AirTag for Luggage: Does It Actually Work?

I've been using AirTags in my checked luggage for over a year. Here's my honest experience — the good, the limitations, and whether it's worth the $35.

After one too many delayed bags and that sinking feeling of watching an empty carousel, I dropped an AirTag in my suitcase. A year and dozens of flights later, here's my verdict.

The Short Answer

Yes, it works. But with some important caveats.

An AirTag won't prevent your luggage from getting lost, and it won't make the airline find it faster. What it does is give you peace of mind and real-time information — which turns out to be incredibly valuable.

How AirTags Work (Quick Refresher)

AirTags don't have GPS or cellular. Instead, they use Bluetooth and piggyback on Apple's Find My network — the billion+ iPhones, iPads, and Macs out there.

When any Apple device passes near your AirTag, it anonymously relays the location to you. In airports and cities, this network is dense enough that updates come frequently.

Real-World Scenarios I've Experienced

The Reassurance Check

Most common use: plane lands, I open Find My while taxiing, and see my bag is already at the airport. Instant relief. No more anxiously watching the carousel wondering if my bag made the connection.

The Delayed Bag Alert

Flew Toronto → London with a tight connection in Montreal. Landed at Heathrow, checked Find My — bag was still in Montreal. I knew before reaching the carousel that I'd be filing a claim. Saved 45 minutes of waiting and hoping.

The "Where Is It Now" Tracking

When my bag was delayed, I could see it move: Montreal → Heathrow cargo area → delivery van → my hotel. I knew it was coming before the airline called.

The Limitation: No Updates Mid-Flight

AirTags need nearby Apple devices. In the cargo hold at 35,000 feet? No updates until you land. This is expected, but worth noting — you won't see real-time tracking during the flight itself.

The Limitation: Remote Airports

Small regional airports with fewer travelers = fewer Apple devices = less frequent updates. In major hubs like LAX, JFK, Heathrow? Updates every few minutes. In a small airport? Might be 30+ minutes between pings.

Where to Buy

Here are the options I recommend:

AirTag Single — Buy on Amazon — Best if you just need one for your main suitcase
AirTag 4-Pack — Buy on Amazon — Better value at ~$25 each. I use these for multiple bags.

You'll also want a holder to attach it securely:

Belkin AirTag Holder — Buy on Amazon — Durable, loops onto luggage handle
Spigen AirTag Case — Buy on Amazon — Slim keychain style
Elevation Lab TagVault — Buy on Amazon — Adhesive mount, sticks inside your bag (my preference)

Setup Tips

Put it inside the bag, not in a luggage tag. Tags can be ripped off, and some airlines have (incorrectly) claimed AirTags aren't allowed in checked bags — they are.
Enable Lost Mode before checking your bag if you want to be extra cautious.
Name it clearly — "Jay's Black Samsonite" is more useful than "AirTag 3".
Check the battery before trips. CR2032 batteries last about a year with normal use.

AirTag vs. Tile vs. SmartTag

I've tried them all. Here's the reality:

AirTag — Best network by far (1B+ devices). Most frequent updates in most locations.
Tile — Decent, but the network is much smaller. Works better in the US than internationally.
Samsung SmartTag — Good if you're in the Samsung ecosystem, but Galaxy devices are less common than iPhones globally.

For luggage tracking specifically, AirTag wins because of the sheer size of the Find My network — especially in airports full of iPhones.

The Privacy Question

Apple built in anti-stalking features:

If an unknown AirTag is traveling with you, your iPhone will alert you.
AirTags separated from their owner for extended periods will beep.
Android users can download the Tracker Detect app to scan for unknown AirTags.

For luggage use, this isn't an issue — you're the owner. But it's good to know Apple thought about misuse.

Is $35 Worth It?

Absolutely. Consider:

One delayed bag claim costs you hours of stress and waiting.
Knowing your bag made a tight connection = priceless peace of mind.
Battery lasts a year, so ongoing cost is ~$5/year for a CR2032.
If your bag is actually lost, you have evidence for the airline claim.

I now have AirTags in every piece of checked luggage, my camera bag, and even my car (for parking garages).

Tips From Experience

Check Find My before you leave the carousel area. If your bag isn't showing at your airport, get in the lost luggage line immediately.
Screenshot the location history if you need to file a claim. Proof that your bag sat in a specific location for 3 days helps.
Don't rely on it 100%. AirTags are information, not a guarantee. Airlines still need to do their job.
Get the 4-pack. At $99 for four ($25 each), it's better value than buying singles.

Final Verdict

AirTags have genuinely improved my travel experience. Not because they prevent problems, but because they eliminate uncertainty. Knowing where my bag is — even when it's not where it should be — reduces stress significantly.

For $35 and 5 minutes of setup, it's one of the best travel investments I've made.

Rating: Highly recommended for any frequent traveler.

The Short Answer

Yes, it works. But with some important caveats.

How AirTags Work (Quick Refresher)

AirTags don't have GPS or cellular. Instead, they use Bluetooth and piggyback on Apple's Find My network — the billion+ iPhones, iPads, and Macs out there.

When any Apple device passes near your AirTag, it anonymously relays the location to you. In airports and cities, this network is dense enough that updates come frequently.