Summer 2023 is officially in full swing. Once again, the fear of an airline misplacing your luggage and traveling without your bags for part, or all, of your trip is a real concern. Now, travelers are taking actions into their own hands as much as they can by purchasing tracking devices like AirTags and Tiles to track their bags, so they know where the bags are in case the airline doesn’t.
In this blog, I’ll share how to effectively use AirTags and Tiles to best track your luggage right from the second you hand over your baggage upon arriving at the airport.
Understanding the basics of AirTags and Tile technology: Both tracking devices use Bluetooth technology to help you locate your belongings. AirTags are specifically designed for Apple users, and Tiles are compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
Location, location, location: Before you embark on your journey, it’s essential to properly attach the tracking device to your luggage. Ideally, place it inside a pocket or a dedicated compartment where it won’t be easily detected or accidentally detached. For added security, consider using a small loop or zip tie to secure the device to your bag. This way, you can ensure it stays in place during transit.
Pairing the device before takeoff: To start tracking your luggage, you need to pair the tracking device with your smartphone or tablet. Install the respective application (Find My for AirTags or the Tile app) on your device, follow the on-screen instructions to connect the device, and create an account if required. Make sure to enable Bluetooth and grant the necessary permissions for the app to work effectively.
Personalizing and customizing: Both AirTags and Tiles allow you to personalize and customize your tracking experience. You can assign names, labels, or images to each device to easily identify your belongings. Additionally, some apps offer customization options to change the alert sound or adjust the range within which the device is considered “in range.” Exploring these features will greatly enhance your tracking capabilities and streamline the identification process.
Utilizing tracking features: AirTags and Tiles come equipped with advanced tracking features to help you locate your belongings efficiently. The most prominent feature is real-time location tracking, which allows you to view your luggage’s whereabouts on a map through the app. In case your luggage is out of range, the app records the last known location, which can be very valuable in giving you a starting point when dealing with lost or mishandled baggage.
Leveraging crowd-sourced network effects & assistance: Both products’ vast network of users allows you to notify users with a single in the vicinity of your tracked item. What that means is that this community-driven approach significantly increases the chances of recovering your belongings, as the more people who use AirTags and Tiles, the more useful the tracking technology becomes to each user.
Keep your devices charged: Ensure that your tracking devices are fully charged before your trip to avoid any inconvenience. Remember to regularly check the battery status of your device.
When / if the item is lost with an airline/airport: Be prepared to share screenshots of where the bag is and try to get a local airport representative live on the phone who is available to search for the bag with you. By talking to remote support teams, getting to the item may take much longer than desired due to long hold times and extensive back-and-forth communication.
A few most commonly tracked items while traveling: Luggage, backpacks, purses, passports, wallets, keys, musical instruments, cameras, children, and pets.
As much as airlines are promising to make investments in better baggage tracking solutions, the problem is still not solved. Protect yourself by following these key tips to ensure you can recover your lost bag as quickly as possible and get back to enjoying your trip.
Skyler Logsdon
CEO, Boomerang
