What’s the Best Way to Track Your Lost Luggage? A Guide to Using AirTags or GPS Trackers

Few travel mishaps can derail a vacation or business trip as quickly as lost luggage. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines mishandled nearly 2.8 million bags in 2023 alone. While airlines have improved their tracking systems, savvy travelers are taking matters into their own hands using personal tracking devices like Apple AirTags and GPS trackers.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about tracking your luggage, helping you choose the right solution, and using it effectively when your bags go astray.

Why Track Your Luggage?

While airlines have their baggage tracking systems, these have limitations. Airline systems only track bags to their last scanned location, and updates can come infrequently or after long delays. The information provided to passengers can be vague, and customer service may be difficult to reach during peak travel times.

Personal tracking devices give you real-time information about your bag’s location, usually with remarkable precision. This knowledge gives you peace of mind and can dramatically speed up recovery when things go wrong. Having your own tracker puts you in control of the situation rather than leaving you utterly dependent on airline systems.

AirTags vs. GPS Trackers: Which Should You Choose?

The two main options for luggage tracking are Bluetooth-based trackers (like Apple AirTags) and GPS trackers. Each has distinct advantages and limitations that make them suitable for different travelers.

Apple AirTags and Similar Bluetooth Trackers

AirTags use Bluetooth to communicate with nearby Apple devices. When your luggage with an AirTag moves within range of any iPhone in Apple’s vast network, the location is updated anonymously and securely. This crowdsourced approach leverages the millions of Apple devices worldwide to help you locate your belongings.

One of the best advantages of AirTags is that they don’t require monthly subscription fees. They also have an impressive battery life of about one year, and their compact, lightweight design makes them easy to slip into any luggage pocket. Their location data is very accurate in populated areas where Apple devices are common.

At about $30 per tag, AirTags are relatively affordable, especially considering they require no ongoing fees. They’re exceptionally easy to set up and use with Apple devices, making them accessible even for less tech-savvy travelers.

AirTags do have limitations, however. They require Apple’s Find My network and work best with iOS devices. You only get location updates when the tag comes near other Apple devices, which may be less effective in remote areas with fewer Apple users. They’re not ideal for real-time tracking of items in motion, and Android users will find their functionality limited, though third-party apps can help bridge this gap.

Similar options like Tile trackers and Samsung SmartTags operate on comparable principles but use their own networks. These can be good alternatives for non-Apple users who still want the benefits of Bluetooth tracking.

GPS Trackers

GPS trackers use satellite positioning and cellular networks to determine and report location independently without relying on other users’ devices. This makes them more versatile, particularly for travelers venturing off the beaten path.

The primary advantage of GPS trackers is that they work anywhere with cellular coverage, regardless of nearby devices. They provide real-time location updates and frequently include features like geofencing, which can alert you when your luggage moves outside a designated area. Many GPS trackers work globally across multiple countries and are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Some even offer detailed travel history, allowing you to see the exact route of your luggage.

These advantages come with tradeoffs. GPS trackers are more expensive upfront, typically costing $50+ for the device. Many also require monthly subscription fees ranging from $5 to $25 per month, adding to the long-term cost. The hardware tends to be larger and heavier than Bluetooth trackers due to their more sophisticated technology and bigger batteries.

Regarding batteries, GPS trackers generally have shorter battery life, with some needing recharging after just a few days of active use.

Popular options in the GPS tracker category include brands like Tracki, Jiobit, and LandAirSea, all of which have established reputations for reliability in the travel market.

How to Implement Luggage Tracking

Before Your Trip

Test your tracker before departure—that’s an essential step many travelers skip:

• Make sure your device is activated correctly and paired with your phone.
• Check that the battery is full or new, depending on the type of tracker you’re using.
• Verify that the tracking app is installed correctly on your phone and functioning as expected. A quick test around your home or neighborhood can confirm everything works properly.

When you’re ready to go, place the tracker in an inner pocket of your luggage rather than the outer compartment to prevent it from being easily removed or damaged during handling. Some travelers prefer using multiple trackers for extra security, placing one in a visible location and another hidden deeper in the luggage. Whatever spot you choose, secure it well so it doesn’t fall out during transport!

Remember to document your luggage in case it goes missing. Take clear, well-lit photos of your bags from multiple angles so airline staff can easily identify them. Note distinguishing features like unique tags, colorful straps, or other markings. Create a packing list with any important or valuable items in your bag, which can help with insurance claims if your luggage is lost permanently.

When Luggage Goes Missing

If your bags don’t appear on the carousel, your first step should be to file a report with the airline. This creates an official record and is required for any compensation you might be entitled to receive. Get a reference number for your missing bag claim and ask about their process for delivery once the bag is found. This official step is meant to protect your rights as a passenger and initiates the airline’s search procedures.

Once you’ve filed the report, check your tracking app to get an idea of your bag’s location. Take screenshots of the location as evidence—this can be helpful in discussions with airline staff and for ongoing documentation. Monitor the tracker for movement, which might indicate your bag is being processed or transported. This real-time information will give you an advantage in recovering your property quickly.

