Lost luggage is a traveler’s worst nightmare. But with luggage trackers like the Trakdot Luggage Tracker and options for Android devices, you can rest assured knowing exactly where your bags are at all times. This comprehensive review covers everything you need to know about Trakdot – how it works, key features, pros and cons, and whether it’s worth the investment.
How the Trakdot Luggage Tracker Works
Trakdot is a luggage tracking device that uses cellular and GPS signals to pinpoint the location of your bag. Here’s a quick rundown of how it works:
- The Trakdot device is packed inside your checked luggage. It’s about the size of a smartphone and weighs just 2.4 oz.
- As soon as your bag is in motion, Trakdot activates and connects to cellular networks to determine its location.
- You receive real-time location updates via SMS, email, push notifications, or by logging into your Trakdot account.
- The Trakdot app shows your bag’s location on a map and provides updates if it changes course.
- When your flight lands, you’ll get an alert telling you your bag is at the airport.
- Trakdot uses a rechargeable battery that lasts 1-2 weeks per charge.
Key Features of the Trakdot Luggage Tracker
- Real-time location tracking: Receive updates on your bag’s location via text, email, push notifications or by checking your Trakdot account.
- Airport arrival alerts: Get notified when your bag arrives at the airport, so you know it made it on the correct flight.
- Mapping: See your bag’s location displayed on a map in the Trakdot app.
- Travel history: Review your bag’s entire travel history and any alerts in your account dashboard.
- Airline integration: Get updates directly from participating airlines on your bag’s status.
- Global coverage: Track your bags anywhere in the world where GSM cellular networks are available.
- Long battery life: The rechargeable battery lasts 1-2 weeks on a single charge.
- Travel profile: Create a digital ID for your bag including photos and description.
- Luggage tag: The tracker comes with a barcode luggage tag to identify your bag.
- TSA compliant: Trakdot shuts off transmissions when in flight to comply with TSA regulations.
For travelers who want to track more than just luggage, companies make Bluetooth trackers perfect for backpacks, wallets, keys and more.
The Pros of Trakdot
- Provides peace of mind knowing your bag’s location at all times
- Alerts if your luggage gets left behind or sent to the wrong airport
- Helps expedite lost luggage claims if your bag does go missing
- Useful for tracking luggage on cruises, tours, rental cars, and other transports
- Long 1-2 week battery life means fewer recharges
- Durable, weatherproof design stands up to baggage handling
- Small and lightweight tracker won’t weigh down your luggage
Trakdot provides peace of mind for fretful fliers who have experienced lost luggage nightmares. Products like Loc8tor also leverage tracking for frequently lost items.
The Cons of Trakdot
- Requires an annual $50 subscription fee after the first year
- Not compatible in some countries without GSM network access
- You may receive location updates less frequently while in flight
- The device itself is bulkier than some other trackers like Tile
- May not directly prevent airlines from losing your luggage
Trakdot’s bulkiness could be a downside for some travelers compared to ultra-slim options like Tile trackers.
What Users Are Saying About Trakdot
The majority of customer reviews for Trakdot are positive. Users praise the real-time tracking capabilities and airport arrival notifications. Many mentioned Trakdot provided “peace of mind” while traveling.
Critical reviews cite the subscription cost, bulkiness of the device, and sporadic location updates as downsides. A few users complained their Trakdot ran out of battery quickly.
On Amazon, Trakdot has a 4 out of 5 star average from over 800 reviews. Reviewers say it provides useful, accurate tracking overall.
Like Trakdot, trackers from companies like InVoxia also garner mainly positive feedback from users.
Trakdot Luggage Tracker Pricing
- Device cost: $50
- Activation fee: $10 (one time)
- Annual subscription: $50
So your total first year cost is $110. Renewing the subscription after that is $50 per year.
Compared to other luggage trackers, this pricing is mid-range. Some devices like the Nutale Key Finder offer a lower cost alternative for infrequent travelers.
Is Trakdot Worth the Cost?
For most travelers who check bags frequently, the Trakdot Luggage Tracker is worth the investment. The peace of mind alone makes it worthwhile for many.
Frequent business travelers, those with connecting flights, people who’ve experienced lost luggage before, and anyone checking very valuable items are most likely to appreciate Trakdot.
Occasional travelers may find the subscription cost hard to justify. But overall, Trakdot delivers reliable tracking capabilities that can literally save your trip if your luggage goes astray.
Trakdot alternatives like Jiobit and LandAirSea offer similar tracking capabilities.
Key Takeaways on the Trakdot Luggage Tracker
- Trakdot uses GPS and cellular signals to track checked luggage in real time.
- Key features include mapping, travel history, airline integration, and long battery life.
- Benefits include reduced stress and faster lost bag recovery. Downsides are cost and sporadic updates.
- Average rating on Amazon is 4/5 stars, with mostly positive reviews.
- Retails for $50 plus $50 annual subscription, a mid-range price for luggage trackers.
- Recommended for frequent fliers who want peace of mind while checking bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Trakdot work internationally?
A: Yes, Trakdot tracks bags globally in over 100 countries. However it does not work in some regions without GSM network access.
Q: How accurate is the tracking?
A: Trakdot provides updates multiple times an hour on average. Tracking is most accurate at airports. Updates may be less frequent in flight.
Q: Can Trakdot prevent airlines from losing my bag?
A: No tracking device can directly prevent loss. But Trakdot makes it more likely your bag will be located if misplaced.
Q: Is there a monthly plan? I only travel occasionally.
A: Trakdot requires an annual subscription. For pet tracking options with no monthly fee, check out Pawscout or Whistle.
Q: What if my Trakdot device’s battery dies?
A: Trakdot’s battery lasts 1-2 weeks on average. You will receive alerts when power runs low so you can recharge.
Q: Is Trakdot TSA compliant?
A: Yes, Trakdot shuts off transmissions when in flight which complies with TSA regulations.
Q: Can Trakdot track my luggage if it’s lost or stolen?
A: If your bag goes missing, Trakdot provides the last known location which can help recovery efforts. But it does not actively track stolen bags.
Q: Does Trakdot work with airlines’ own tracking systems?
A: Some airlines directly integrate with Trakdot to provide additional location updates from their baggage tracking.
The Bottom Line
For frequent travelers, the Trakdot Luggage Tracker provides invaluable peace of mind while checking bags. Its real-time tracking and alert capabilities make it easier to locate misrouted or delayed luggage.
While the subscription cost may deter occasional fliers, the benefits often outweigh the price for regular travelers. Overall, Trakdot delivers reliable tracking you can count on.
