Luggage Locator

That sounds like a good way to get an airport cleared by security.

the correct answer is, don't check the bag! :)

but if you must, i had a rainbow colored strap that i just buckled around the midsection of mine. made it very easy to pick out.

I have absolutely no experience with this type of device nor have I read any TSA problem reports.

Personally, I would never suggest anything like this. I would worry more about what would happen once it's out of your sight.

It emits a sound and I believe a blinking light when you press the button on the controller. If for some reason, that thing starts beeping after you check it, the bomb squad will be called. More than likely, they'll take it outside and blow it up. Goodbye suitcase.

If you're already airborne, it will force an emergency landing, evacuation, and full turn out of emergency equipment.

It might be something as innocent as the controller pressing against the side of your handbag or carry-on bag. But that's all it would take.

If a passenger causes an airliner to make an emergency landing for any reason other than medical, the airlines have been billing the passenger for the added expense.

A recent incident where two drunk sisters got into a fight on board an aircraft forced that aircraft to turn around and land. The sisters got a bill for $85,000. The court ordered them to pay.

My suggestion.....re-gift it and get yourself a unique luggage tag that will stand out. As an example, for the times I might have to check a bag, I have a raised luggage tag of my college's sports nickname. I'm sure Steve Spurrier would love to see his "Gamecocks" promoted overseas.

http://www.discountluggage.com/shop/aminco/tag_gamecokcs.gif

Elaine, I too wouldn't feel comfortable using the luggage locator because I think our TSA would get "upset". I do have it on my wish list at Magellans though because I'm trying to figure out how to attach it to my husband's tv remote!

I try not to check bags, but on the occasions I must, just as in Matthew's post above, I use a luggage strap. Mine is a bright solid color and I wrote my initials in big black marker on it. It has the added advantage of preventing the bag from popping open. Perhaps that doesn't happen often but I don't like to take chances. I remember reading about someone's bag coming open on the bag carousel, and there was all the underwear, toothbrush, etc, strewn out along the belt. Can you imagine everyone seeing a lone toothbrush coming down the belt, and thinking, now there's a light packer?

I have no idea how TSA would respond, but if I were at the carousel as another passenger and your bag started beeping and blinking, I'd be racing for the exit!

I think it is a solution looking for a problem. Do you really have that much problem id your bag on a carousel?? Now, if it would be useful for finding missing luggage, then that is a different ball game but once to the carousel, I don't seen how it would be very helpful.

Colourful straps on black bags works well for us. This sounds like just another electronic gadget for the travel stores to sell.

I'm with the others - it just sounds like a problem waiting to happen. I have red luggage, which seems is almost as common as black these days. I use a rainbow-striped belt on it as well.

Really, I had thought only of TSA getting nosy and cutting it off. I hadn't thought of any of those other scenarios. Kind of makes me wonder why they even manufacture this thing.

It was a gift from my ex - he's never met an electronic gadget he didn't like.

Darcy had a great idea for repurposing it but I'm going to try to attach it to my cell phone cause I'm always misplacing it.

Frank - How ever did you know that would be the perfect luggage tag for me!! LOL . I will have that GAMECOCKS luggage tag before my next trip.

Elaine,

While a "Luggage Locator" could be useful in some situations, as the others have pointed out it could cause more problems than it solves. Packing along a gadget like that for perhaps one or two uses seems a bit silly.

You might have a look at the Magellan's catalogue, as they have a number of colourful and distinctive "luggage marking" straps and other items. The luggage straps serve two functions, which makes them quite useful - they not only mark your luggage (some can be personalized), but also help to keep it closed should the zippers or latches fail (not sure what type of luggage you use?).

I also like electronic gadgets, but for travel I try to choose things that are not only functional and practical, but ideally have more than one use. That makes them worthwhile to pack all over Europe.

Cheers!

Just cut off the bottom half of an old T Shirt from under the arms and write your first name on it, or some original thing or have your kids draw on it with markers, then slip it over your suitcase. If it falls off, no biggy. Just make sure it fits snug!

I like the t-shirt idea! But what I usually do, when I have checked luggage, is put brightly colored duct tape on the handle. I wrap it about 4-5" wide, and, not only does it make it easy to see, but it cushions the handle a little. I have friends who go further, and make large x's or stripes on their bags, but the handle thing works just fine for me!!

Elaine, you wrote that your EX gifted this to you? Makes you wonder.....

ha ha Bob - I see where you are going? But really, he's my BFF now!!!

We have two kids - you get over things and work it out for the kids.

What's BFF?

best friend forever

I like gadgets, but this thing doesn't sound like something I would want. Instead, I have some of Rick's green luggage with his red luggage tags. I then went to a local Recreational Equipment store and bought a bright green camping strap (1 inch wide, 60 inches long) for (I think) 2$. It is pretty hard for me to miss my bag now!!!!