
- Think about weight: fabric tags add almost nothing to a set of keys, which matters if your car still has a key in the ignition.
- Match the rest of your kit: pair the tag with a lanyard or clothing from the same brand for a set that goes together.
What other car keyrings do we stock?
If you prefer metal to fabric, our car-themed keyrings make a solid alternative or a second keyring for a bag:
A three-dimensional metal wheel keyring in a choice of finishes.
Alloy Wheel Key Chain (Style 2)
A detailed metal alloy wheel keyring with a chrome finish.
A metal jerry can on a metal split ring, a small nod to fuel cans and old-school motoring.
A flat plastic tag with a graffiti-style logo and a ribbed strap that locks in place through a bag handle, lanyard or key ring. Choose red, yellow or white.
How do you look after a fabric keyring?
Wipe it clean with a damp cloth and let it dry, and check the split ring now and then for wear. A tag that hangs in the same place at home every day also means you always know where your keys are.
Keep only the keys you use every day on your car key ring and keep the tag clear of the steering column and pedals when you drive.
Common questions
Are Remove Before Flight keyrings a good gift?
Yes, for anyone into cars, motorsport or aviation. They are small, light and easy to post, which makes them a good stocking filler, and our guide to gift sets and stocking fillers has more ideas.
Why are Remove Before Flight tags red?
Bright colours make them stand out against the aircraft so they are not missed. Red is the classic colour, but yellow and fluorescent orange tags are used too.
Can you put a flight tag on a lanyard?
Yes. A tag with a clip or a split ring hooks onto most lanyards, and our lanyards include matching car culture designs.
For clothing to go with them, see our guide to car culture clothing and the Late Brake Supply range.
Need help choosing?
Tell the TDHQ team who the keyring is for and the brands they like, and we will help you choose. You can also browse our Keyring Co., Late Brake Supply and Driver Apparel ranges.
