However, Apple AirTags have perhaps found the most unexpected success in tracking luggage, particularly after a few high-profile airline operational meltdowns. AirTags are a relatively cheap and easy way to keep tabs on your luggage, making them a helpful accessory for Apple-owning travelers.

In 2026, an Apple AirTag (or a similar tracker like Tile or Samsung SmartTag) is considered an essential travel accessory for anyone checking a bag. While an AirTag cannot physically prevent an airline from losing your luggage, it provides something far more valuable: objective data. If you land in London but your phone shows your bag is still in New York, you can immediately inform the baggage agent of its exact location, which often speeds up the recovery process by days. It also prevents "carousel anxiety," as your phone will alert you the moment your bag is within 30 feet of you at the arrivals hall. Beyond lost luggage, it is a great deterrent against theft at hotels or on trains. However, it is not a perfect solution; AirTags rely on the "Find My" network of nearby iPhones to update their location, so if your bag is lost in a remote area without Apple users, the signal will be "stale." Despite this limitation, for a one-time cost of around $29, the peace of mind and the ability to "double-check" the airline's information makes it one of the highest-value investments a modern traveler can make.