Jazmin Li
Losing luggage at the airport is a common occurrence, especially with the recent rise in airport chaos and staff shortages. Luckily, there are many ways to track your luggage at the airport, both with and without technology. Using a luggage tracker, such as a Bluetooth or GPS device, is one of the most effective ways to keep an eye on your luggage. These devices can be placed inside or outside your luggage and allow you to monitor its location in real time using your mobile phone. Alternatively, you can use the airline's online tracking systems by entering your bag tag number or file reference number on their website or mobile app. To prevent luggage loss, you can also label your luggage with your name, address, phone number, and destination information, as well as remove old tags from previous flights to avoid confusion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Track luggage via | GPS, cellular network, or Bluetooth |
| Devices | PocketFinder Luggage Tracker, Trakdot, LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker, Tile Pro, Apple AirTag, Dynotag, LugLoc, Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, Life360's Tile |
| Other methods | Luggage tags, online baggage tracking, airline's counter, airline's website, baggage claim ticket |
| Preventive measures | Take direct flights, label luggage with name, address, cell phone number, and destination information, remove old tags, ensure the tag has the correct destination |
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What You'll Learn
Using a luggage tracker
The Tile Pro is a highly-rated tracker that uses Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone. It has a range of over 400 feet and can be located via an app. The app also features an 80-decibel alarm, which can be used to help you find your luggage in busy areas like the arrivals section of an airport. The Tile Pro is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and offers premium features with a subscription.
The Apple AirTag is another Bluetooth-enabled tracker that is durable and waterproof. It has a long battery life of over a year and is compatible with iOS devices.
The LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker is a GPS-based device that can be tracked via Google Maps. It offers a range of plans with location updates at different intervals, from every three seconds to every three minutes. This device is durable and waterproof, so you don't have to worry about it getting damaged.
The PocketFinder Luggage Tracker is another GPS-based option that displays information about your luggage on your smartphone. It can be set to shut down during flights to save battery power.
The Trakdot is a non-GPS device that emits a signal to determine its location. It operates on two alkaline AA batteries and can be used with any cell phone.
The Knog Scout Travel Smart Luggage Tag was praised for its constant and accurate tracking abilities. It is rechargeable and has a long battery life of up to four months. It is compatible with the "Find My" app, allowing you to regularly check the location of your luggage.
The Eufy SmartTrack is another highly accurate tracker that updates regularly, allowing you to follow your luggage from check-in to the carousel upon landing. It is small and discreet, fitting easily into any pocket. The SmartTrack Link pairs with iPhones and integrates with Apple's "Find My" app.
When choosing a luggage tracker, consider the type of travel you usually engage with. Bluetooth trackers work well in populated areas, while GPS trackers provide real-time updates regardless of Wi-Fi or cellular connections. Additionally, be sure to frequently check the battery life of your tracker and replace the batteries as needed.
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Airline's online tracking systems
Most airlines have implemented online tracking systems for luggage, which allow passengers to monitor their checked baggage throughout their journey. This development is in response to the increasing mishandling of baggage by airlines and airports, which has damaged their reputations.
IATA Resolution 753 on baggage tracking has made it mandatory for all airline members to track baggage at four points in the journey: check-in, loading onto the aircraft, transfer, and delivery to the passenger at arrival. Airlines can obtain Baggage Tracking certification, which demonstrates to customers that the airline follows best practices and meets the standard across these four areas. The certification process involves preparation and pre-assessment, where an auditor prepares an onsite audit checklist and requests additional data. This is followed by an assessment, where the assessor selects random flights to observe the baggage journey and tracking at the four touchpoints. They also examine the airline's ability to exchange baggage-handling data within its network and with subcontractors and interlining carriers.
Some airlines, such as Delta, allow passengers to track their checked baggage using a Bag Tag Number, Confirmation Number, or File Reference Number. Passengers can also use third-party luggage trackers, which are compatible with smartphones and require an additional app. These trackers can be placed discreetly inside pockets or suitcases and help locate baggage at the carousel or the airline's luggage office.
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Removing old tags
To ensure your luggage arrives with you at your destination, it is important to remove any old tags before your flight. Old tags can confuse baggage handlers, so make sure your luggage only has the current tag attached. The scanners that route bags beneath the airport send them to their destination based on the first barcode they scan. If there are multiple barcodes on your luggage, your bag could be sent to the wrong aircraft or kicked out for manual sorting, which can cause delays.
