Flight Case Labels:
The Complete Guide
How they're made, what separates a professional label from a cheap one, and answers to every question we've been asked in 40+ years of making them.
A production run of custom flight case labels, fresh off the press.
3 Steps to Make a Flight Case Label
From first enquiry to labels on your case in approximately one week.
Design Your Artwork
Send us your logo, text, case number or brand guidelines. Our design team works in Adobe Illustrator and accepts AI, EPS, PDF, or high-resolution raster files (300 dpi+). If you don't have artwork, tell us what information needs to appear on the label — we'll create professional artwork and send you a PDF proof within 24 hours.
Key Points
- Provide your logo as a vector file (AI, EPS, PDF) for the sharpest result
- Include your pantone colour references if brand colour accuracy is critical
Choose Your Material & Finish
The standard Adcal flight case label is reverse printed onto 450 mic gloss PVC and bonded to a high-performance adhesive. The thick PVC gives the label its iconic rigid, professional look and protects the print from scratching, scuffing, impact and chemicals.
Key Points
- Standard: reverse printed onto 450 mic gloss PVC — the industry benchmark
- Premium: chrome or brushed metallic polyester for a premium touring look
- Anti-scuff overlaminate for labels handled extremely roughly
- MOQ 25 labels — volume discounts available
We Print, Die-Cut & Deliver
Once artwork is approved and payment confirmed, your labels go to press. We screen print in up to 8 colours, die-cut to your specified size, and individually back the labels with high-performance permanent adhesive. Labels are delivered by tracked courier within approximately one week. Peel, position, press — done.
Key Points
- Production typically 5–7 working days from artwork approval
- Next-day delivery available for volume repeat orders
- Labels are delivered ready to apply — no wet glue, no mess
- Track your order with our courier reference
Ultra-Durable vs. Standard Online Labels
Not all labels are equal. Here's what separates a professional touring label from a standard online sticker.
| Attribute | Adcal Ultra-Durable Label | Standard Online Sticker |
|---|---|---|
| Face Material | Hard coat polyester (PET) — tear and scratch resistant | Standard vinyl — scratches and tears easily |
| Backing / Rigidity | Rigid PVC backing gives a professional, 3D appearance | Flexible film only — looks flat and low-cost |
| Adhesive | High-performance permanent adhesive | Generic pressure-sensitive acrylic — lifts in cold or heat |
| Lifespan | 5+ years guaranteed — UV-stable, non-fade | 1–2 years — fades, yellows and edges lift |
| Colour Retention (5 years) | Colours remain vibrant — screen ink penetrates substrate | Significant fading, especially in direct sunlight |
| Impact & Abrasion Resistance | Survives touring — repeated drops, scratches, scuffs | Delaminates and surface scratches at first contact |
| Chemical Resistance | Resistant to cleaning fluids, solvents and IPA | Surface dissolves or whitens on contact with IPA |
| Minimum Order | 25 labels | Often 100+ with no customisation |
| Cost at Year 5 | One purchase — lasts the life of the case | Replaced 2–3 times — costs more in total |
Frequently Asked Questions
Every question we've been asked about flight case labels in 40+ years.