[Consolidated]: Luggage Tracking Solutions (was: Trakdot to help you track your...)
#31
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,131
#33
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Posts: 37,486
I think I just realized what's up with the inaccurate reporting:
From the start I had serious doubts about GPS operation in the airport--it would pretty much always have to be falling back to WiFi. WiFi doesn't provide actual location data, that's handled by a database of what routers were observed at what locations. Such databases have problems with WiFi sources that move around--a common example being cruise ships.
However, there's the issue of ad-hoc networking by Windows. How many "WiFi networks" are really just traveler's laptops--laptops that might very well be in another city tomorrow?
From the start I had serious doubts about GPS operation in the airport--it would pretty much always have to be falling back to WiFi. WiFi doesn't provide actual location data, that's handled by a database of what routers were observed at what locations. Such databases have problems with WiFi sources that move around--a common example being cruise ships.
However, there's the issue of ad-hoc networking by Windows. How many "WiFi networks" are really just traveler's laptops--laptops that might very well be in another city tomorrow?
#34
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Tundra Land (MSP)
Programs: DL Plat, DL SkyClub, SPG Plat, HH Diamond, National Emerald Exec
Posts: 269
Yet another update...mind blowing though it is
As a follow up to my earlier post, when I asked Globatrac to replace my replacement units with new ones (read: not someone else's open box returns), they did. And what they sent is even worse -- two faulty units that will not even power on.
I tried the enclosed batteries. Dead units.
I tried brand new, fresh-out-of-the-package batteries of my own. Dead units.
I followed the instructions in the box, telling you to register your units before powering up, aware it would have no impact on their ability to turn on, but at this point, I'm crossing all the Ts.
During the registration process, I was asked to pay for the first year of service and an activation fee again, in spite of the fact my original units were only in my possession for 2 1/2 months of the original paid year (leaving 9 1/2 months of remaining). My other original unit had yet to be activated, meaning its entire first paid year was still untapped.
I quit.
Just emailed the customer service person -and- Harry Steck, president of the company, asking for a full refund. It blows my mind a company can operate this way...especially when they continue to sell a product that's been found defective by so many early adopters.
I tried the enclosed batteries. Dead units.
I tried brand new, fresh-out-of-the-package batteries of my own. Dead units.
I followed the instructions in the box, telling you to register your units before powering up, aware it would have no impact on their ability to turn on, but at this point, I'm crossing all the Ts.
During the registration process, I was asked to pay for the first year of service and an activation fee again, in spite of the fact my original units were only in my possession for 2 1/2 months of the original paid year (leaving 9 1/2 months of remaining). My other original unit had yet to be activated, meaning its entire first paid year was still untapped.
I quit.
Just emailed the customer service person -and- Harry Steck, president of the company, asking for a full refund. It blows my mind a company can operate this way...especially when they continue to sell a product that's been found defective by so many early adopters.
Last edited by PaperQueen; Feb 14, 2014 at 12:47 pm
#35
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: MCO/TPA AA EXP / 5.2 MM
Programs: AAEXP/Marriott Life Platinum
Posts: 374
My new Trakdot works perfectly
I, like most of those posting here have had my first unit returned, for updating. When returned, it was worse than before.
I contacted support and they responded with a new unit shipped overnight.
I have been on 1 domestic trip and 2 international trips with the new new unit. Perfect all around, with both SMS and email notifications.
Yesterday, I returned from DUS into ORD connecting to MCO. At the Flagship lounge, I was asked if I had checked any luggage. I said I did, but they couldn't find it in their system. I showed the ladies it was indeed at ORD.
When I arrived MCO, it said my luggage also arrived and there it was.
I contacted support and they responded with a new unit shipped overnight.
I have been on 1 domestic trip and 2 international trips with the new new unit. Perfect all around, with both SMS and email notifications.
Yesterday, I returned from DUS into ORD connecting to MCO. At the Flagship lounge, I was asked if I had checked any luggage. I said I did, but they couldn't find it in their system. I showed the ladies it was indeed at ORD.
When I arrived MCO, it said my luggage also arrived and there it was.
#37
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Tundra Land (MSP)
Programs: DL Plat, DL SkyClub, SPG Plat, HH Diamond, National Emerald Exec
Posts: 269
I, like most of those posting here have had my first unit returned, for updating. When returned, it was worse than before.
I contacted support and they responded with a new unit shipped overnight.
I have been on 1 domestic trip and 2 international trips with the new new unit. Perfect all around, with both SMS and email notifications.
I contacted support and they responded with a new unit shipped overnight.
I have been on 1 domestic trip and 2 international trips with the new new unit. Perfect all around, with both SMS and email notifications.
After receiving two so-so units (the originals), then four replacements that refused to function, my patience ran out. The email cc'ing Harry Steck got me a full refund ASAP, including the original year subscription, on both. Now that DL has incorporated automatic baggage tracking in their mobile app, my hope (realistic or not) is that tracking will become more reliable.
We'll see. Sure wasn't working with Trakdot.
#38
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Oregon
Programs: AA EXP, AS 75K, UA 1MM Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Plat, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 3,993
I bought one at their stand at the Gadget show in the UK last week. I put it together right before my flight home and stuffed it in my bag. Right before checking my bag I noticed that the whole unit had gotten REALLY hot - like the batteries were being shorted out. I actually burned my finger removing them before it caught fire. Still, I figured better not to have a fire hazard in my bag during a transatlantic flight.
