Amid reports around the world that people are finding their lost luggage using Bluetooth trackers, it appears Kiwis may also be jumping on the trend.
Not content with splashing out on new luggage to take advantage of the borders reopening, consumer price comparison website PriceSpy has seen a massive jump in searches for new technology to keep possessions safe.
Last month it was revealed that interest in suitcases had spiked by a massive 578 percent year on year as Kiwis looked to dip their toes back into international travel.
Interestingly, the popularity of Bluetooth tracking devices has also skyrocketed, jumping 376 percent year on year and over 150 percent in the last month.
Liisa Matinvesi-Bassett, New Zealand country manager for PriceSpy, said the company's insights indicated Kiwis were looking to dust off their passports.
"As well as popularity for suitcases being on the up, our consumer purchase interest data for Bluetooth tracking devices is also significantly rising, which is unusual for this particular shopping category," she said.
"But as momentum gathers in the news around passengers losing luggage at international airports, it seems Kiwis are looking to take extra precautions to help them keep a closer eye on their suitcases, looking to buy gadgets such as the Apple AirTag and the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag.
"Bluetooth tracking devices are great for international travel. As well as being affordable on the wallet, they help passengers feel more rest-assured about the whereabouts of their luggage whilst in transit and at international airports."
Bluetooth tracking tags pair with a mobile phone device, which generally uses simple software to show the location of the tracker.
That has enabled people all around the globe to tell airlines exactly where their lost luggage is with a view to getting it returned more quickly.
People can simply pop a tag in their suitcase or backpack and should the item go astray, keep tracking it until they have it back.
Bluetooth trackers haven't been without their controversy. Despite legitimate uses, they have also been used to stalk people, and even implicated in a murder.
But at a relatively low cost, they may provide peace of mind for those who worry about heading on holiday and being left stranded in their flying gear. It's not the only solution, however.
"For those that do not wish to purchase a new bluetooth tracking device to travel with, with lots of luggage pieces looking similar, another idea to help passengers identify their case at a busy airport terminal or on a conveyor belt is to customise it," Matinvesi-Bassett said.
"Attach some bright colours to the case securely – and make it look completely unique. That way, should the suitcase get lost, it can be instantly identifiable to both the passenger, as well as airport staff."
