If you’re checking a bag in 2025 and not using an AirTag, please stop while you’re behind and read on.
It’s time to admit that delays, cancellations and subsequent lost luggage are a part of travel. While I am firmly Team Carry-On for these reasons and more, I don’t judge those of you who prefer to check a bag.
But if you are going to check a bag, I highly recommend using AirTags to track it. I even made my parents purchase a few for their own travels.
You can buy a single AirTag for $29 or a four-pack for $99, though we typically see deals throughout the year. At the time of publication, a single AirTag was on sale on Amazon for $22.99 and a four-pack for $69.99.
As Apple devices, AirTags are only compatible with iPhones and other Apple devices, but non-Apple users can use AirTag alternatives, such as the Tile or Chipolo.
Apple users should ensure their operating system is iOS 14.5 or higher to enable precision tracking.
To enable an AirTag, you must first ensure your phone’s Bluetooth is turned on. To do this, go to “Settings,” navigate to “Bluetooth” and make sure the toggle is set to “On.”
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Especially when traveling, you may encounter some gaps in coverage, where your AirTag icon might temporarily change from a specific location to a blue circle covering a large section of the area where it is.
In other words, don’t expect your AirTag to deliver exact tracking of your bag as it moves around within an airport, for example. It’s common for an AirTag not to display real-time updates as it moves through the bowels of the luggage handling section of the airport. However, it would be reasonable to use the AirTag to try to find your luggage within a specific baggage claim area.
APPLE
If tracking becomes less precise and more intermittent, it’s likely that the AirTag is no longer within contact distance of an iPhone; the location will not update or provide specificity if there are no iPhones or other Apple devices within its Bluetooth range. In these instances, the Find My app will show you a “last updated” figure in minutes or hours to let you know how long it’s been since it was detected by the network.
If you hit the “Directions” button within the Find My app, the phone will take you to the mapping function. It will provide driving, walking or biking directions you can use to reunite with your AirTag, as well as an estimated time to get there.