Have you lost a bag when traveling recently? If so, you're not alone. In the first six months of 2022, about 1.5 million bags in the United States were lost, damaged, or stolen, according to a Department of Transportation study. While major airlines do have luggage tracking on their app for checked bags, the technology isn’t reliable and is prone to human error. Losing a bag can really derail a trip, whether it’s trying to recoup your meeting materials or rushing to the mall to replenish your wardrobe.
Many travelers have begun using a small device known as an AirTag when traveling to help keep track of their luggage. AirTags are slightly bigger than a quarter and use Bluetooth to help users easily locate their items. People also use AirTags to keep track of their keys, purses, and even pets. AirTags are tracked through Apple’s Find My network like you would do for your iPhone, iPad, AirPods and other Apple related products. Items on the Find My network can be pinpointed by their proximity to other Apple devices. AirTags and the Find My network use end-to-end encryption, ensuring that your personal information stays safe.
Travelers who use AirTags simply put the small item inside their suitcase and track the item as it progresses through the airport, onto the plane, and hopefully to baggage claim. If your bag doesn’t make it to baggage claim, the AirTag will identify if it’s still at your connecting airport or somewhere else. AirTags can be useful in other scenarios as well – if you’re leaving your bag with the bellhop and want to ensure it makes it safely to your room, or perhaps you left your bag in an Uber or rental car? Your AirTag would help in either of these scenarios.
There are a few downsides. Since AirTags can only be used Apple products such as iPhones, those with other devices can’t utilize themIn addition, the Find My feature requires another close-by Apple device to ping to register the AirTag’s location, thus limiting the devices ability to track your items location if you’re in a remote areaThis can limit its ability to track your item’s location if you’re in a remote area.
AirTags cost about $29 for one or about $90 for a four pack. They can be purchased directly from Apple or other tech stores like Best Buy, Amazon, Target, and more.