 Poster: A snowHead
|
Someone took our suitcase at Geneva Airport; and with the AirTag inside, we could see it had already left the airport.
We arrived at Val Thorens, and the suitcase arrived at a very fancy chalet in Courchevel. Apple’s “Find My” app showed us the exact address.
So we ordered a cab to collect it, and this all was saved.
Did the people who took the bag, try and contact us? No. Did they offer to pay for the cab? No. Can you contact the relevant luggage support number at Geneva Airport? No, it’s a premium rate number, and our EU mobile plan did not allow those.
And the moral of the story is?: Buy some AirTags and stick them in your luggage. You don’t need the expensive Apple ones, and you can buy four for around £15 on Amazon.
But a wonderful Ski holiday was had, so all’s well that ends  well
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Got one for Christmas for my ski case but after reading your post just ordered one for my case too
Great to hear you located yours ok at start of holiday and unfortunate a snooty person took it!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
I hadn't realised that they worked over such a distance - thanks for the tip and glad all worked out well..sort of 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
AirTags work by emitting a very low power Bluetooth signal. Any Apple device with Bluetooth turned-on, and that is within 10m/30ft, can pick that signal up, and transmit it to the “Find My” network.
Presently, this is working very well, as I am sitting in London, but I can see that my skis are still at Geneva Airport 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| Yoda wrote: |
| I hadn't realised that they worked over such a distance - thanks for the tip and glad all worked out well..sort of |
In simple terms, I think they work by pinging nearby iPhones that encrypt the signal and send it into Apple servers, and that then gets sent to your "Find my" app. I think the genuine Apple ones will allow you to access full functionality whereas the third party ones may be more limited.
https://www.apple.com/uk/airtag/
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
Is there an equally good device for Android?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Poogle,
| Quote: |
buy four for around £15 on Amazon.
|
even though my last trip was, and next one will be via car/train, so i knew we would be not too far away from the baggage to go missing, i bought several of those for all of our bags, and myself and daughters have them on our sets of car/door keys, so we can find them if they go walkies
| Quote: |
Did the people who took the bag, try and contact us? No
|
you would have hoped that they opened the case and would have contacted you, am assuming you had your details for them to do this inside/outside.
maybe karma will kick them in the nuts and they have to pick up their bag from Chamonix via taxi
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
Too harsh.
They picked up the bag by mistake, which means their own bag was missing (probably still at Geneva airport). They’re just too preoccupied to be gracious.
I have a spare helmet that doesn’t fit. Because a family (with 3 children) sitting next to me at the table took mine instead and left of of theirs behind. I left a note with my contact info. But no, no one ever contacted me.
Mistake happens
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| KSH wrote: |
| Is there an equally good device for Android? |
Yes - Samsung do a "SmartTag" which links to the SmartThings App on your phone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
| KSH wrote: |
| Is there an equally good device for Android? |
Yes - Samsung do a "SmartTag" which links to the SmartThings App on your phone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
|
I’m now starting to think an AirTag and adddesses inside isn’t enough, there needs to be something on the outside big and bold enough that even a person with room temperature IQ will then realise it’s not their bag. It’s crazy how much of these stories I’ve seen this year!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Thorney, thanks. Need to research the App first of all, I guess.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
| Thorney wrote: |
| KSH wrote: |
| Is there an equally good device for Android? |
Yes - Samsung do a "SmartTag" which links to the SmartThings App on your phone. |
Motorola do as well, called MotoTags. In addition to Bluetooth they also have UWB (Ultra Wideband) technology, which if your smartphone has UWB functionality can give very accurate directions for finding the tag. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra-wideband
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
@Alastair Pink,
| Quote: |
your smartphone has UWB functionality
|
I obviously need to research that too. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
Not far off to be honest, I’m thinking of large iron on patches for fabric bags and stickers for hard shells with name and number!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
| KSH wrote: |
| Is there an equally good device for Android? |
I have a couple of the Pebblebee tags - they work with the Google/Android Find Hub, and also with Apple Find Me, though only one network at a time - I use them on Android. On a caouple of recent trips they have been equally effective as air tags have been in the luggage of someone travelling wth me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| damanpunk wrote: |
| I’m now starting to think an AirTag and adddesses inside isn’t enough, there needs to be something on the outside big and bold enough that even a person with room temperature IQ will then realise it’s not their bag. It’s crazy how much of these stories I’ve seen this year! |
Absolutely, I have bright yellow fluorescent tape on the outside of my bag.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
Snowheads stickers on the case!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
@Old Fartbag, I am seeing plenty of cases with tippex’d signs saying ‘not your case’ on the carousels. Old skool works best sometimes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| damanpunk wrote: |
| ...I’m thinking of large iron on patches for fabric bags and stickers for hard shells with name and number! |
I use POSCA pens and some imagination. Old Skool, new tools.
