Should I AirTag my luggage?
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Should I put an AirTag in my luggage?
Delays, cancellations, and overbookings are the most common culprits of airport and flight-related issues. However, what’s worse than making it to your final destination a couple of hours late? Making it there without your suitcase. Lost, stolen, or delayed luggage can really ruin your entire trip, adding an unnecessary layer of stress to a time meant for fun and relaxation.
So, what can you do to avoid having delayed or lost luggage?
Put a tracking device in your luggage! This way you can continuously track the location of your belongings and avoid the anxiety of lost luggage. Sounds simple, hey? And it is! But we know you have questions — we are here to answer!
Can you take an AirTag in checked luggage?
If you’re wondering whether you can put an AirTag (or other tracking device) on your luggage, you’re probably wondering whether they contain lithium batteries. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation published a rule in 2019 banning lithium-ion batteries from being transported as cargo on passenger airplanes. These can cause fires and small explosions when interacting with other airport safety equipment, which is why they are no longer permitted. That being said, short answer, yes, AirTags do contain lithium batteries but in such small amounts that they have been deemed safe by the FAA to take in checked luggage!
Will AirTagging my luggage prevent it from being delayed or lost?
Not exactly. Putting a tracking device in your luggage won’t save you from the drama that is having no luggage upon arrival at your destination. Your belongings could still be left behind at your departure airport, or make it only onto the next flight to you. Still, it very well could save you from the common occurrence of your luggage disappearing. Often, airlines will tell you that they somehow misplaced your luggage and that even they don’t know where it ended up. Airports all around the world have suitcase graveyards full of these lost bags — and if you AirTag yours, at least you save it from that predicament!
Tracking my luggage: Tile vs AirTag - Which one should I buy?
If you have an iPhone or other Apple device, we strongly recommend that you stick to the tried and true: the AirTag. Apple’s systems provide you with seamless connection between your AirTag and your device, allowing you to track your bags live using the Find My app that comes installed in every iPhone. Setting up your AirTag is really simple and takes just a few minutes. Once you’ve unboxed your AirTag, hold it near your iPhone and follow the prompts that pop up on the screen. You can name your AirTag (perhaps call it "Suitcase" or "Luggage") to keep track of multiple tags if you use more than one. Once paired, slip it into a secure pocket in your suitcase, and you’re ready to go.
If you're using an Android device, however, the AirTag is not the choice for you. Instead, there are other options, such as Tile or Samsung SmartTags, which work better with Android smartphones and offer similar tracking options. Tile Pro is especially great for luggage due to its long range and loud ring.
Is it dangerous to put an AirTag in my bag?
Many people worry about the potential misuse of AirTags for tracking individuals. However, Apple has implemented features to prevent unwanted tracking: your iPhone will immediately notify you if an unknown AirTag is traveling with you, and if a tag hasn’t been with its owner for a while, it will begin making a sound.
Also, depending on where your bag ends up, it could be that the tracking features become less effective. The way Apple AirTags work is that the signal must bounce off between different devices in order to best improve the accuracy of your location. So, if your luggage ends up in an area where there are no nearby Apple devices, the location might not be updated until another iPhone or Apple device passes close enough. This means that while it’s helpful, it’s not foolproof — especially if your luggage travels to more remote locations.
So, is AirTagging my luggage worth it?
At the end of the day, placing an AirTag in your luggage is a smart move for travelers who want to keep tabs on their belongings and minimize the headache of lost baggage. AirTags cost 39 euros, and if you ask us that’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. While it’s not a foolproof solution that will prevent your luggage from getting delayed, it does give you a higher chance of finding it faster and with less pushback from the airline. With its ease of use, affordability, and the peace of mind it brings, AirTagging your luggage might just be the best travel companion you didn’t know you needed!
Safe travels!
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