Samsung and Turkish Airlines Launch Smart Luggage Tracking to End Lost Baggage NightmaresSamsung and Turkish Airlines Launch Smart Luggage Tracking to End Lost Baggage Nightmares

A major airline is tackling a common traveler headache. Samsung has partnered with Turkish Airlines to help passengers track lost or delayed luggage. This new service uses Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag and the SmartThings Find network.

The initiative, called the Smart Tagged Baggage Service, launched recently. It allows travelers to share a real-time tracking link directly with the airline. This could significantly speed up baggage recovery times.

How the New Smart Luggage Tracking Service Operates

Passengers attach a Galaxy SmartTag to their checked baggage. The tiny tracker uses Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband technology. It connects to the vast SmartThings Find network.

This network includes over 700 million Samsung Galaxy devices worldwide. These devices anonymously help locate lost items. If a bag goes missing, the passenger opens the Samsung Find app.

They can then generate a secure tracking link. This link is shared with Turkish Airlines officials. The airline’s team can then see the bag’s last known location on a map.

According to Reuters, such tech partnerships are becoming more common in travel. The goal is to improve customer experience through innovation. Samsung also confirmed plans to expand this program globally with other airlines.

Broader Impact and Future Plans for Travel Tech

This move addresses a costly and stressful industry problem. Millions of bags are mishandled by airlines globally each year. Quick recovery saves airlines money and reduces passenger frustration.

For travelers, it means less anxiety and faster reunions with their belongings. The service includes a useful “Change Device Image” feature. Users can upload a real photo of their suitcase to aid identification.

Turkish Airlines plans a deeper collaboration with Samsung. Future phases may involve AI and more software solutions. The partnership looks beyond just baggage to improve the overall journey.

This new lost luggage tracking service marks a significant step for travel tech. It leverages a massive consumer device network for a practical solution. The success of this Samsung-Turkish Airlines venture could redefine baggage handling worldwide.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: How does the Samsung luggage tracking service work?

You attach a Galaxy SmartTag to your bag. If the bag is lost, you share a tracking link from the Samsung Find app with the airline. The airline then uses the SmartThings Find network to locate it.

Q2: Do I need a specific phone to use this service?

You need a Samsung Galaxy smartphone to set up and manage the SmartTag. However, the locating network benefits from any nearby Galaxy device, which helps find items even if the owner’s phone is off.

Q3: Is this service available for all Turkish Airlines flights?

The service is being rolled out as a new program. Travelers should check with Turkish Airlines for specific route availability and any potential terms before their flight.

Q4: What happens if my bag is in a location with no Samsung devices?

The SmartTag also uses Bluetooth. It can be detected by other Bluetooth-enabled devices nearby. The network’s strength relies on device density, which is high in most airports and urban areas.

Q5: Can I use an Apple AirTag for the same purpose?

Apple AirTags work on a different network (Find My). The Samsung service is an integrated partnership with the airline’s system, which may allow for more direct coordination with baggage handlers.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Samsung Newsroom, Turkish Airlines press materials.