Name and number on the outside isn't for me - I don't want to advertise that. I do have a big graphic QR code on the outside which would get you to those things indirectly. Mostly the idea is to dissuade those of you who are a bit challenged from picking my bag up by mistake. It's amazing that people can be that daft, but there it is.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ribbon or gaffer tape on handle helps prevent others from accidentally taking your luggage.
Airtags let you know where your bag is, and in some cases allow you to go and hunt it down yourself (see OP example).
Name and contact number inside luggage helps airport staff identify who the luggage belongs to in case the airline tag has come off. WorldTracer will do the heavy lifting working out who it belongs to, providing you have created a missing report.
Name and contact details on outside of luggage does the same job as no.3
Do all 4
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
In about 1988 I bought a windsurfer from boatworld in Sheffield. Roof rack straps were bright pink. I have cut these up to small 10 cm long pieces and attach them to all checked luggage, it either says boatworld or sheffield on the print. I've also changed the case wheels from black to white roller blade wheels.
Quite distinctive now.
Name and details in about 3 places outside and inside the bag.
Also use airtags. The one time I used an airtag in anger was when a bag was stolen in London. I could see exactly where it was, which tube line etc and where it ended up. Had items of considerable value inside it, sadly Met Police had zero interest in it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| damanpunk wrote: |
| I’m now starting to think an AirTag and adddesses inside isn’t enough, there needs to be something on the outside big and bold enough that even a person with room temperature IQ will then realise it’s not their bag. It’s crazy how much of these stories I’ve seen this year! |
Been using AirTags for ages but agree with you completely.
Ever since losing a case like the OP we've tied bright yellow BURRIED ELECTRICAL TAPE to the handles of our suitcases and ski bags. Yes, people think it's odd but it's so easy to spot and no one will accidentally take a bag with a large piece of knotted tape touching their hand as they handle it. It also made it super easy when our baggage went astray one year. Instead of having to describe the brand and form of the black suitcase I just showed them a photo of the case with tape. It was located super fast in comparison to the others in our group.
Lastly, even with good travel insurance I've realised how far out of pocket I would be if having to claim for the full contents of a lost suitcase. Also how difficult to remember everything in it, so I've started taking photos as I pack recording each layer as I fill up the case. Not a perfect solution but it would help fight the loss adjusters kicking me in the teeth for everything they can deduct.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
| Poogle wrote: |
So we ordered a cab to collect it, and this all was saved.
Did the people who took the bag, try and contact us? No. Did they offer to pay for the cab? No. Can you contact the relevant luggage support number at Geneva Airport? No, it’s a premium rate number, and our EU mobile plan did not allow those.l |
Well done for getting your bag back. I'd be inclined to phone the chalet in the evening after a couple of days and politely ask them whether they got their luggage back and would they kindly reimburse you for the taxi you had to send to get your luggage which they took.
Once the panic to find their own luggage is out of the way a bit of shame and moral fibre should set in and you never know. Got to be worth a phone call. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
|
I've made some 3D printed tags for our luggage. Printed in TPU they're flexible and hard wearing. Name and Mobile number plus in bright colours. Hopefully reduce the risk someone takes our luggage and if they do there's a means for us to be contacted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
@Alastair Pink, thank you. And the answer is: no.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
I can think of several occasions over the last couple of years where I've contacted the guilty party to inform them (before they were even aware) that I know they have taken somebody else's luggage. That's without confirmation from an AirTag either.
