Bag2Go: This is a joint collaboration between Airbus, T-Mobile and luggage-maker Rimova. They have come up with Bag2Go, a piece of luggage that can be tracked through an RFID (radio frequency identification) chip and using an iPhone application. The check-in-sized luggage also has a built-in sensor that tells you the bag?s weight.
eTag/eTrack: A similar collaboration between Air France, KLM, the FastTrack Company and Samsonite. The pair of tools is called eTag and eTrack, two devices that work together to take away the uncertainty of checking luggage while travelling. The electronic baggage label, eTag, and eTrack sync with a homing device in your luggage and both work using Bluetooth to keep track of your luggage through a smartphone.
Vanguard ID System: This system is a radio-frequency baggage tag to strap on to your luggage. The display on the tag works in conjunction with the customer?s smartphone. The e-ink tag contains RFID technology and near-field communications that make it possible for customers to use a smartphone app to track luggage with no battery required.
ReboundTAG: Like Vanguard, passengers can order this from the company, which provides the microchip bag tag and then tracks your luggage for you. The tags are printed with a barcode that airline staff can scan and identify whose luggage it is as well as the owner?s itinerary. The staff member sends the information to the ReboundTAG website which, in turn, notifies the owner of the lost luggage.
SuperSmartTag: Similar to ReboundTAG, the SuperSmartTag comes with a code that can be swiped to access information about the owner in case the luggage is lost. The information is then passed on by the website to the luggage owner, who feeds in his travel itinerary, and airport or airline staff then send the luggage on to the owner?s next destination.
Trakdot Luggage Tracker: The device is powered by a battery and fits in the palm of your hand. Made by GlobaTrac, it is placed in your luggage and sends regular information about the whereabouts of your bag through text message, email or the Trakdot mobile app.
British Airways: The airline has already started trials of hi-tech luggage tags, which would replace the paper tag that is currently attached to your check-in luggage. Once checked in, the bag can be tracked by airline personnel scanning the unique barcode containing flight details, as well as the destination of the bag. The best part of the device, yet to be commercially tested, is that it is reusable, which means you merely use your smartphone to connect to the tag and update the information with your latest flight details.
