• With a GPS suitcase tracker, you can now home in on your suitcase’s location anywhere in the world.Most devices offer coverage in almost 126 countries and the number’s increasing.

• Luggage trackers are generally small, inconspicuous and handy devices. Just slip one into your bag and let the worries slip away, with the knowledge that your suitcase will never be truly ‘lost’ again.

• GPS luggage trackers send regular messages and alerts via the internet to your laptop, cellular phone or home phone to ensure that you stay updated on your luggage’s whereabouts.

• Luggage GPS allows you to set up safe zones and danger zones to ensure that you are alerted if any piece of luggage enters or leaves its intended location.These are designated ‘Geofences’ and immediately alert you if this radius is breached.

• Suitcase trackers have inbuilt accelerometers which allow you to set up Speed thresholds for your luggage is traveling. If a speed threshold is crossed, an alert is sent to you, prompting you to take action.

• In addition to misplaced luggage, you can also prevent theft and zero down on the bag’s location by using GPS trackers.

• Detect luggage sent to a different airport by changing destination settings. Trackers systems then scan luggage at that particular location and zero down on your missing belongings.

• GPS luggage trackers are waterproof and can function in damp environments.

• Luggage trackers are compatible with most cellular networks and work on all GSM/GPRS mobile networks.

• They are equipped with an easilyrechargeable battery with a life of up to 2 days

• To conserve battery life, luggage GPS lets you activate ‘Sleep Mode’ which transmits position signals only when movement is detected

The Challenges

• Sizes for GPS luggage trackers are varied. From tiny Oreo sized spheres, to their more bulky rectangular counterparts, there are no set sizes for luggage GPS devices. This can prove to be cumbersome as some devices tend to take up precious luggage space.

• Devices loaded with features such as waterproofing, extensive coverage and higher battery life have very high costs. Sometimes up to $500.

• GPS devices in luggage can have limited coverage in certain areas of the building such as in the basement of airports and even in certain countries such as Africa where coverage is not supported by relevant providers.

• Many GPS devices have limited battery power, with some lasting only up to 48 hours.

• GPS luggage trackers can sometimes raise security concerns at certain airports. You may be asked to turn them off in case they interfere with radio signals or even be asked to remove them if they are mistaken for foreign objects.

The Solution

• An industry standard size should be followed and costs made more even across different luggage GPS brands.

• Purchase devices with extra battery backup. Also try setting the device to sleep mode to conserve battery power.

• Ensure that your GPS device has coverage in the country you are travelling to before you make a purchase. Ensure that your GPS device does not depend on a cellular modem alone. This way you are more likely to receive a signal even if the luggage is in a basement location.
• Carrying relevant purchase documents may help explain the device to the authorities and ensuring that you get a smooth, uninterrupted journey.