What started as a routine flight ended in a nightmare for Daniel Scott, who landed at LAX from Salt Lake City on August 22. His suitcase never appeared at baggage claim, and airport staff couldn’t locate it. Moments later, his phone buzzed—an Apple AirTag hidden in his bag showed the luggage leaving the airport.
Scott raced to the rideshare lot, but the signal kept moving. Realizing it was theft, he and his partner contacted airport police. The trail ended at a boarded-up building half a mile away.
A Strange Discovery
When police arrived, they found several people inside. Shockingly, one was wearing Scott’s own shirt, pants, and shoes. Inside, his suitcase had been cut open, and belongings were scattered across rooms.
Scott managed to recover about 90% of his items, though the luggage itself was destroyed. “It just gave me a fighting chance to find my luggage and retrieve it,” he said.
AirTags as Travel Tools
Apple introduced AirTags in 2021, and they quickly became popular with travelers. Using the Find My network, the small coin-sized trackers ping nearby Apple devices to update their location. Unlike GPS trackers, they don’t need subscriptions, making them an affordable option.
A 2024 survey by travel site Kayak found that 37% of U.S. fliers now use AirTags or similar devices. The appeal is clear—within minutes, travelers can check whether their missing bag is on the tarmac or in the wrong hands.
Limits and Risks
While AirTags help recover lost items, they aren’t foolproof. Police may not always respond as quickly as they did in Scott’s case, and officers warn travelers not to confront thieves on their own. Additionally, Apple has faced criticism after AirTags were misused for stalking, prompting the company to add safety alerts.
Still, as Scott’s experience shows, AirTags tilt the odds in favor of travelers, turning what could be a total loss into a successful recovery.