To avoid this, take a few minutes to peel off any old tags before you head to the airport. Even the smallest tags, often called "bingo tags", should be removed. The numbers on these tags are reused, so leaving them on your luggage could cause confusion and lead to your bag being misrouted.
In addition to removing old tags, you can also take other preventive measures to ensure your luggage doesn't get lost. Label your luggage, both inside and out, with your name, address, cell phone number, and destination information. This will make it easier for your luggage to be returned to you if it does go missing.
You can also invest in a luggage tracker, such as the Tile Pro Bluetooth Tracker, Apple AirTag, or PocketFinder Luggage Tracker, which use GPS or Bluetooth technology to help you trace your luggage's location. These devices are small and can be easily tucked into your wallet or placed inside your luggage. With a luggage tracker, you can quickly locate your bag via an app, even if it's outside of Bluetooth range.
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Using a brightly-coloured suitcase
However, it's important to note that while a brightly-coloured suitcase can help you spot your luggage, it may also attract thieves. To avoid this, consider adding a unique identifier to your suitcase, such as a ribbon, sticker, or colourful duct tape. This will help you spot your luggage while still remaining subtle.
In addition to choosing a brightly-coloured suitcase, there are several other steps you can take to track your luggage at the airport:
- Take a picture of your luggage before checking it, including any identifying features such as scratches or scrapes, and the baggage tag.
- Remove any old tags from previous flights to avoid confusing baggage handlers. Ensure the current tag has the correct destination airport code.
- Label your luggage, inside and out, with your name, address, cell phone number, and destination information.
- Use a luggage tracker, such as the Tile Pro Bluetooth Tracker or the Apple AirTag, which use GPS or Bluetooth technology to help you trace your luggage.
- Keep your baggage claim slip and provide multiple methods of contact, such as your cell phone number, email, and destination and home addresses.
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File a claim
If your luggage is missing, the first step is to file a missing baggage report at the airport. If you are no longer at the airport, contact the airline or use their website to report the problem. You will be given a file reference or confirmation number, which you should keep safe as you will need it to submit a claim.
If you were on a connecting itinerary and flying with multiple airlines, the claim must be filed with the operating carrier of your last flight, as this airline is ultimately responsible for delivering your bag to you.
If your bag is delayed, you should file a claim with the airline as soon as possible. Airlines are required to compensate passengers for reasonable, verifiable, and incidental expenses incurred while their bags are delayed, but there are maximum liability limits. If your bag is delayed, you may be able to claim for 'out of pocket expenses'.
If your bag is lost, the airline will typically give you a deadline by which they expect to have located your luggage. After this deadline has passed, you can file a claim for lost luggage. This process is more detailed and usually requires you to list everything that was in the bag, including purchase dates and even original receipts for items over a certain value.
If you are not satisfied with the airline's response, you can take your case to the small claims court within 2 years of the flight. However, this can be expensive and time-consuming, so you should only do this if you think your claim is worth the stress and time of going to court.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to track your luggage at the airport. You can use a luggage tracker, such as the Tile Pro, LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker, or PocketFinder Luggage Tracker, which use GPS or Bluetooth technology to allow you to always know where your bags are. You can also use a SuperSmart Tag, which has a unique ID code that allows airport staff to trace your luggage. Additionally, you can check with your airline's baggage office or use their online tracking system to track your luggage by entering your bag tag number or reference number.
If you can't find your luggage at the airport baggage claim, you should first verify the location of your bag by entering your information on the airline's website or mobile app. If your luggage is in another location within the airport, you can go there to collect it. If your luggage is in a different airport, contact your airline to arrange for it to be delivered to you. You may also need to file a claim with the airline attendant and provide details such as your name, contact information, flight information, and a description of your luggage.
To prevent your luggage from getting lost at the airport, you can take several precautions. First, try to take direct flights as most lost luggage occurs when bags are misdirected between flights or miss the plane due to short connection times. Second, ensure your luggage is labelled clearly with your name, address, cell phone number, and destination information, both inside and outside the bag. Finally, remove any old tags from previous flights to avoid confusing baggage handlers, and double-check that the current tag has the correct destination airport code.
If your luggage doesn't arrive on your flight, you should report it to the airline as soon as possible, usually within four hours of landing. Go to the airline's counter or customer service desk at the airport and provide them with your name, contact information, flight details, and a description of your luggage. They will help you file a claim and notify you when your luggage is found. Most airlines will declare luggage as lost after 5 to 14 days.
