How to choose a good luggage tracker: a life hack that can save your trip

Delays and lost baggage are a growing concern—and it's not just a problem for U.S. airlines. How to choose the right smart tag or tracker for you to track your suitcase, reports Travel & Leisure.

Photo: IStock

In July 2022, a tweet about hundreds of suitcases stacked on the floor of London's Heathrow Airport went viral, giving everyone a real picture of a very real problem. Many travelers fed up with these issues have since opted to fly with hand luggage only. But what about people who still want or need to check in luggage? Well, that's where smart tags and luggage trackers come in.

The luggage situation at Heathrow Airport is nuts pic.twitter.com/2YYZUip5mC

— Petty Slimane (@LilAioli) July 1, 2022

Baggage trackers come in many forms and work using GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular data, or a simple QR code. Unsurprisingly, they also often depend on the model and operating system of your phone.

Most electronics, tracking devices, and smart tags are often designed to work with iOS or Android. Some devices will work with both. Keep in mind that there are many phone manufacturers that use Android, so Android users should double check if their particular phone and operating system is supported.

Do you travel more often within the country or abroad, or a combination of both? You'll want to make sure you have a tracker that can track your baggage when and where you need it. Also consider whether you will be traveling to big cities or the countryside, as your location can affect various tracking methods (GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular data).

On the subject: How to receive a parcel if you do not have a permanent address or do not want to use it

One of the reasons Tile Pro was our top pick is its compatibility with both iOS and Android, as well as the fact that it also works with voice devices like Alexa and Siri and has a Bluetooth range of 120 m.

Want something with a little (or a lot) more range? Or maybe you're looking for something that can update your bag's location in real time? Here are the best options to buy:

Tile Pro Powerful Bluetooth Tracker at Amazon

Simply the best.

Pros: it's a robust tracking tag that works with both iOS and Android, as well as smart home devices like Amazon Alexa.

What to look for: If the replacement battery runs out during transit, you will not be able to trace your luggage.

Price: $ 35.

Batteries included: yes, lithium metal | Subscription fee: Yes | Compatibility: Android, IOS, Smart home.

Tracker Tile Pro uses Bluetooth technology to locate your belongings via your phone or computer and will track your belongings via the Tile app or your home smart device if your luggage is outside the 120m Bluetooth range. operating systems.

Also valuable is the presence of a loud beep feature that you can activate in the Tile app to help you find your bag if it's nearby but out of sight, and vice versa. You can double tap the button to find your phone even if it is in silent mode. This audio location feature works without a subscription. In addition, Tile Pro has a QR code that can be scanned to reveal your personal contact information so that any lost or found luggage can be returned. The Tile Pro is also water resistant (perfect for the occasional water in luggage or rainy weather), can snag on your luggage easily, and has a battery that will last up to a year before it needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, this means that the battery may run out during the trip and you will lose the ability to track your luggage.

Tracki Mini GPS Tracker at Amazon

Best for international flights.

Pros: the app can provide you with real-time location updates, no matter where you or your luggage is.

What to look for: the battery drains quickly with use and a subscription is required to use the device.

Price: $ 18.

Batteries included: yes, rechargeable lithium ion. Subscription fee: yes. Compatibility: Android, iOS and internet browsers.

GPS tracker tracki small, lightweight and equipped with a variety of mounting options, including a waterproof case, key ring and built-in SIM card that supports the worldwide network. This tracker uses 4G LTE as well as 3G and 2G networks (the latter two are often used in remote areas or countries with lagging available technology) along with Wi-Fi networks for worldwide GPS tracking capabilities. Choose how often this tracker will send real-time updates, but please note that this will affect the life of the rechargeable battery. Tracki's geo-fencing feature will send an alert to your phone if your tracker (and therefore your bag) leaves a predefined area, such as an airport or hotel room.

LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker

The best GPS tracker for real-time tracking.

Pros: it is weather resistant and has multiple customizable features.

What to look for: recharging the battery and reconnecting the device to the network can be difficult.

Price: $ 30.

Batteries included: yes, built-in rechargeable. Subscription fee: yes. Compatibility: Android, iOS, Apple internet browsers and PC.

