Here’s a reminder that AirTags offer more than merely aiding in finding your keys; they can also assist in locating stolen luggage. A man heading back to Los Angeles from Salt Lake City in August utilized an Apple AirTag within his suitcase to trace it after it was taken from baggage claim, as reported by NBC Los Angeles. After investigating several carousels, Daniel Scott checked his phone to find his luggage via the AirTag and noticed it was moving away from the airport.

Scott dashed to the rideshare area and requested an Uber to pursue the shifting AirTag. In the meantime, his partner reached out to LAX police, who followed the AirTag to a nearby deserted building. Upon the police’s arrival and after they gathered several individuals from the building, Scott identified one person who was wearing his clothing. Authorities apprehended multiple individuals, and Scott managed to reclaim most of his garments, even though they were strewn about, and his suitcase had been ruined.

Scott recommended that others travel with the device if they can. “It simply provided me a fighting chance to locate my luggage and get it back,” he remarked.

Apple AirTags, introduced in 2021, are small GPS devices that can be attached as keychains or fit in wallets to assist in finding misplaced belongings. Since their release, AirTags have been used for purposes beyond just locating lost items. A couple from London successfully employed an AirTag to track down their stolen Jaguar, while a man carried out his own sting operation by attaching AirTags to power tools to reveal millions of dollars’ worth of stolen equipment.

Nevertheless, there exists a troubling aspect to this handy GPS tracker. AirTags have been misused as a stalking device since they can be discreetly placed in bags or pockets. Apple has collaborated with Google and other Bluetooth tracker manufacturers to issue push notifications warning users if an AirTag is accompanying them.

Airlines have leveraged the rise in AirTag utilization to improve their customer service. Since last year, more than a dozen airlines have permitted passengers to provide their AirTag information to track missing luggage, with the goal of returning it to owners more swiftly.