It’s a traveller’s nightmare: you’ve landed at your vacation spot, however your suitcase hasn’t. Unfortunately, it’s a typical grievance for frequent fliers, though the excellent news is that points with misplaced circumstances are down from their peak in 2022. Still, a latest SITA Baggage Insights Report exhibits that as of early 2025, the worldwide baggage mishandling charge is roughly 7.6 luggage per 1,000 passengers, with Europe the worst-performing area at 12.3 mishandled luggage per 1,000 passengers.
Before you panic, although, there are methods to scale back the trouble – beginning with a luggage tracker. These mini devices use Bluetooth, or generally GPS, to hyperlink to your cellphone, permitting you to maintain tabs in your case’s location always. While they gained’t cease an airline from misplacing your suitcase, having a transparent thought of the place it’s if you land means you’ll be able to assist airline workers find it extra shortly.
Take it from our author Rachel Chang, who misplaced her luggage regardless of the airline’s monitoring app insisting it had arrived at Heathrow. In actuality, it was nonetheless sitting in New Jersey, leaving her with out her belongings for 3 days. A luggage tracker like an Apple AirTag or comparable might have spared her the back-and-forth with the airline – and saved the beginning of her journey from pointless stress.
Even when it’s not misplaced, it may be helpful to trace your case in lesser conditions – like if you need to see whether or not your suitcase has made it off the aircraft and to the conveyor belt but, to gauge whether or not you’ve time to nip to the bathroom with any little ones earlier than it arrives.
You may discover that they’ve utility past the airport, too. Pop one in your automotive’s glove compartment earlier than a trip so you’ll be able to shortly discover it in the automotive park if you return. Many will be clipped onto a keyring, serving to you keep away from shedding your keys, they usually’re sufficiently small to tuck right into a purse or pockets. Just ensure you verify compatibility together with your cellphone’s working system earlier than shopping for – some work solely with Android, whereas others are designed for iOS.
Below, we’ve rounded up the most effective luggage trackers to purchase in 2026, tried and examined by our jetsetting editors.
The greatest luggage trackers to purchase now
Apple’s AirTag integrates seamlessly with the Find My app, so you’ll be able to verify the placement of your belongings out of your iPhone and Apple Watch. Updates to the unique embrace a louder speaker and upgraded Ultra Wideband, that means it’s simpler to search out your stuff from additional than ever earlier than, and there’s a location sharing characteristic for reassurance when family members are away – with solely authorised customers in a position to see the place the tag is for extra security. It has a powerful battery lifetime of over a 12 months, and a extra sustainable design comprised of 85 per cent recycled plastic in the enclosure and 100% fibre-based packaging. Overall, it’s the plain alternative for iOS customers.
Compatible with: Apple iOS
This iOS and Android-compatible tracker is as slim as a bank card, permitting it to fit neatly inside your luggage tag. It has a three-year battery life, in comparability to Apple’s one 12 months, however notice that the battery isn’t replaceable. There are a number of helpful options, together with a QR code together with your contact info to assist reunite you must you lose your case, a loud ring perform that can assist you pinpoint your luggage when close by, and it’s not locked to 1 system, so you’ll be able to share it with family members. There’s additionally a button that’ll make your cellphone ring when inside the Bluetooth vary, even on silent mode.
Compatible with: Android and Apple iOS
Editor evaluate: “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 hugely eased my mind to see that the tracker’s most recent location was our current airport. The app is free and easy to set up, but for super-precise location history, there’s a monthly fee. However, for basic usage, the free version works great.” Jessica Rach, Global Content Planning Manager
ATUVOS Luggage Tracker, 2 pack
ATUVOS is without doubt one of the most cost-effective choices available on the market, permitting you to trace luggage inside a 200-foot Bluetooth vary – or additional must you join it to a close-by Find My account on one other Apple system. It has left behind alerts, so that you’ll by no means go away your bag in a restaurant, plus anti-tracking safety for enhanced security whereas travelling alone. It has an IP67 waterproof ranking and a year-long battery life. Overall, it’s a sturdy, travel-friendly possibility at a worth level that everybody will love.
Compatible with: Apple iOS
Eufy’s SmartTrack Link is one other cheap possibility at below £20, and it really works with Apple’s Find My community, making it simple to find objects globally by way of iOS units. It has a chime that may aid you discover your cellphone, even when it’s on silent (which everybody’s is on a regular basis nowadays), and sends left behind alerts when it recognises you’ve left the home with out it. Eufy’s Security app lets others know the placement of your tag, too, must you want to share. It’s water resistant, has a battery lifetime of as much as a 12 months earlier than needing alternative.
Compatible with: Apple iOS
Tile by Life360 (single tracker)
Tile’s tracker pairs with the Life360 app to assist find on a regular basis necessities, from keys to luggage, with a helpful gap to permit you to add it to your keyring. It’s water-proof, has a 350-foot Bluetooth vary, and a powerful three years of battery life – by far the longest in our round-up – so it’s constructed for longevity. Added SOS alerts and phone-finding options make it particularly helpful for households and solo travellers alike.
Compatible with: Android and Apple iOS
Tile by Life360 (multi-pack)
This pack of 4 trackers in a variety of sizes is a perfect purchase for households and frequent travellers, providing these particularly suited to keys, luggage and extra. Working by way of the Life360 app, every system can ring, find objects or set off SOS alerts. They have Tile’s 350-foot vary, lengthy battery life and water resistance, plus the protection options, making this a flexible, cost-effective bundle that might make a helpful present in your favorite jetsetter.
Compatible with: Android and Apple iOS
This story was initially revealed on Condé Nast Traveller UK