Of course, I had this new luggage tracking device and couldn't use it - and that is the flight where my bags mis-connected. Very frustrating. Will be contacting them for a replacement.
Of course, I had this new luggage tracking device and couldn't use it - and that is the flight where my bags mis-connected. Very frustrating. Will be contacting them for a replacement.
#39
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: PHX & PPT
Programs: DL PM, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold, AmExPlat
Posts: 833
New trackers coming from airlines:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechcons...ntent=20140416
The eTag is a permanent electronic label that lets you load the flight data for the tag at home before the flight, replacing the current airline luggage sticker. It uses Bluetooth technology and syncs with your smartphone, so passengers won't need to relabel bags for each trip — details are updated automatically. But perhaps the most time-saving part of this is that using the eTag means passengers get to just drop off bags at a fast drop, no agent interaction required.
Separately, the eTrack is a geolocating gadget to pop inside your luggage so you can trace it worldwide. That location information will be available to both the customer (through a smartphone app) and the airline, so if a bag is misplaced or shows up on the wrong aircraft, the airline can get to it.
As you might expect, battery life of the eTrack — the homing device for your bag — will be a bit of a hassle. It needs to be recharged after about 10 flights, depending on how often you ping your suitcase.
While the devices will be sold separately, passengers can use the eTag and eTrack together. The product folks behind the effort say they're hoping these devices become adopted by other airlines across the industry.
"We've worked closely with our suppliers and with Delta to try to make this an industry initiative, not just an airline initiative," Manuel van Lijf, Air France-KLM's product innovation manager, told FutureTravelExperience.com.
"The idea was to create a product that can be used by a passenger flying with Air France, KLM, Delta, Lufthansa or another airline, for instance. Why would a passenger buy a permanent tag that can only be used on one airline?"
http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechcons...ntent=20140416
The eTag is a permanent electronic label that lets you load the flight data for the tag at home before the flight, replacing the current airline luggage sticker. It uses Bluetooth technology and syncs with your smartphone, so passengers won't need to relabel bags for each trip — details are updated automatically. But perhaps the most time-saving part of this is that using the eTag means passengers get to just drop off bags at a fast drop, no agent interaction required.
Separately, the eTrack is a geolocating gadget to pop inside your luggage so you can trace it worldwide. That location information will be available to both the customer (through a smartphone app) and the airline, so if a bag is misplaced or shows up on the wrong aircraft, the airline can get to it.
As you might expect, battery life of the eTrack — the homing device for your bag — will be a bit of a hassle. It needs to be recharged after about 10 flights, depending on how often you ping your suitcase.
While the devices will be sold separately, passengers can use the eTag and eTrack together. The product folks behind the effort say they're hoping these devices become adopted by other airlines across the industry.
"We've worked closely with our suppliers and with Delta to try to make this an industry initiative, not just an airline initiative," Manuel van Lijf, Air France-KLM's product innovation manager, told FutureTravelExperience.com.
"The idea was to create a product that can be used by a passenger flying with Air France, KLM, Delta, Lufthansa or another airline, for instance. Why would a passenger buy a permanent tag that can only be used on one airline?"
#40
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 413
So guys, the Trakdot is basically useless isn't it ?
Amazon reviews aren't too flash
http://www.amazon.com/Trakdot-17-Lug.../dp/B00EYE5CAQ
If someone invents a truly reliable tracker, would be a great product
Amazon reviews aren't too flash
http://www.amazon.com/Trakdot-17-Lug.../dp/B00EYE5CAQ
If someone invents a truly reliable tracker, would be a great product
#41
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Tundra Land (MSP)
Programs: DL Plat, DL SkyClub, SPG Plat, HH Diamond, National Emerald Exec
Posts: 269
That's my opinion...but hey, I only went through four replacement units without a single one working to come to that conclusion.
Agreed, although I might not be first person in line to buy one next time. Ahhh, the inherent risk to being an early adopter.
Agreed, although I might not be first person in line to buy one next time. Ahhh, the inherent risk to being an early adopter.
#42
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: MCO/TPA AA EXP / 5.2 MM
Programs: AAEXP/Marriott Life Platinum
Posts: 374
[QUOTE=lpeterman;22693131]I, like most of those posting here have had my first unit returned, for updating. When returned, it was worse than before.
I contacted support and they responded with a new unit shipped overnight.
I have been on 1 domestic trip and 2 international trips with the new new unit. Perfect all around, with both SMS and email notifications.
QUOTE]
Since my post (#35) I have traveled to GRU, LHR, SIN, PVG, HKG, TPE, MSY. In all cases, the unit worked flawlessly, alerting me via email and SMS.
Battery lasted for the 2 week multi-stop trip.
I contacted support and they responded with a new unit shipped overnight.
I have been on 1 domestic trip and 2 international trips with the new new unit. Perfect all around, with both SMS and email notifications.
QUOTE]
Since my post (#35) I have traveled to GRU, LHR, SIN, PVG, HKG, TPE, MSY. In all cases, the unit worked flawlessly, alerting me via email and SMS.
Battery lasted for the 2 week multi-stop trip.
#45
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: SCE, GRU
Programs: UA MP Premier Gold (Life), Hyatt Explorer, Various other hotel FS pgms
Posts: 195
I too have been waiting for updated experiences. All these recent offers for lifetime service for a fixed price make it tempting. But my early experiences showed poor results with depleted batteries on 24 hour trips to SE Asia and a few other poor experieces.