Luggage Trackers - Bluetooth vs GPS Who Has Used Them?

[M McDindi]

I've traveled all over the world both during my military career and civilian life. I've been very, very fortunate in that luggage has only gone missing/delayed just a few times and luggage broken into and just very minor items taken only twice (both in Jberg). Was always found caught up with me within a day or two. I've been thinking about using/trying some some luggage tagging devices. Know they do nothing for theft from within the bags but thinking they may add a level of comfort. I will say the Delta baggage tracking within their Delta phone app has been very good the last few years. I did do a search here and found several threads that included trackers but no consolidated/dedicated thread about them.

I know there are basically two general technologies - Bluetooth trackers and GPS based trackers. Bluetooth examples are Apple Airtags and Tile etc. and GPS based Tracki and LandAirSea 54 etc. The on-line research I've done shows both have strong and week points. All Bluetooth based trackers rely on the short range limits of a few hundred feet between the tracking device and an active Bluetooth signal on either your phone or it's relayed to your phone by other like phones with the same Bluetooth tracking device. Some of these, once purchased and activated work for "free" and others charge a fee for basic service or premium service. The battery life on these devices all seem very very good and the manufactures all claim 6-moth or one year or more between recharges or cheap CR size replacement batteries.

The big limitation I see is the short range signal of Bluetooth and the needed reliance on other similar phones or phones running the same device app and devices to relay tracking device locations. Think how likely is it that a baggage person in the bowls of the cargo/baggage area in Jberg having an iPhone on and it's Bluetooth enabled etc. Even lesser so for Android based/compatible tracking devices.

The GPS trackers are pretty much stand alone once you have the tracking device. The device does require either a monthly or recurring fee for use. While reception of the GPS signal to the device is free, fee covers the cost of GSM cell phone tower access the device uses to transmit it's location back to your phone. Several Tech Support people of these devices I spoke to on the phone have said that as long as the tracking device can get either GPS and GSM phone signal or just WiFi signal they will transmit data to your phone. They are able to triangulate it's location on cell towers and WiFi. They claimed that even if the WiFi routers require User Id's and log-ins to access, the devices use specific always open ports to send/receive location data. Couple of downsides I see with these is they all have significantly shorter battery life of from a few days to a few weeks and each device has to have a separate monthly service fee. They seem nominal at $20-$30 per device per month.

All that said, here are my general questions for those who actually use them:

1. Which type - Bluetooth or GPS

2. What brand?

3. How did/do you like them

4. Any Pros/Cons you'd like to share.

One trick I learned early on is EVERY TIME before I board a flight I ALWAYS check with the agents at the gate, show them my baggage claim stubs with tracking numbers and ask them to confirm the bags are on the manifests. ESPECIALLY rifle cases and bags with checked ammo or the separately checked ammo case. IF it's on the manifest next to my name the get loaded. That's why I'm on the fence about electronic tracking tags.

 

[ILDRHNTR]

@M McDindi , we recently returned from SA and utilized 4 AirTags. I went this route based on a good friend’s recommendation. I did wait until the last minute but finally bit the bullet for piece of mind. We flew Chicago - London - JBurg - Port Elizabeth. What I experienced (similar to others comments on here) is that there is a bit of delay in the update. I am guessing it is due to exactly what you mentioned- no Bluetooth device nearby. That being said, I was able to track our checked bag, gun case, ammo case, and my carryon throughout the entire trip. Bring our first trip with guns, I became worried in Chicago when we were literally 15 mins from boarding and the guns and ammo still showed as not having been brought to the plane. I went to the gate counter and explained the situation to the desk clerk, showing them the AirTag locations on the app. They assured me the guns would be on the plane as that is the last thing loaded and the first thing off the plane. Sure enough, right before we boarded, they showed up. I would definitely recommend them for the budget conscious person. I have no experience with the GPS models but would expect they would be even better, just at a higher cost.
BTW- I even used the app to locate my guns in the customs offices throughout the flight. Followed the tags right to the proper location.
I would say either should work just fine.

