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Home » 3 Best Luggage Trackers: How Do They Work, Are They Worth It? (Review)

3 Best Luggage Trackers: How Do They Work, Are They Worth It? (Review)

Can luggage trackers really help you find your lost luggage? Read my experience and FAQ’s to learn more or jump down to see the best rated GPS luggage trackers available on the market.

What are luggage trackers?

Luggage trackers are small electronic devices that can be attached to your luggage. They use GPS technology to track the location of your luggage and transmit that information to your smartphone or other mobile device. Some luggage trackers also have other features such as real-time location updates, geofencing, and alerts when your luggage has been opened or moved.

How do luggage trackers work?

Luggage trackers work by using GPS technology to track the location of your luggage. The device is usually attached to the outside of your luggage or placed inside your luggage. The device then sends a signal to a GPS satellite, which can then determine the location of your luggage.

Once the location of your luggage is determined, the device sends that information to your smartphone or other mobile device. Some luggage trackers also use Bluetooth technology to communicate with your device, allowing you to see the location of your luggage in real-time.

I have the Galaxy Smart Tag+. This is what the app looks like. You can see the location of the tracker on a map and how long ago this location was refreshed. I screenshot this when I landed in Belfast. And see this news story where a women proved her luggage was in the airport and not lost as the airline had claimed, all using an airtag.

Phew! My luggage made it’s way onto my flight to Belfast!

Are luggage trackers worth buying?

Luggage trackers are worth it if you’re traveling with valuables that can’t be replaced. You should also consider cost, frequency of travel, type of travel and value of luggage too.

1. Cost: Luggage trackers can range in price from $20 to $100 or more. This can be a significant investment for some travelers.
2. Frequency of travel: If you only travel once or twice a year, a luggage tracker may not be worth the investment. However, if you travel frequently, a luggage tracker can provide peace of mind and save you time and hassle if your luggage gets lost or stolen.
3. Type of travel: If you mostly travel domestically or to locations with good infrastructure and transportation options, a luggage tracker may not be necessary. However, if you are traveling to remote or unfamiliar locations, a luggage tracker can be very useful.
4. Value of luggage: If you are traveling with designer luggage or valuable items, a luggage tracker can provide added security and peace of mind.
5. Personal preference: Ultimately, whether or not to buy a luggage tracker is a personal decision. Some travelers may prefer to rely on other methods, such as TSA approved locks or insurance, while others may find the added security of a luggage tracker to be worth the investment.

One tip from experience is always check the battery level before you travel. I didn’t which rendered my luggage tracker useless of course! Luckily, I didn’t lose my luggage on this occasion.

Can luggage trackers work internationally?

Luggage trackers can work internationally, as long as they are compatible with the wireless networks in the countries you will be traveling to. Some luggage trackers use GPS technology, which can work anywhere in the world as long as the device has an unobstructed view of the sky. Other trackers use cellular networks or Bluetooth, which may have limited coverage in certain countries or regions.

What are the cons of luggage trackers?

  1. Battery life: Many luggage trackers require a battery, and the battery life can vary depending on the device. Some devices may need to be charged frequently, which can be inconvenient during travel.
  2. Limited coverage: As mentioned earlier, some luggage trackers may have limited coverage in certain countries or regions, depending on the type of technology used.
  3. Privacy concerns: Some travelers may have concerns about privacy and the potential for their location to be tracked by others, even if the tracking is intended to be for their own safety.
  4. Potential for loss: Even with a luggage tracker, there is still a chance that your luggage could be lost or stolen during travel. A tracker can help locate your luggage if it is misplaced, but it cannot guarantee that your luggage will always be safe and secure.

Do AirTags need WiFi?

AirTags do not require Wi-Fi to work. They use Bluetooth technology to communicate with nearby Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

However, if your AirTag is out of Bluetooth range of your own devices, it can use the Find My network of other Apple devices to update its location. This means that even if you are not near your luggage, you can still track its location through the Find My app on your own device.

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Best rated luggage trackers on Amazon

Tile – Best Versatile GPS Trackers

You might consider buying a Tile tracker instead of a Galaxy Smart tag or an Apple Airtag if you’re looking for a variety of sized trackers to fit your device. Tile offer four main shapes:

  • Pro – New and improved Bluetooth range, loudest volume, but shorter battery life by 2 years – Buy from Tile for $34.99
  • Mate – A smaller shape than the Pro, the Mate is ideal for attaching to your keys or backpack without taking too much space – Buy from Tile for $24.99
  • Slim – As the name suggests, the Tile Slim is perfect for wallets, laptop covers and luggage tags – Buy from Tile for $34.99
  • Sticker – The Tile Sticker can be used for finding your remote, glasses case or even tracking your pet! – Buy from Tile for $29.99

Using the Tile app, you can make your Tile tracker ring if it’s within Bluetooth distance. Tile trackers are also compatible with Apple and Android devices.


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