Seven luggage tracker tags that will find lost bags

Never lose a suitcase or checked bag again with these Bluetooth and GPS luggage trackers and smart ID tags.

Post-pandemic, lost luggage has become a hot topic in the travel space. In fact, according to data analysis by air transport communications and information technology company, SITA, the number of mishandled bags doubled from 2021 to 2022, around 7.6 lost bags to every 1000 passengers.

A recent survey by Compare the Market has found that one in four Australians, around 24.5%, have had luggage go missing while travelling with an airline. While 93.5% retrieved their lost luggage, 6.5% never saw their belongings again.

Naturally, the rising number of mishandled bags and misplaced luggage has sparked consumer interest in devices such as Bluetooth and GPS luggage tracker tags and smart ID tags – but not all luggage tracker products perform as advertised. As such, we’ve curated a neat list of seven luggage trackers that will reunite you with your belongings should they befall an unfortunate fate abroad.

Smart ID tag

DynoTag SuperTag ID QR tag

This tag isn’t so much a luggage tracker, it’s more of a smart ID tag that allows an airline or carrier to get in touch with the owner of an item quickly and easily, while notifying the owner of where it is. Weather-proof, cheap and free to use, Dynotag’s SuperTag ID features a QR code that can be imbued with your personal contact information and can be updated on the fly via the website. The information is stored in Dynotag’s cloud service, and only information users wish to share will be visible to those who scan the QR code. However, once scanned, the location of the item is delivered to the owner via text, email or voice message.

From $AU24.95

People waiting at airport baggage claim — © Unsplash/ Rach Teo

Bluetooth luggage tracker tags

Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker

Tile Mate has a 76-metre Bluetooth range, a non-replaceable battery that lasts up to three years depending on usage, is water-resistant and functional with both Android and Apple devices. The Tile app is free to download and helps users locate items by showing the last known location of the item, or the last time it was connected to the app. There’s also a ‘Notify When Found’ function which uses every phone running the Tile app to help locate a tracked item. In-app, tap the ‘Find’ function to have the tile emit a high-pitched ringing and watch the app’s detector rings fill in as you get closer to the item. However, users will need to pay for a premium subscription to access luggage tracker features such as Smart Alerts, 30-day location history, unlimited sharing and free battery replacements.

From AU$39.95 + app available on iOS and Android + subscription fee to upgrade

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag

The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag is a Bluetooth luggage tracker that can be traced using the SmartThings app, which will guide users towards their items with basic directions. The tag can emit a ringing sound when triggered via the app. However, even if the tag is offline or out of range, the Galaxy Find Network can use scanned data to locate it. The tag will also generate a location history for retracing steps. It’s water-resistant and the battery can be replaced. Samsung Galaxy SmartTag currently needs to be sourced from overseas retailers.

POA + Samsung Galaxy phones only

Apple AirTag

The Apple AirTag uses the ‘Find My…’ function native to Apple, sending out a Bluetooth signal that can be found by devices that are a part of the Find My network. This network sends the location of the item to iCloud, making it visible on the Find My map. AirTag can be put into Lost Mode and, when it’s detected by a device on the network, users automatically get a notification.

AirTag is a water-resistant luggage tracker that has a replaceable battery and can play a sound on the built-in speaker when triggered via the app. Precision Finding allows users to see how far away or close they are to the AirTag and provide information on what direction to search towards. The range of AirTags isn’t defined because if it’s within Bluetooth range of any iPhone it can passively communicate with it to help users locate an item.

From AU$49 + iOS

Apple AirTag — © Unsplash/ Daniel Romero

GPS luggage tracker tags

LandAirSea 54 GPS tracker

The LandAirSea 54 GPS luggage tracker uses cellular and GPS networks worldwide, is waterproof, can display real-time locations of traced items, comes with a SIM card and has a rechargeable battery. This device provides users with detailed tracking reports and logs the movements of a tracked item then delivers updates via text and email. LandSeaAir 54 also has a GeoFence zone functionality that notifies users whenever the tracker leaves a certain area set by the user. However, a subscription is required for all functionality.

From AU$72 via Amazon + iOS & Android + subscription fee

Invoxia Real-Time GPS Tracker

The Invoxia Real Time GPS Tracker was made to track vehicles, valuables and people, but has become popular among those seeking a reliable luggage tracker. Featuring motion and tilt detection, geofencing capabilities, unlimited location history, proximity radar and automated location updates every 2, 5, 10 or 30 minutes, this device means business. However, the advanced functionality is reflected in the price and the product requires a subscription to work. The battery can be recharged and the device utilises Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS technology to maximise performance.

From US$118 + app available on iOS and Android + subscription fee from US$39.95 per year

The Tracki 4G Global Tracking Device

Boasting coverage in 190 countries for anything that moves, the Tracki luggage tracker allows users to trace lost luggage from an unlimited distance. It features SOS, speed, moving and geofence functionality, a replaceable battery and stores up to five years of tracking history. Battery life ranges from two days to six months depending on the tracking mode engaged. Tracki requires a SIM card (supplied) subscription in order to function.

From AU$95 + app available on iOS and Android + subscriptions fee from AU$15.41 per month

luggage handlers loading plane — © Unsplash/Calle Macarone

How do luggage trackers work?

Luggage trackers utilise Bluetooth and GPS technology. Bluetooth luggage trackers rely on the Bluetooth connectivity and range of the tracker and smartphone to exchange a secure signal between the two devices. Bluetooth luggage trackers utilise the same technology as the ‘Find My’ function on Apple devices. As such, you’ll only be able to track your luggage when within Bluetooth range, or receive updates on the item’s latest location if and when it connects to other Bluetooth devices utilising the network of your chosen luggage tag. However, GPS luggage tags use satellite tracking to locate an item. GPS luggage trackers have a constant connection via satellite and provide real-time tracking.

Can I put a GPS luggage tracker tag in my bag?

Both GPS and Bluetooth luggage trackers can be placed in carry-on and checked bags.

Are luggage trackers worth it?

To determine whether or not a luggage tracker is a worthwhile investment, consider what items will be packed in checked luggage. If the items are of high value, or of sentimental value, then a luggage tracker ensures passengers know exactly where their belongings are at any given time, regardless if that’s the correct destination or not. Luggage trackers can provide peace of mind to passengers and confirm if the luggage has been loaded onto the plane or arrived at the right destination and if not, where it was left behind.