 

[DLSJR]

I use Air Tags and like how they work. They’re not fool proof, but pretty damn good.

 

[baxterb]

The big limitation I see is the short range signal of Bluetooth and the needed reliance on other similar phones or phones running the same device app and devices to relay tracking device locations. Think how likely is it that a baggage person in the bowls of the cargo/baggage area in Jberg having an iPhone on and it's Bluetooth enabled etc. Even lesser so for Android based/compatible tracking devices.

I've not used them but know a lot of people who have and their experience is remarkable. I think you underestimate the number of iphones out there. And notice how many people have those damn earpods stuck in their ears all the time. I'd bet bluetooth is on 95% or more of phones. It takes a deliberate act to turn it off and most people just don't care.

 

[Dan458]

I’ve used AirTags for my last 2 trips to Africa with great results. Most recent trip the airline left our bags in Australia. Lodged a missing bag report but never heard anything. It was only that the AirTags showed me they arrived in Joburg 4 days later. Fortunately my PH had dealt with the third party baggage service before. Using the AirTags we located the bags in the store room and talked our way through. Seriously doubt we would have seen them again otherwise

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

In the last 6 months we have used the Apple Air Tags in the USA, RSA & Zimbabwe the tags worked flawlessly. In one case a rifle went from BYO. airport to a police station safe, eventually to the broker then dealer. Each time the rifle case moved we knew exactly where the case was located. I was skeptical, but I am sold now.

Lon

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

For the Apple Air Tags, every Apple device is a "repeater" that retransmits Air Tag location information to the next, then the next, then the next Apple device. Only cranky old bXstards like me resist using Apple devices. Apple is like an virus that spreads from one user to another. If simpler terms, there are Apple devices EVERYWHERE!

We used Air Tags in 2022 from the USA to OR Tambo, then to the Kalahari, then on to Limpopo. Never did either my wife or my PH (remember the Apple virus infects all but cranky old...) not know where my gun case or suitcases were.

 

[Flipper Dude]

Used 5 AirTags on last trip to Zim. Works great. As a matter of fact, I can see one bag sitting still at O R Tambo, where it has been sitting since June 25. You might think that Delta could just walk somebody over there and send it on back to Houston, but you’d be wrong. Guess they’d rather pay the $1700 or so for lost luggage.

 

[Philip Glass]

This is a great subject to discuss. Bags don't get lost all that often yet we all stress about it when departing in an international trip. I really like the Delta app and its luggage tracking feature. I remember a few years back sitting in ATL and stressing about my luggage. I asked the gate agent if she could confirm my bags were loaded. She was quite busy and in a very matter of fact manner, although not unkind in any way, asked if I had the app. I said yes and she replied "you have the same information I do". I have relied on their app since then. Other airlines are catching up but Delta is always a step ahead. Now the luggage tracker shows a map of where you bags are!
After a few years of traveling AA-Qatar where the baggage tracking does not work because I checked in with AA and the info does not translate to Qatar's baggage tracker on their app I decided to look into my options. Last year one of my hunters used Air Tags and explained to me how they work so I decided to get some. They are simple, easy, and cheap. However I still don't know how to find an AirTag location on my phone unless it comes up as an alert.
There is always an iPhone around somewhere no matter where in the world you are. So the fear of it not working is unfounded.
As a lover of all things Pelican I had to have the Pelican AirTag holders!
Regards,
Philip

 

[mdwest]

Just bought a bunch of the android version of the trackers for use in SA (to be left here with the outfitter)… the thought behind going the android route was the android is much more common than apple in SA… so that if tracking something in country was needed, it would be much more likely that the tracker could find and ping an android tablet or phone than an apple, and therefore be more reliable/capable…

The ones selected were very inexpensive ($25 each delivered) and had 12k+ positive reviews..

