Apple AirTag 4-Pack on Sale: Why Every Traveler Needs These Luggage Trackers

Three days. That's how long Lindsay's mom has been without her luggage here in Prague. Delta and Air France passed the blame back and forth like a game of international hot potato while her suitcase sat somewhere between Paris and Prague, invisible to everyone except the airline's "we're working on it" platitudes. If she had dropped an AirTag in that bag before leaving Indiana, she could have pointed the airport staff to the exact building where her suitcase was sitting.

This is exactly why we travel with nine of these things.

The AirTag 4-Pack Deal Right Now

The Apple AirTag 4-Pack normally retails for $99, but right now it's dropped to around $74. That's essentially like getting one AirTag completely free. At roughly $18.50 per tracker, this is one of the best prices we've seen on these essential travel accessories.

A single AirTag typically costs $29, so buying the 4-pack at this sale price saves you over $40 compared to purchasing them individually. For a family like ours that checks multiple bags on international flights, the math makes this a no-brainer.

Get the AirTag 4-Pack Deal →

Why We Travel with AirTags in Every Bag

We have AirTags in every single piece of luggage we own. Every backpack, every suitcase, every checked bag. Nine trackers keeping tabs on our family's belongings across 33 countries and counting.

The peace of mind is worth every penny. Sitting on the tarmac waiting for takeoff, I can pull up the Find My app and see that our checked bags are directly below us in the cargo hold. When we pile into a taxi heading to the airport at 5 AM with three sleepy kids, a quick glance confirms all bags are accounted for and not sitting forgotten on the sidewalk.

This isn't hypothetical anxiety. Over 1 in 4 travelers have experienced lost bags, and on average it takes 7 days for passengers to recover their lost luggage. Lancesuretybonds International routes are five times more likely to lose luggage than domestic flights. SITA

How AirTags Actually Work

Apple's AirTag uses the Find My network, which consists of over one billion Apple devices worldwide. Your AirTag sends out a secure Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby devices in the Find My network. These devices send the location of your AirTag to iCloud, then you can go to the Find My app and see it on a map. The whole process is anonymous and encrypted to protect your privacy. Apple

In airports, this network density works perfectly. In a pretty dense area like an airport, having so many devices around enables frequent location updates for your AirTag, allowing for more accurate location tracking. CNN

When your bag is nearby, the Precision Finding feature on newer iPhones can guide you directly to it with arrows and distance measurements. When it's farther away, you can see its location on a map and even put it in Lost Mode to get notified the moment it's detected.

The New Airline Integration Feature

Here's something that would have saved Lindsay's mom days of frustration. Apple has expanded its role in travel with a new integration tool developed with Delta Air Lines, enabling AirTag location data to flow straight into Delta's baggage systems. 9to5Mac

Users can generate a Share Item Location link in the Find My app on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Recipients of a link will be able to view a website that shows a location of the item on an interactive map. The website will automatically update when a new location is available. Apple

This means instead of calling the airline repeatedly and getting vague updates, you can share your AirTag's exact location with their baggage team. They can see precisely where your bag is sitting and dispatch someone to retrieve it.

What You Get with Each AirTag

Each AirTag in the 4-pack includes:

• Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband tracking technology
• Built-in speaker for playing sounds to locate items
• Precision Finding on compatible iPhones
• Water and dust resistance (IP67 rated)
• User-replaceable CR2032 battery lasting over a year
• Ability to share with up to 5 family members

AirTag can be shared with up to five people, so items that everyone uses, like an umbrella, a bike, or the family car keys, can be tracked by friends and family. Apple

How We Use Our 9 AirTags

Our setup is straightforward. One AirTag goes in each piece of luggage we own:

• Each of the 5 suitcases has one tucked inside
• Each backpack used as a carry-on has one
• The diaper bag (now a snack bag for Harper) has one
• A couple float between day bags depending on what we're using

For suitcases, I drop the AirTag into an interior pocket. No special holder needed since it stays protected inside the bag. For backpacks and bags that might get set down and forgotten, a keychain holder attached to an interior loop works well.

The Belkin Secure Holder is a popular option that physically clamps the AirTag so it won't fall out, typically available for under $15.

The Real-World Test: Prague, December 2025

Right now, we're watching this play out in real time. Lindsay's mom flew in to spend the holidays with us. Her flight routed through Paris, and somewhere between connections, her checked bag went missing.

