Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!
The TFG community has been abuzz with tips and recommendations for luggage tracking devices and tags, and many now see them as an absolute must-have travel item. Find out why you need this travel accessory, and take a look at the top reader recommendations!
Best Luggage Tag Options for Travel
Table Of Contents
Air travel can, at times, be unpredictable, and with all the news of lost luggage and delayed or canceled flights, readers are taking matters into their own hands with travel luggage tags and trackers.
Why Travel with a Luggage Tag?
While cute luggage tags certainly spice up your suitcase’s look, they’re not always the most effective option if your bag were to get lost or stolen. Readers highly suggest putting a smart tag inside your suitcase so that you’ll always be able to track it with your phone and know exactly where it is.
You could also opt for a durable travel luggage tag to secure onto the outside of your suitcase, where you can include information for others to contact you with. Practical luggage tags will be made of durable materials like aluminum and provide a reliable way to write down your contact information. Some options even have QR codes for people to scan if they find your lost suitcase!
Many readers do both – use a smart tracker on the inside and a durable luggage bag tag on the outside.
How Does a Luggage Tracker Work?
Luggage trackers, or smart luggage tags, are a hot topic in the TFG community, and many readers can’t recommend them enough!
A luggage tracker is a small device that you link to your smartphone and then place inside your luggage (or on any item you want to keep track of). Then, through either GPS, Bluetooth, or Wifi, depending on the device, you can watch your suitcase be loaded onto the airplane, head to baggage claim, check in on it at your hotel, or be notified if it leaves your vicinity for whatever reason – all in real-time!
Because they’ve been such a lifesaver for readers who have lost their luggage and found it due to these devices, many now put them in their purses and other belongings, too, especially when traveling to places with a higher risk of theft or if it’s something they commonly misplace!
You’ll definitely want to be adding one of these reader favorites to your next packing list!
Best Luggage Trackers
Apple AirTags
This Apple luggage tracker is raved about by TFG readers. You simply connect it to the Find My app, and it’ll track any belonging with incredible precision – even if you’re on a different continent! As long as someone else’s iPhone is close to your AirTag, encrypted Bluetooth technology will help you track your belonging in the app.
You can also have the AirTag play a loud sound to find your bag in a sea of others or put it in lost mode to get notified of its location whenever it’s detected in the Find My network. As a bonus, it’s both water and dust-resistant, and the battery lasts over a year, so it’s perfect for long trips or just day-to-day use! Note that these are only compatible with Apple devices.
One reader raves, “I have a total of eight now. I have them on anything of value while traveling. Even bought a case with a slot for the AirTag for my AirPods. They are my number one must-have travel item now. Sometimes the 4-pack goes on sale!” Another says, “Buy. The. AirTags! A $27 purchase prevented me from losing over $600 in belongings.”
Keep them handy in a leather luggage tag keychain!
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag
For Samsung users, the Galaxy SmartTag is the one for you. Very similar to the Apple version, this luggage tracker tag will help you locate your items through the SmartThings app.
It’ll lead you right to your suitcase as long as it’s within 390 feet, or if it’s close by, you can use the ring button to follow the sound. If your bag is out of range, you can tap into the Galaxy Find network to track it! The battery lasts up to a year, depending on the frequency of use, and users say it’s easy to change.
A reader shares, “Last month, I successfully used four Samsung Galaxy SmartTags in two different airports in Europe to track my bags. I was able to see how one bag got separated from the others in Barcelona and watch it make its way to the plane after the others arrived. It works the same way as AirTags, just with Samsung devices to ping off of.”
We’ve put together a helpful guide to get you started on choosing the right travel luggage for your next trip!
Shop: Amazon | Best Buy | Target | Kohl’s
TilePro Travel Tags for Luggage (iOS and Android compatible)
The Tile luggage tracker is another popular pick that works with both iOS and Android devices. These cool luggage tags have a sleek look and a 400 ft Bluetooth range that offers precise tracking, and the Community Find option will help you pinpoint your item’s location when it’s far out of range with the help of any phone with a Tile app that’s close to your Tile!
