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 area. This
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.