From missing bags to dead devices, travel can be a real headache. But new technology may be taking some o
f that stress away. New travel gear hitting the market could be the answer frustrated travelers have been looking for, like a suitcase with a built-in charging device.
"I travel about 25 to 50 thousand air miles per year," said frequent traveler Jerry Kallman. "Having a charging device built into, as an appliance that's actually built into my suitcase it gives me a home for that charging device so that I'm not forgetting that and I don't have to hunt for the nearest charging station that's invariably is going to be completely filled up."
And that's not all. It also has an app.
"Its own app that tells you how much your bag weighs, a mobile wifi hotspot and even a place for an international sim card," explained Kate Ryan who represents the Travel Goods Association.
Ryan says the IQ suitcase is just one piece of high tech travel gear available to consumers.
"Luggage is doing things today that consumers and manufacturers never could have imagined 10 years ago," she added.
For instance, the Lug Loc will locate your luggage through an app on your phone.
"On the app you can zero in on your bags location down to the exact address,"Ryan demonstrated.
There's also the eGee Touch lock.
"Activate the battery, slide the fob over the lock, slide the tab and your zippers come out," Ryan said.
The Charger Leash lets you know if you
're leaving your charger behind in your hotel room or airport. You'll hear a loud alarm reminding you don't leave your charger behind.
CNET senior editor Sharon Profis says many more ideas are in the works.
"Most of the companies we're seeing getting started with smart luggage are very small companies. In fact, if you go to Kickstarter or Indiegogo, you'll see quite a few smart luggage projects," she explained.
Because these are new products, Profis says they may have hiccups to work through, like a tracking system malfunction or other glitch in early models. Also, she suggests you check for expenses beyond the cost of the actual product.
"Now, sometimes the caveat to that is you have to pay a
monthly service," Profis said. "You need to pay the monthly GPS or cellular service because, like a phone, your luggage needs to be able to connect to the Internet, so that's something to look out for when you're shopping for smart luggage."
The trade-off of expense for less stress makes high tech luggage a must-carry for Kallman.
"I'm very excited. I think technology in luggage is imperative," he added.
Manufacturers still have to follow TSA guidelines on all luggage, and even the suitcases that unlock through your personal phone will also open with the TSA master key.
Additional links:
- SuperSmartTags: http://supersmarttag.com/custom.cfm?ID=AF36099C
- Genius Pack: http://www.geniuspack.com/pages/features
- CalpysoTag: https://www.calypsocrystal.com/calypsotag/