Don’t leave home without summer 2024’s hottest travel gadget

Originally from Toronto, Natalie DiScala is a writer, editor and content creator who now calls Los Angeles home. She graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University’s journalism program and is now the Executive Editor of JohnnyJet.com. She and her husband, Johnny Jet, have traveled to 75 countries together and now travel with their two children.

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I think it’s safe to say that Apple AirTags and other similar tracking devices were the product of the year in 2022 and 2023 but with travel demand continuing to be bigger and busier than ever, they are, without a doubt, the hottest travel gadget of Summer 2024 as well. RELATED: This extremely thin, rechargeable Apple AirTag Aaternative is a much better choice for your wallet

When you’re traveling, you want things to go as smoothly as possible. Lost luggage is one surefire way to get your trip off to a bad start. So many travelers, myself included, have started taking matters into their own hands by using tracking devices.

You may recall the many stories we saw over during the post-pandemic travel surge of lost luggage piling up at airports around the world. Here’s one example of what was going on at London’s Heathrow Airport a couple of summers ago:

@skynews A pile of luggage has been pictured at Heathrow Airport. A spokesperson said there was an ‘ongoing issue’ with Terminal 2’s baggage system. #Airport #Heathrow ♬ original sound – Sky News

That’s a terrible situation for travelers and one no one wants to deal with again this summer. In an article by Business Insider, airline executive Danny A. Cox, who is the Vice President of Guest Experience at Breeze Airways (the new start-up founded by former JetBlue and WestJet founder and former JetBlue CEO, David Neeleman), recommends passengers use a tracking device in their bags, something he says he’s been doing for years.

Cox told Business Insider: “The number one tip I have for traveling — and something that I’ve done for years — is buy an Apple AirTag or Tile device. For the last five years, I’ve traveled with an AirTag, even on my carry-on, because then I have more confidence when the airline asks me to gate-check my bag.”

You know the situation is bad when an airline executive is suggesting you track your bags yourself. But listen, it’s an added layer of protection and peace of mind when you travel. The airlines are doing the best they can. It’s certainly not in their best interest to lose your luggage but as we’ve seen, it happens and when it does, at least you’ll know exactly where your bag is.

I’ve started traveling with Apple AirTags in my luggage and the peace of mind it provides is well worth the cost of the tracking device. On one of our trips from the United States to Canada, then Spain, France, Italy, Germany and back to Canada, it made me feel so much better being able to track my bags. Buy a pack of four Apple AirTags here or the single AirTags here.