For my own luggage and items I’ll probably go with the apple air tag since the apple dominates the US market and has plenty of presence in most of the rest of the world, especially around hotels, airports, etc in the more developed countries…

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

ust bought a bunch of the android version of the trackers for use in SA (to be left here with the outfitter)… the thought behind going the android route was the android is much more common than apple in SA

@mdwest please provide the source and make & model of the Android trackers that you bought.

I know that Google was working on this technology... Being an anti-sheep, I am interested!

The Apple devices have a head start since all Apple devices have an extra chip for repeating other devices' locations.

 

[HookMeUpII]

Air Tag. Zero complaints. Just keep in mind if your bag is far away and no one with an Apple product is around it, it looks like it hasn't moved. Ironically enough, we tracked are bags better in RSA than we did in EWR airport.

 

[mdwest]

@mdwest please provide the source and make & model of the Android trackers that you bought.

I know that Google was working on this technology... Being an anti-sheep, I am interested!

The Apple devices have a head start since all Apple devices have an extra chip for repeating other devices' locations.

Tile

Tile eCommerce

www.tile.com

You can buy them in 1,2, or 4 packs on Amazon.. they also make a “pro” and a “slim” version..

 

[Flipper Dude]

 

[RLL]

This is a great subject to discuss. Bags don't get lost all that often yet we all stress about it when departing in an international trip. I really like the Delta app and its luggage tracking feature. I remember a few years back sitting in ATL and stressing about my luggage. I asked the gate agent if she could confirm my bags were loaded. She was quite busy and in a very matter of fact manner, although not unkind in any way, asked if I had the app. I said yes and she replied "you have the same information I do". I have relied on their app since then. Other airlines are catching up but Delta is always a step ahead. Now the luggage tracker shows a map of where you bags are!
After a few years of traveling AA-Qatar where the baggage tracking does not work because I checked in with AA and the info does not translate to Qatar's baggage tracker on their app I decided to look into my options. Last year one of my hunters used Air Tags and explained to me how they work so I decided to get some. They are simple, easy, and cheap. However I still don't know how to find an AirTag location on my phone unless it comes up as an alert.
There is always an iPhone around somewhere no matter where in the world you are. So the fear of it not working is unfounded.
As a lover of all things Pelican I had to have the Pelican AirTag holders!
Regards,
Philip

2 steps to check with iPhone- Search or swipe to the Find My app.

Then press items. Voila.

 

[Sourdough]

Air tags. I've got a bunch of them. My laptop bag has one. My truck has one. All my gun cases and luggage bags have one. Last year I put my truck (Air Tag) with a UHaul trailer (Air Tag) containing a bunch of my firearms (Air Tag) on a barge in Anchorage shipping it to Seattle while we flew commercially with our Air Tagged luggage to Seattle. While sitting in an AirB&B waiting for the barge to arrive we were able to keep track of where the truck and trailer (and firearms) were, presumedly as a crew member walked the barge ensuring everything was still secure and/or off/on loading at ports along the way. Pretty cool. And yes, they worked great in South Africa earlier this year.

 

[Boyd Brooks]

I use Apple air tags for more than just luggage. I carry one in my Can-Am when riding in the desert, not always cell service. In case something happens, someone knows where to look. I also have one on my deaf dog’s collar, if she gets out for a walk about, I can locate her quickly.

 

[Red Leg]

Air Tags - We have used them for all our travel for a couple of years now. Very comforting situational awareness tool that works exactly as advertised.

Though some of you curmudgeons will have to get rid of your flip phones.

 

[wesheltonj]

AirTag user. They work great most of the time. Sometimes, they don't make an connection when all my other Airtag's do. They stressful when you App says its still at your last arirport, but then your bag arrives, stress is gone. The tracking on "Find My" is very close to the exact location.

 

[wyosteve]

Same as others. I used AirTags on my recent Alaskan trip. Gave me peace of mind because I could see my bag and rifle case made it onto the plane and could see when the gun case was at the oversized bag area ready for pick up.