For many travelers, a missing suitcase is a common frustration, but for Daniel Scott, a trip from Salt Lake City to LAX on August 22 quickly spiraled into something far worse. Upon arrival, his checked luggage never showed up at baggage claim, and after failing to locate it through airport staff, Scott’s situation took an unexpected twist. His phone pinged with an update—his Apple AirTag, discreetly hidden inside the suitcase, revealed the luggage was moving outside the airport.
Scott quickly sprang into action, racing toward the rideshare lot where the signal was leading him. However, the AirTag’s signal kept moving, signaling that the bag was being stolen. In a moment of realization, he and his partner contacted airport police, and the trail ultimately led them to an abandoned building just half a mile away.
An Unexpected Discovery
Upon the police’s arrival, they discovered several people inside the building, and one of them was shockingly dressed in Scott’s own clothing. Inside, his suitcase had been forcibly opened, and its contents were scattered across the rooms. Despite the damage to his luggage, Scott was able to recover around 90% of his belongings. He described the experience as giving him “a fighting chance” to retrieve what he had lost.
AirTags as Essential Travel Tools
Since their release in 2021, Apple’s AirTags have become an indispensable tool for many travelers. These small devices use the Find My network to track items, emitting signals that nearby Apple devices pick up to update their location. The advantage of AirTags over traditional GPS trackers is their affordability and lack of subscription fees, making them a simple yet effective option for tracking personal belongings, especially luggage.
A 2024 survey conducted by travel site Kayak revealed that 37% of U.S. airline passengers use AirTags or similar tracking devices, showcasing their growing popularity among travelers. The ability to check on the location of a lost bag in real time is an appealing feature that can help alleviate the anxiety of lost luggage.
The Limitations and Risks of AirTags
Although AirTags are a valuable tool for recovering lost items, they are not without their limitations. Police may not always respond as quickly as they did in Scott’s case, and authorities advise against confronting thieves directly. There are also concerns about AirTags being used for malicious purposes, such as stalking. In response, Apple has implemented safety alerts to notify users if an unknown AirTag is traveling with them.
Nevertheless, Scott’s experience highlights the potential for AirTags to tip the scales in a traveler’s favor. What could have been a total loss turned into a successful recovery, demonstrating that these devices can offer more than just peace of mind—they can help turn an unfortunate situation around.