Air travel can be unpredictable. Flights get delayed, connections get tight, and sometimes your checked bag doesn’t make it to the carousel when you do. That’s why a Bluetooth tracker has become one of those tiny travel accessories that can make a big difference.
Small enough to slip inside a suitcase, attach to your keys, or tuck into a wallet, Bluetooth trackers make it easier to keep tabs on your belongings throughout your trip. And the technology has gotten even more travel-friendly. Some trackers now let you securely share the location of a delayed or misplaced bag with participating airlines, giving their baggage teams another tool to help track it down.
Just keep in mind that not every tracker works with every phone or tracking network, so the best option for you will depend on the devices you use.
Here are some of the best Bluetooth trackers to consider for your next trip, whether you’re keeping tabs on a checked suitcase, carry-on, keys, or other travel essentials.
Apple AirTag
For Apple users, the Apple AirTag is a natural choice. The AirTag’s sleek design, wide tracking reach, and extensive line of accessories put this tracker at the top of our list.
This tag works alongside Apple’s Find My app and can give you detailed directions to your misplaced possession, whether you left it at the gate or it ended up lost in transit.
Tile Pro
If you’re tired of standing at baggage claim anxiously wondering when yours will show up, stick a Tile Pro in your luggage. When your bag gets close, the gray circle in your Tile app will turn green, letting you know it’s time to make your way to the carousel to pick it up. Tile is ideal for someone looking for a tracking device compatible with both Android and Apple devices that also has a variety of options to choose from, such as a sticker version to attach to smoother surfaces like a laptop and a slim version that you can easily slip in your passport holder or wallet.
Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag
The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag works with SmartThings Find, which is exclusively available on Samsung Galaxy devices. This tag’s sleek design and accessibility make this a top choice for Samsung users who want to keep an eye on their personal items. The SmartTag lets you turn off lights remotely when you realize, en route to the airport, you may have forgotten to do so. You can also use Samsung SmartTags to control various smart home devices – like the TV or AC – with just a single click from wherever you are in the world.
Travel smart
Tracking where your luggage is heading thanks to these devices – from dropping it off at check-in to (fingers crossed) arriving at baggage claim – has become somewhat of a must this season. Use these to keep an eye on your luggage and let Faye worry about the rest.
These gadgets are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with the products. This post is meant to give you ideas and inspiration on how to track your luggage while traveling.
Frequently asked questions
How do Bluetooth trackers actually work?
Most luggage trackers don’t have GPS built in. Instead, they use Bluetooth to connect with nearby phones and devices that are part of a crowdsourced network, such as Apple’s Find My, Google’s Find Hub, or Samsung’s Galaxy Find Network. If your tracker is outside your phone’s Bluetooth range, another compatible device that passes nearby can securely update its location on the network.
Will a tracker reliably locate my checked luggage during a flight?
Not continuously. Bluetooth trackers depend on nearby compatible devices to report their location, so you may not see live updates while your suitcase is in the plane’s cargo hold or somewhere without participating devices nearby. Once the bag reaches a busy area like an airport, its location is more likely to update. Some tracking networks also let you securely share a missing bag’s location with participating airlines to help with recovery.
How long do luggage tracker batteries last?
It depends on the tracker. Many use small replaceable coin-cell batteries that can last a year or longer, while others have rechargeable batteries. For example, Samsung says its Galaxy SmartTag2 can last up to 500 days under typical conditions. Check your tracker’s battery level before a trip and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging or replacement.
Are there privacy or anti-stalking protections for Bluetooth trackers?
Yes. Major tracking networks have introduced protections designed to prevent trackers from being used to follow someone without their knowledge. Android, for example, can automatically alert you when a compatible unknown Bluetooth tracker appears to be traveling with you, including Apple AirTags. Users can also manually scan for nearby trackers and follow instructions for locating and disabling one they don’t recognize.
Can I put a Bluetooth tracker in my checked luggage?
Generally, yes, provided the tracker meets applicable battery requirements. The FAA allows baggage location trackers in checked bags when their lithium batteries fall within specific limits, including no more than 0.3 grams of lithium for lithium-metal batteries or 2.7 Wh for lithium-ion batteries. Airline and international rules can vary, though, so it’s always worth checking with your carrier before you fly.
What is a Bluetooth luggage tracker, and why should I use one?
A Bluetooth luggage tracker is a small device you place inside or attach to your suitcase so you can check its approximate location from your phone. It can be especially handy when a checked bag is delayed or misplaced, giving you another way to see where your belongings were last detected. Just remember that a tracker complements the airline’s baggage-tracking system, rather than replacing it.
Which phones and devices are luggage trackers compatible with?
Compatibility depends on the tracker. AirTags work within Apple’s Find My ecosystem, while Find Hub-compatible trackers from brands like Chipolo, Pebblebee, and Moto are designed for Android’s network. Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag2 requires a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet and uses SmartThings Find and the Galaxy Find Network. Before buying, check which network a tracker uses and whether it works with your phone.
Where should I put a tracker in my luggage?
You can place a tracker inside a secure pocket or compartment where it won’t easily fall out or get damaged. If you prefer attaching it to the bag, tracker holders, key rings, and luggage-tag-style cases can help keep it secure. For checked luggage, keeping it tucked safely inside your suitcase can also prevent it from being knocked off during baggage handling.
