HOLIDAYMAKERS have been warned against relying solely on tracking devices to make sure their luggage doesn’t get lost.
A lot of people now put GPS trackers in their checked luggage, so that they’re able to find it easily if it goes missing in transit.
AlamyPassengers often put GPS trackers in their suitcase to make sure it doesn’t go missing[/caption]
However, experts have warned that they aren’t foolproof and that even with them, things can still go wrong.
One of the main problems is that thieves now know to be on the lookout for the devices.
They will often go through bags and discard anything they recognise as a potential GPS device, leading passengers in the wrong direction.
That’s why the Seattle Times warned people that the tags won’t always prevent bags from going missing, after speaking to former Los Angeles Police Department detective Kevin Coffey and survival expert and tracking technology specialist Mike Millerson.
They said: “Luggage trackers are useful when your bags are misplaced. But they are not anti-theft devices.
“Luggage thieves are smart and can remove or disable the trackers while they’re pilfering your bags.
“So when you entrust an airline with your luggage, and it falls into the wrong hands, an AirTag will probably be useless.”
The experts’ advice, for anyone using a luggage tracker, is to use a less recognisable brand – that way any thieves might not recognise what it is if they’re rummaging through your luggage.
They also suggest avoiding pockets or compartments specifically designed to hold a GPS tracker, as this will make it much easier to find.
Instead, they recommend “unzipping the inner lining, and taping it under a flap of fabric”.
There are a few other ways you can make sure your luggage doesn’t go missing when you fly that don’t involve technology.
One of which is only flying with hand luggage and avoiding connections as much as possible.
Sun Online Travel’s resident flight attendant said they’re the two best ways passengers can increase their chances of getting their luggage safely to its destination.
They said: “Connections double the risk of your luggage going missing and it’s a real pain when that happens.
“Take direct flights if you can – even if it costs a bit more, I promise you it’s worth it.
“You’ll be grateful when you land that you don’t have another flight to catch and you won’t have to worry about your luggage going missing.
“Flying without checked luggage is probably the best way to minimise that risk.
“If you’re responsible for your luggage at every step of your trip – then you only have yourself to blame if it goes missing.
“Flying with only hand luggage also means you’re not queueing forever at baggage reclaim when you land. It’s a win-win situation.”
Meanwhile, this is how easy it is for thieves to break into suitcases.
And this is why you shouldn’t rely on padlocks to keep your luggage safe.
GettyPassengers have been warned that luggage trackers aren’t foolproof[/caption]