TUMI Global Locator Keeps Track of Travelers' Bags

The TUMI Global Locator, a wireless tracking device that tells travelers exactly where their luggage is, has been rolled out with AT&T.

The $200 locator uses GPS, GSM, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology to track the location of the luggage or bag in which it has been placed, according to a TUMI news release, and delivers real-time data via a mobile appl available for Android and iOS devices.

The hardware and patented technology for the device was designed and developed by LugTrack, a New Jersey-based technology company.

In 2016, more than 21.6 million bags were mishandled globally1, meaning 5.7 bags were lost per 1,000 passengers, noted TUMI.

In travel mode, the device automatically tracks a bag's location every 20-30 minutes and builds a history of where a bag has been. In compliance with FAA requirements, the locator powers-down on takeoff and remains idle. Upon landing, the locator wakes up and informs the user of the bag's location.

In hotel mode, the device allows a user to ensure a bag containing the locator stays in one place and alerts the user if the bag is moved.

The proximity mode uses Bluetooth technology to allow the user to tether a bag containing the locator to a connected device, such as a mobile phone, and in the event of an unexpected movement, the connected device then receives an alert.