The coin-sized devices allow passengers to locate their luggage via mobile phone
The scandal involving Jeanne Pinho and Kátyna Baía, Brazilian victims of a gang that placed suitcases full of cocaine in their name, has made travelers even more suspicious of the checked baggage route. From now on, photographing your bags from all angles and thoroughly inspecting them before removing them from the conveyor belt should become a habit. The employment of electronic identification tagslike Apple AirTag and Galaxy SmartTag, they can also provide travelers with enhanced security.
The tags work as a tracker of sorts and can be placed on suitcases, backpacks, keys, bikes, and even pet collars. The small devices use Bluetooth (BLE) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technologies to communicate with other devices of the same brand as the tags, even in the absence of the Internet. However, tags can also have their shortcomings in that they are dependent on other devices (mobile phones, tablets or smartwatches) always being nearby.
See the main features of AirTags and SmartTags:
Apple AirTags
- The battery lasts more than a year;
- It is water resistant (maximum depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes);
- The “Hey Siri find my item” feature makes sounds to help you locate and
- It is compatible with iPhone models 11, 12, 13 and 14.
Galaxy SmartTags
- The battery lasts 300 days;
- It is not water resistant;
- It can make sounds to help you locate and
- It is compatible with Galaxy devices running Android 8 or later.
“Can or can’t you?”
In October 2022, German airline Lufthansa temporarily banned the carrying of linked electronic tags in luggage on the grounds that the devices are “dangerous” due to their transmission functions. Days later, the Federal Aviation Administration certified that the tags did not pose a safety risk and could be carried on aircraft. Lufthansa reversed the decision and is now allowing the device to be used.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