On one of the occasions, it was about a week after the event, and they were adamant that I was wrong. Why? Because the suitcase that they'd brought home hadn't been unpacked yet, so they were blissfully unaware for the entire time!!
I've also known people to accidentally take the wrong bag, and check it in for a connecting long-haul flight elsewhere. 3 times in the last 2 years I've seen this happen. Twice to the US, and once to Jeddah!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
@mikeycharlton, have you ever known anybody wilfully take another bag?
This always strikes me as a possibility, even if a highly risky one.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
| blacksheep wrote: |
| I've made some 3D printed tags for our luggage. Printed in TPU they're flexible and hard wearing. Name and Mobile number plus in bright colours. Hopefully reduce the risk someone takes our luggage and if they do there's a means for us to be contacted. |
That is what I have done - but have a QR code instead of personal details. QR code goes to a google site. I just update the site with my flight details, hotel & contact no / whatsapp.me link, etc. or whatever else is relevant or the trip. Or & translated to several languages including the destination.
MakerWorld has a luggage tag you can edit. Lots of QR code generators out there.
I still have airtags though!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
I have both Apple AirTags and the ‘credit card’ non Apple variant available on Amazon.
The credit card one works well, but does not have the very local find functionality of the Apple AirTag.
This local functionality did help me find
My luggage at Geneva last year.. we were delayed at immigration and when we arrived in the hall the carousel was empty. Find me told me my bag was nearby in the hall, so I walked around til the app confirmed I was very nearby and then used it to locate it in a pile that had been removed from the carousel.
The airtag will use local Bluetooth to direct you to the precise location of the tag - literally tells you it is 10 feet in this direction, then 5 4 3 2 1 as you get closer. Very handy for finding the wallet at home. It still has the wide range functionality as well.
The Credit Card type does not have this local functionality. So it is fine for telling you that the bag is in this room, or at the airport baggage claim or at this very expensive chalet in Courchevel. Not so good for precise location of a bag or wallet. This is a bit of shame as it is ideal form factor for a wallet and saves you from having a lump in your wallet.
On the positive side, it’s lower cost, rechargeable and has a slightly louder beeper.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
@KSH, Yes, We have some Samsung smart tags, tag2, that work very well. I wanted to dig them out the other day to fit new batteries before an impending trip, but couldn't remember where I'd put them, but low and behold, I found them by tracking them and the batteries are only half used, and that after 9 months or so since our last trip with them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| Gored wrote: |
| blacksheep wrote: |
| I've made some 3D printed tags for our luggage. Printed in TPU they're flexible and hard wearing. Name and Mobile number plus in bright colours. Hopefully reduce the risk someone takes our luggage and if they do there's a means for us to be contacted. |
That is what I have done - but have a QR code instead of personal details. QR code goes to a google site. I just update the site with my flight details, hotel & contact no / whatsapp.me link, etc. or whatever else is relevant or the trip. Or & translated to several languages including the destination.
MakerWorld has a luggage tag you can edit. Lots of QR code generators out there.
I still have airtags though! |
That’s a great idea. I figure my details on the tag aren’t too much of an issue. I can’t think I’m that interesting
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| damanpunk wrote: |
| I’m now starting to think an AirTag and adddesses inside isn’t enough, there needs to be something on the outside big and bold enough that even a person with room temperature IQ will then realise it’s not their bag. It’s crazy how much of these stories I’ve seen this year! |
Our bags have big coloured ribbons tied to the handles!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
+1
This is why these & other forums are so good - you get the learn for the experiences of others, before finding out the hard way fo oneself !
So is this big & obvious enough on the carousel:
 The name's Wilbur, please dont pick me up unless you know me!
Chuck an AirTag in each case & bright orange luggage tag with destination ...and not lost a case ...yet !
Last edited by You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net. on Mon 26-01-26 6:21; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
