Luggage trackers certainly aren't the first thing we thought we'd be adding to our annual holiday packing list but, alas, the airports are losing people's bags across the globe and it seems these pint-sized bag tags are going to be our saving grace.
Yep, according to TikTok users - the clever problem solvers that they are - people are turning to tiny bluetooth tracker tags to avoid losing their valuables on holiday, with the worldwide shortage of airport staff meaning that thousands upon thousands of bags are being left in baggage reclaim, with travellers at a loss to know how on earth they're supposed to locate their bags. Enter the luggage tracker…
How do electronic luggage tags work?
What are luggage tags, how do they work, what are the benefits of using a luggage tracker? Here's your NTK…
A luggage tracker or luggage tag is a tiny little tracking device about the size of a mini cheddar (to put it in layman's terms 👀) that you put inside your suitcase so that, should you lose it amid the thousands of bags strewn across the baggage reclaim floor, it can use bluetooth technology to locate your items in real time.
Depending on the luggage tracking brand you go for - be it an Apple AirTag or a Tile Mate - your smart tag will be able to connect to your iPhone, Android, Samsung Galaxy etc. (you get the general cell phone picture) from closer or further away. For instance, the Tile Mate and Tile Pro GPS luggage trackers both have a 250 and 400ft range respectively. By contrast, the Apple AirTag takes advantage of iPhones across the globe to locate your luggage from a much vaster distance and, fret not, your privacy won't be compromised in the process. Alas, you do tend to get what you pay for so, for the more panicked among us, the Apple AirTag may leave you with more peace of mind as you ascend into the sky.
How much does a luggage tracker cost?
Now, here's the brilliant part: thanks to a John Lewis clearance sale, you can now nab the 950+ five-star rated Tile Mate for less than £15.
Tile Mate (2022) Bluetooth Item FinderWhat are its key features?
- Smartphone app connectivity
- One year warranty
- You can add your contact info onto your Tile GPS tracking device so that, should your luggage be out of range, someone at the airport terminal can help to reunite you with your bags, just like a traditional leather luggage tag.
- Tile also works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, so long as you connect your accounts.
- Three-year battery life (replaceable after that period)
52 of these nifty smart luggage gadgets have been snapped up in the past day alone so, if you're planning on adding one to your holiday haul before check-in this weekend, you'd better act fast…
Elsewhere, as we mentioned, the Apple AirTag is another popular choice for buyers and, for those in a hurry or booked for imminent air travel in the coming days, it's also available on Amazon Prime, so you can have it on your doorstep as early as tomorrow.
Likewise, another one of the best luggage trackers, the Chipolo One tag, is also available on Amazon with next day delivery. So, to help with your buying decision, we've pulled together the main stand-out features distinguishing the brands at a glance.
Tile vs. Apple AirTag
- One-tap set up to connect the AirTag with your iOS devices
- Built-in AirTag speaker functionality
- Replaceable battery on the AirTag which, in terms of battery life, is designed to last for a year
Tile vs. Chipolo One
- Six different Chipolo One colourways for larger families
- Make the Chipolo ring from afar so you can use both wi-fi and sound to locate your backpack or suitcase
- Also features Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri compatability
- Chipolo One works as a remote selfie-taker button to save you faffing with self-timer mode
And, if all else fails, you can always opt for and underseat carry-on bag - zero charge, zero faff - it's a win, win. Check out our round up of the best underseat luggage now.
After more holiday content? Make sure to check out our guide to weekend bags, handheld fans, Amazon Prime Day luggage deals, best packing cubes and best travel shoe bags - happy holidays!
For more from GLAMOUR UK Commerce Writer Lucy Smith, follow her on Instagram @luceeeeesmith.
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