There is nothing quite as disheartening of a travel mishap than arriving to your destination (or back home) and not finding your luggage on the carousel at the airport. It brings on a unique kind of helplessness as you worry about where it could possibly be and if the airline will be able to find it quickly or at all. It’s enough to drive a travel-weary person to tears—or one of those infamous airport tantrums.

It took just a few passed-along stories from loved ones, and some of my own brushes with late baggage, to convince me that I never again wanted to leave my fate—and that of my precious belongings—with the airlines. Instead, I searched for the best way to make sure I always knew where my luggage was at all times and how to help find it if it were to ever go missing in action.

I scanned countless Reddit threads and travel blogs, and the same recommendation kept coming up from frequent flyers and travelers. Now, I can travel without the niggling dread of a possible lost bag situation, and it’s never felt finer to check a bag.

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The Key to Tracking Your Own Checked Luggage

Attaching an Apple AirTag to the inside of my checked suitcase has alleviated any stress about being able to find my bag should it go missing or delayed. Moreover, I’m able to ensure it has made it on each flight connection. Anytime I’m worried or simply curious, I check the tracking on my phone and am able to know exactly where my luggage is.

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It might sound quite obvious to some, but many friends and family who I have asked do not use any sort of tracking on their luggage and hadn’t thought to try an AirTag. It seems most people actually choose to use AirTags for more everyday items, such as their cars, purses, electronics, and even for putting on their pets’ collars. But not their luggage.

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How To Use AirTags for Tracking Luggage

Here is how to make this tip your own travel savior.

Get an AirTag: You really only need an AirTag to get the job done, but I prefer to attach it to the inner straps of my suitcase using a cheap silicone holder that you can find in numerous styles on Amazon. It ensures it stays put and protects it from damage.

Connect It: You’re able to easily pair an AirTag to your phone using the instructions included when you purchase. All in all, it took me about five minutes to unpackage, pair, and secure my AirTag.

Check Its Location: You’re able to check the location of your AirTag in the “Find My” app on an iPhone. Select the “Items” tab both when initially pairing and checking its location later.

Use It To Your Advantage: If your luggage happens to go missing, you can communicate its location with the airline to help locate your belongings in a quick, easy way without it being lost in the shuffle of airlines’ often-hectic or disjointed infrastructure. It’s an underrated relief not to be at the mercy of others when it comes to being reunited with your things!

Read the original article on Southern Living