Savvy Traveler Tip: Keeping Tabs on Your Bags
Tracking your checked bags while traveling can be a game-changer. Not only does it provide peace of mind, but it also helps you and the airline retrieve your luggage if it gets lost. Here are a few ways to keep track of your luggage:
Always save your baggage claim tags and receipts. They contain vital information that can assist in locating lost bags.
Many airlines offer tracking services through their apps. Check in using the app and monitor your bag’s journey. American, United, and Delta all offer tracking and Southwest added this feature last October.
Devices like Tile or Apple's AirTag can be placed in your luggage to track its location in real-time via your smartphone.
More on GPS trackers.
Released in 2021, Apple’s AirTag quickly caught my attention. I bought AirTags and clip-on holders from Amazon, securely attaching them inside our luggage. They immediately became a travel must-have for me.
AirTags operate via Bluetooth, relying on nearby Apple iPhones to triangulate signals and transmit location data to Apple’s Find My network. Other trackers operate similarly and offer tracking through their respective apps.
Android phones can only track AirTags by downloading a third-party app and do not triangulate AirTag signals.
Worked Great Until…
The AirTags worked wonderfully overall, but we faced issues while traveling in Europe. Tracking became less reliable in smaller towns, especially while walking the Camino de Santiago in Portugal and Spain where we used a daily luggage transport service. Our bags would disappear online for hours until another Apple user was nearby.
Why? Almost 70% of Europeans use Android phones, limiting the effectiveness of AirTags in those areas. As a matter of fact, globally over 70% of phones are Android users - something to keep in mind.
Tile trackers, compatible with Android and Apple devices, offer an alternative. Acquired in 2021 by Life360, a leading family safety app, Tile is now fully integrated with Life360’s software. The Life360 and Tile apps work on any phone operating system, making it versatile for all users.
There are other great trackers out there and I've included a link below for a deeper dive into top picks.
And of course, always use fresh, fully charged batteries in trackers before leaving home and attach a durable luggage tag to your bag with your basic information included (name and phone and/or email address).
Why I Love Trackers
Last year, I experienced firsthand the value of using trackers. On my return trip from Europe, my bags missed the flight in Frankfurt, spent three days in Canada, and finally arrived in Phoenix, where they sat at the airport for 32 hours before delivery to my home. I knew the bags were in Phoenix and unsuccessfully attempted to retrieve them from the airline in person.
However, knowing where my luggage was during its five-day extended journey was invaluable. It kept me informed and reassured, and I could assist the airline in locating my bags more efficiently.
By using these tracking methods, you can reduce the stress of lost luggage. And isn't that what vacations are all about?
Additional Resources:
Travel and Leisure Best Luggage Trackers 2024
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