Day one: Air France said it was in Paris. Delta said check with Air France.

Day two: Delta said it was on a flight to Prague. It wasn't.

Day three: Still waiting. Still no bag. Three days of wearing the same clothes during a European winter.

An AirTag wouldn't have prevented the airline from mishandling the bag. But it would have told us exactly where it was from minute one. No conflicting stories from airline reps. No guessing. Just a pin on a map showing the bag sitting in a warehouse at CDG.

AirTag vs. Waiting at Baggage Claim

With an AirTag, you know basically as soon as you've arrived that your bag did not come with you. You can then spend your time filling out the report rather than forlornly waiting by the carousel as everyone else's bags are delivered. Stack Exchange

That head start matters. The faster you file a report, the faster airlines can start tracking down your luggage. And with Share Item Location, you can give them coordinates instead of relying on their often-outdated tracking systems.

Important Things to Know Before Buying

iPhone Required: AirTags only work with Apple devices. If your household runs on Android, look at alternatives like the Tile Pro or Samsung SmartTag.

No Historical Tracking: An AirTag doesn't track historical data. While it may be interesting to see your missing bag's entire journey, you'll have to make do with screenshots along the way done in real time, as you can't rewind the clock to check where the AirTag has been. The Points Guy

Coverage Varies: AirTags work best in populated areas with lots of iPhones nearby. In remote locations with few Apple devices, updates may be infrequent.

TSA and FAA Approved: Yes, you can fly with AirTags in both carry-on and checked luggage. The FAA has confirmed that the small lithium content (0.1 grams) falls well below safety limits.

Why the 4-Pack Makes Sense

At the current sale price of $74 for four, you're paying about $18.50 per AirTag. That's significantly cheaper than the $29 single-tracker price, even without a sale.

For families, the 4-pack covers your most important bags immediately. For solo travelers, it's enough for your main suitcase, carry-on, laptop bag, and keys. For couples, two bags each is a solid starting point.

Get the AirTag 4-Pack at $74 →

We started with one 4-pack and kept adding more as we accumulated gear over three years of travel. At this price, stocking up makes sense even if you're not sure exactly where all four will go yet.

Staying Connected While You Track Your Bags

Of course, tracking your luggage requires an internet connection. If you're traveling internationally, you'll need data to check the Find My app when you land.

We use Holafly eSIM for unlimited data in 190+ destinations. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off any plan. Having instant data the moment you land means you can check your AirTag locations before even leaving the gate.

FAQ

How long does the AirTag battery last?

AirTag is designed to keep going more than a year on a standard battery you can easily replace, and your iPhone lets you know when it's time to pop in a new one. Apple The CR2032 battery is widely available and costs a few dollars.

Can I track my bag internationally?

Yes. As long as there are Apple devices nearby (which there are in virtually every international airport), your AirTag will update its location. The Find My network spans over a billion devices worldwide.

Do I need an AirTag holder for luggage?

Not necessarily. For checked bags, you can drop the AirTag loose into an interior pocket or slip it into a small pouch. The bag itself protects it. Holders are more useful for attaching to keychains or bag straps.

Can airlines see my AirTag location?

Only if you choose to share it. Share Item Location is built on the Find My network. The entire process is end-to-end encrypted and anonymous, so no one else, not even Apple, can view a device's location or information Apple unless you explicitly share a link.

What if someone puts an AirTag in my bag without my knowledge?

AirTag is designed to discourage unwanted tracking. If someone else's AirTag finds its way into your stuff, the network will notice it's traveling with you and send your iPhone an alert. If you still haven't found it after a while, the AirTag will start playing a sound letting you know it's there. Apple

Is one AirTag enough per bag?

One is plenty. The technology is consistent enough that you don't need redundancy. We use one per bag and have never had a tracking failure.

Bottom Line

The combination of missed connections, overworked baggage handlers, and increasingly complex itineraries means luggage mishandling isn't going away anytime soon. 36.1 million bags were mishandled worldwide in 2023. SITA

An AirTag won't prevent airlines from losing your bag. But it will tell you exactly where that bag is, let you share its location with airline staff, and eliminate the guessing game that turns a minor inconvenience into days of frustration.

At $74 for a 4-pack, that peace of mind costs less than most checked bag fees.

Get the Apple AirTag 4-Pack Deal →

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