They also have a QR code on them, so if it’s attached to your wallet or keys, others can simply scan the code to get your contact info. They’re water-resistant and have a solid battery life of one year.
A reader says, “Have used this for years. Pairs with Bluetooth on your phone. I have three Tiles, and each has a different ring with no interference. Great product for those, like me, who misplace keys constantly!”
If you’re on the lookout for a reliable soft side luggage for your next destination, check out these reader recommendations!
Shop: Amazon
ATUVOS Airport Luggage Tag
The Atuvos Bluetooth tracker for luggage is an excellent budget option with great reviews. Stash it in the inside of your suitcase or clip it to any important item to track it when it’s up to 400 ft away, or use the Find My app (on an iPhone) to view its most recent locations.
This Atuvos tracker is only compatible with Apple devices, and just like the AirTags, it can use any other Apple device in the vicinity of this tracker to let you know where your item is! It’s compact, durable, water-resistant, and has a loud and clear ring so you can find it easily when it’s nearby. The battery will easily last you a year, and it’ll remind you when it needs replacing.
A user says, “This thing is awesome! This gives timely ‘left behind’ alerts and has VERY reliable community find, given it has access to Apple’s Find My network. Will be buying more of these for sure.”
If you’re in the market for a hardside luggage, review these top reader recommendations!
Shop: Amazon
Pebblebee Tracking Device for Luggage
The Pebblebee Bluetooth luggage tag is another great pick for both iOS and Android users. It has an impressive Bluetooth range of 500 ft, but with the Pebblebee app or Find My network, your lost item can be tracked from any distance! It’s super compact, water-resistant, emits a loud buzzer to guide you to your items, and lasts up to six months before having to charge it again.
Users say it’s precise and really easy to use. A traveler shares, “Used it for my vacation luggage and felt confident! The app is super cool too.”
Shop: Amazon
Tracki GPS Luggage Tracker
Tracki’s mini GPS tracker for luggage is incredibly accurate and will show you every single location it’s been to and exactly where it is in real-time, no matter the distance. An international SIM card is included, so even if it’s in another country, you’ll know exactly where your Tracki is. The one caveat is that there’s a $10-$20 monthly fee, but users say it’s worth it for the peace of mind — plus, you can always deactivate it whenever you’re not traveling.
The battery will last anywhere from five days to 75 days, depending on whether you’re tracking consistently or only occasionally. You can also choose to be notified when the tracker starts to move, there’s low battery, an SOS button is pressed, or it enters or leaves a Geo-fence that you’ve set!
A traveler reports, “I used this luggage GPS tracker on my trip to Iceland and the device worked well. I was able to track it at the connecting airport in the US and final destination both ways without issues. Had no issues leaving this on for 24 hours plus. Overall would recommend this device to track checked luggage.”
Shop Amazon: Chipolo One | Chipolo Spot
Chipolo One & One Spot Airport Luggage Tags
The Chipolo ONE and Chipolo ONE Spot trackers will show you your suitcase’s location on a map when it’s out of Bluetooth range, which is 200 ft, and can ring to help you spot it when it is in range! Many users compare them to the Apple Airtags, saying they’re a bit less expensive, a little louder, and have a keyring hole built in.
Chipolo ONE uses the Chipolo app, which is compatible with both Apple and Android devices, while the Chipolo ONE Spot uses the Find My app, which is only compatible with Apple devices. Both of them are sturdy, water resistant, and have a long battery life that lasts up to a year. Another really great feature is that if you ever misplace your phone, you can double press the Chipolo to ring it!
A user shares, “This makes a loud beeping noise to locate and works very well with the Find Me app on iOS. I tested this out with my luggage to track down where it was after landing and was easily able to locate it.”
Discover the best luggage brands for travel and why travel experts love them!
Best Luggage ID Tags
Shop: Amazon
Dynotag Sentry Series Solid Metal Luggage ID Tag
It’s always a good idea to have a luggage tag outside of your suitcase just in case it gets misplaced during your travels. ID tags for luggage also make it easier for you to identify your bag, among many others!
