Best Luggage Trackers to Buy in 2024

It’s one of the worst-case scenarios when travelling: you’ve arrived at your destination, and your suitcase hasn’t. Sadly, it’s an increasingly common occurrence for frequent flyers, with the latest Air Consumer Travel Report from the Department of Transportation showing that nearly 238,000 bags were mishandled in May 2023, up about 45 percent from the same period last year.

However, there are ways to lessen the stress, including investing in a luggage tracker. These innovative devices work via Bluetooth or, less frequently, GPS, connecting to your phone so you can always see your case’s location. It won’t prevent the airline from misplacing your suitcase initially, but knowing exactly where it is when you land enables you to help the airline assist you as swiftly as possible.

For instance, when a traveler experienced luggage loss, the airline’s baggage tracking app assured them it had reached their destination. In reality, it was still halfway across the world, ultimately leaving them without luggage for three days before they were reunited. Consequently, by investing in a reliable tracker, travelers can avoid continuously calling the airline for updates, a situation that everyone can appreciate.

These trackers offer additional benefits too. For example, you could keep one in your car’s glovebox so that you can locate it effortlessly in the parking lot upon your return. Many can be attached to a keyring, reducing the chances of misplacing your keys. They are small enough to slip into a purse or wallet as well. Just be sure to check that the tracker is compatible with your phone’s operating system before purchasing—some are exclusive to Android or iOS.

Top Luggage Trackers for 2024

Here are our top luggage tracker recommendations that you should consider for 2024:

Tile Slim

This iOS and Android-compatible tracker is as slim as a credit card, allowing it to fit neatly inside your luggage tag. It boasts a three-year battery life—longer than many alternatives—but note that the battery isn’t replaceable. Features include a QR code with your contact information to help reunite you with your bag should it get lost, a loud ring function for pinpointing your luggage nearby, and shareable access across multiple devices. Additionally, there’s a button that will make your phone ring when within Bluetooth range, even if it’s on silent mode.

Editor review: “I recently took a long-haul flight to Bali and was anxious about my suitcase getting lost during our stopover. When we arrived in Singapore, it greatly eased my mind to see the tracker’s most recent location was at our current airport.” Jessica Rach, Global Content Planning Manager