When sharing location information with airline staff, be strategic. Provide specific details about where your bag appears to be. If your tracker shows it’s still at the airport, mention which terminal or area it’s in so staff can narrow their search. If your tracker indicates your bag has gone to another city or address entirely, inform the airline immediately, which might imply a serious routing error.

Advanced Strategies for Better Luggage Security

Want to go beyond basic implementation with your GPS tracker? Setting up geofencing alerts can notify you immediately if your luggage leaves the airport without you or arrives at your hotel before you do. This feature is beneficial for detecting theft or misrouting early.

Battery management becomes important with GPS trackers during longer trips. Many devices offer low-power modes that can extend battery life when full tracking capabilities aren’t needed. Some travelers activate these power-saving features during routine parts of their journey and switch to full tracking only when actively searching for misplaced items.

A multiple-device strategy can provide redundancy and versatility. Some travelers use an AirTag for general location tracking and a GPS tracker for particularly valuable or critical items. This approach combines the affordability and battery life of Bluetooth trackers with the independence and reliability of GPS for essential gear.

Integration with flight tracking apps represents the cutting edge of luggage monitoring. Some advanced GPS trackers can be paired with flight information to correlate your bag’s journey with your flight path. This can quickly reveal if your luggage has been loaded onto the wrong aircraft or left behind during a connection.

And finally, registering your tag with the manufacturer creates another layer of security. Many tracking devices can be registered under your contact information, which helps with recovery if your luggage is found by someone else. This system works similarly to traditional luggage tags but adds a digital dimension to identification.

Privacy and Security Considerations

While trackers provide considerable peace of mind, they also raise important privacy and security considerations that responsible travelers should be aware of. Manufacturers like Apple have implemented anti-stalking features to prevent trackers from being used for unwanted tracking of people rather than objects. These safety measures help protect everyone but may occasionally limit tracking functionality in certain circumstances.

It’s worth noting that some airlines have policies regarding tracking devices in checked luggage, although these are rarely enforced in practice. If you’re concerned, check your carrier’s specific guidelines before travel. Generally, small consumer tracking devices are permitted in checked baggage without issue.

Battery safety is another consideration, particularly for international travelers. Devices with lithium batteries may face restrictions on some flights, though small trackers typically fall within accepted limits for both carry-on and checked luggage. If you use a larger GPS tracker with a substantial battery, verify that it complies with airline regulations.

Data privacy deserves attention when choosing a tracking service. Consider which companies can access your location data through the tracking service and review their privacy policies. Some services offer enhanced privacy features that limit data sharing or allow deletion of location history after a specified period.

Real-World Effectiveness

The value of personal luggage trackers isn’t theoretical—compelling real-world results back it, and many airlines have been adding AirTag tracking capabilities that allow passengers to share tag locations with customer service agents. The dramatic improvement in recovery time can save days of vacation or business travel.

Social media platforms contain countless stories of travelers directing airline staff to the exact location of their misplaced bags, often in storage rooms or incorrect sorting areas that might have taken days to search. Many travelers report that showing airline representatives the location on their phone resulted in immediate action rather than prolonged waiting and uncertainty. This can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major disruption to travel plans, especially for business travelers or those on short trips.

Which Tracker Is Right for You?

Choosing the right tracker depends on your specific travel patterns and priorities. AirTags or other Bluetooth trackers make the most sense if you primarily travel to populated areas and major cities where the crowdsourced network will function effectively. They’re particularly appealing if you already use an iPhone or compatible device and want an affordable option with no subscription fees. The excellent battery life and ease of use make them ideal for occasional travelers who value simplicity.

GPS trackers become the better choice if you frequently travel to remote areas or locations with fewer Apple or Android users where crowdsourced networks might have gaps in coverage. They’re also preferable if you need real-time tracking capabilities regardless of nearby devices. While they require subscription fees, their device-independent tracking offers greater reliability in challenging environments. Business travelers with mission-critical equipment or those heading to isolated destinations often find this additional security worth the investment.

For most leisure travelers, an Apple AirTag (or equivalent for Android users) offers the best cost, convenience, and functionality balance. The widespread adoption of compatible devices in tourist areas and major transportation hubs means coverage is generally excellent where most people travel. The one-time purchase price and lack of subscription fees add to their appeal for occasional use.

Regardless of which option you choose, the peace of mind that comes from knowing where your luggage is located transforms the lost baggage experience from helpless waiting to proactive problem-solving. Rather than relying solely on airline systems and hoping for the best, you gain a measure of control over a situation that typically leaves travelers feeling powerless. That confidence alone makes personal luggage tracking one of the smartest investments in travel security available today.

About the Author

Mike is a writer who researches and shares actionable advice around travel lifestyle, finance, and personal growth. He loves any trip where he can explore the great outdoors, and believes everyone should be able to experience travel for personal development and fulfillment. Read his other articles on Frayed Passport here.

Featured image by Jonas Elia on Unsplash