Dynotag’s unique luggage tags include this SuperTag ID, which features a custom QR code that’ll bring up your contact information when someone scans it. The luggage tag strap is made of steel, and the tag is made of aluminum, so you can rest assured that it’s not going anywhere! While you can’t track this luggage tag remotely, you’ll be automatically notified via email whenever the tag is scanned with the IP address and location that it was scanned from.
A traveler says, “I really like this concept of smart ID tags where I could update the address at my destination from my phone. If my bags miss the connections, I have one less thing to worry about while rushing from one gate to another!”
Shop: Amazon
Dynotag Smart Recovery Luggage ID Tags
This Smart Recovery Tag is another cool luggage tag option to keep your suitcase secure, as well as a host of others things you might misplace. It features a customizable QR code that luggage handlers or good samaritans can scan to contact you, and just like the previous DynoTag, you’ll be notified of the scanner’s IP address and location via email.
There’s also a web address for people who don’t have a smartphone. Readers love luggage tags like these because they don’t require batteries, Bluetooth, or any apps, so they’re easy for anyone to use and incredibly dependable!
One user shares more, “I like the idea that only someone who really has a ‘need to know (that is, who has found and wants to return something I’ve lost!) can see my contact data. We’ll be using them on luggage as well as on our keys. I really like that these tiny tags will stay neat, new-looking, and unobtrusive. And I love the idea that I can easily alter my info on their website anytime I like. Well worth the modest price!”
Check out TFG readers’ recommendations for the most functional & durable luggage sets that fit any budget!
Shop: Amazon
Ovener Aluminum Metal Luggage Tags
If you want to keep things simple and classic, these Ovener aluminum luggage tags get the job done! With these tags, you just write your info directly onto the inner blank luggage tag and then slide it into the cover. It’ll only show your name for easy identification and hide all of your other information.
And with their stainless steel luggage tag straps and aluminum covers, they’re built to last!
One traveler reports, “I love that these tags keep your information private, and the bright colors helped me identify my luggage quickly! They were much more durable than I expected—they made it through 10 days of travel through four countries in Europe on planes, trains, taxis, and tour busses.”
Best GPS Luggage Tracker and Tags Comparison Chart
[wpsm_comparison_table id=”424″ class=”center-table-align”]
What do you think is the best luggage tracker or luggage tag? Share your picks in the comments below!
For more luggage tips, please read:
- Best Luggage Scale Reviews to Help You Choose the Right One
- Discover the Best Purse Organizer for Your In-Flight Personal Item
- Best Camera Bags for Women to Always be Ready for Epic Travel Photos
- What Exactly Is a Carry-On Personal Item?
LIKE THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!
We hope you liked this post on the best luggage tracking devices and tags. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
I started putting an Air Tag in my luggage for the first time this year. I have been carry on only for decades now. However, you never know if suddenly the overhead bins are full and they insist on checking your bag! Now they cannot say they don’t know where your bag is when you deplane. Air Tag to the rescue! I also recently changed my luggage tag to one that has a metal cord. No flimsy strap that accidentally gets pulled off! Thanks for all the ways we can better keep track of our luggage!
Love my airtags! I have 5 now (gave the other 3 to my daughter). I store the battery in its case (on Amazon) so I have fresh batteries when I’m ready to travel.
Hi, great overview! I was wondering whether to place my Apple AirTag in my checked-in luggage, however what always stopped me was the fear that it has a battery, and all batteries are prohibited in the checked-in luggage, due to fire safety. Are the trackers than exempt from this rule? Thank you!
Hi Eva, that’s a great question. Lots of our readers have traveled with their apple AirTags in their checked luggage and no one has reported back that they’ve had any issues.
But to get the best advice we would also recommend checking directly with your airline.
Happy travels!
If it’s a lithium ion battery then no, you can’t leave it in your checked luggage–lithium ions are the batteries that can start a fire. If it’s not, you’re OK. I have to remove the lithium battery from the charger on my Away suitcase. But definitely check with your airline!