GPS tracker LandSeaAir 54 has an elegant and discreet design, it can be put in a luggage pocket or even in a sock. Real-time updates, geo-fencing capabilities, and customizable phone alerts make this tracker very user-friendly. It is also weather resistant and has small light bulbs that can be turned off or on remotely. Just be aware that along with the international SIM card, the device also comes with a built-in high-strength magnet, so you should keep it away from places where you pack or store electronics.

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Get real-time updates on the location of your belongings every three seconds via 4G LTE and satellite and view them in the maps app on your phone or on your computer browser. The micro-USB battery lasts one to two weeks with frequent updates and up to six months in low power mode. However, recharging the device involves several steps, including removing and reapplying the waterproof panel, then turning off the tracker to plug it back in.

Endymata Minimalist USB Smart GPS Tracker at Walmart

The best suitcase with a built-in tracker.

Pros: suitcase with the addition of useful features such as a self-weighing handle and a TSA Bluetooth smart lock.

What to look for: it's expensive and really only makes sense if you're already looking for a suitcase.

Price: $ 129.

Batteries included: No. Subscription fee: no. Compatibility: no.

This smart suitcase endymata With built-in GPS and Bluetooth tracking, it not only helps you find your luggage, but also has other smart features. We especially like the TSA Bluetooth lock, which can be opened and locked from a mobile phone. A self-weighing pen also comes in handy when you're trying to meet an airline's check-in weight requirements. Luggage connects to your phone via the Smart Tracker app and is detected up to 30m away—which is admittedly only very useful in situations of lost luggage on the baggage conveyor. However, there is no need for a monthly fee. However, if you don't need a new suitcase, we recommend one of the other trackers on this list.

Dynotag Brushed Stainless Steel Smart Tag

The best luggage tracker.

Pros: easy to use and set up.

What to look for: it's not so much a baggage tracker as it is a baggage locator.

Price: $ 23.

Batteries included: not required. Subscription fee: no.

smart tag Dynotag Brush stainless steel is the least high-tech of all the options on the list, but it still packs a punch. Each durable stainless steel tag contains a unique QR code that can be scanned for personalized contact information. Think of it as taking your paper luggage tag to the next level. Whenever your baggage is scanned, you will receive an alert that also includes the scanner's IP address and any location information they provide. This tag does not require batteries or a subscription.

This will also come in handy for any baggage lost or lost by the airline as the rules state that every possible attempt must be made to locate the owner of the lost baggage. There is even an analog tag that can be inserted into the slot in case the finder of your luggage does not have a phone with a QR reader.

Apple Air Tag

Best for iOS.

Pros: it has a replaceable battery and is one of the few trackers that works without a subscription.

What to look for: it can only be used with Apple products.

Price: $ 29.

Batteries included: yes, replaceable CR2032 lithium battery. Subscription fee: no. Compatibility: iOS/Apple products

Air Tag One of the most customizable smart tags on the market with a wide range of AirTag holders. You can replace the battery, which is pretty unusual for Apple. AirTag connects to iOS devices via Bluetooth and offers real-time tracking without a subscription, a rarity in the world of smart tags. While there is no official information on what the range is, it is generally believed to be up to 240m. When out of range, AirTag will check the location of nearby Apple devices. AirTag can also display contact information when scanned by compatible devices. Once your luggage is in range, your device will show you a set of directions to help you get to it.

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It is possible to use AirTags with Android by downloading an app that can detect nearby Bluetooth devices, but this is not recommended - like most Apple products, it is designed for the Apple universe.

Samsung Galaxy Smart Tag Plus

The best for android.

Pros: it is as simple and functional as Apple AirTag, but for Samsung Galaxy owners.

What to look for: Location accuracy may be affected by walls or doors.

Price: $40

Batteries included: yes, replaceable CR2032 lithium battery. Subscription fee: no. Compatibility: Samsung Galaxy model products.

Galaxy Smart Tag Plus from Samsung is close to becoming Apple's version of AirTag for the Galaxy. This little plastic tag works via Bluetooth to find your luggage or bag and then directs you to your tagged items. While some Android users may be happy to see this product on the market, be warned: it's only designed to work with Samsung Galaxy phones (and you'll need a Galaxy S21 or later to get the AR directions feature).

Although the company warns that walls, boxes, or cars can reduce location accuracy. In some cases, you will still be able to find items outside of Bluetooth 5.0 range in the 240th with the help of other users subscribed to the Galaxy Find Network.

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