Keep your AirTag safe and sound: Why Pelican’s luggage tag is a must for your suitcase
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I love my Apple AirTags. I have one in my wallet, in my backpack, on my keys and on just about anything else that I lose frequently. I also keep them in things I might be away from for an extended period, like in my car and, of course, on my suitcase.
However, I’ve long struggled to find an AirTag holder that can keep the device affixed to my suitcase in transit. Many silicone and leather cases don’t secure the AirTag in place, making it easy for the device to fall off if you check your bag at the airport.
But that problem is finally behind me. That’s because I found the Pelican AirTag Luggage Tag. This hefty AirTag holder acts as both a case and luggage tag, and in true Pelican style, it’s designed with durability in mind.
Here’s why the Pelican AirTag Luggage Tag is one of my new favorite pieces of travel gear — and why it’s the only AirTag case I trust on my checked luggage.
Pelican AirTag Luggage Tag
This AirTag luggage tag keeps your luggage tracker securely attached to your luggage, even if you have to check it. It's built from strong plastic and attaches to your luggage with a stainless steel cable. Plus, it doubles as a standard luggage tag, with space to write your name, address and phone number.
$40 at Walmart
$40 at Target
$40 at Amazon
What we liked about it
It’s extremely durable
Pelican is known for making extremely durable protective cases for camera gear, instruments and just about anything else that’s fragile and needs to be moved around the world. Chances are you’ve seen one at the airport.
The Pelican AirTag Luggage Tag is no exception. It’s made from a steel-reinforced plastic shell, and there’s a stainless steel cable that attaches the luggage tag to your suitcase. I’ve checked my bag multiple times with this case attached, and the cable has never broken or frayed.
The two-piece design lends the device durability, too. You put your AirTag inside and use the included screws and Allen wrench to close the device. This keeps your AirTag securely inside of the Pelican luggage tag, so you don’t have to worry about it falling out of the case.
Even if you’re not checking your bag, this durability can be important on public transit and in other situations where your bag might rub up against a wall. In the past, I lost an AirTag after it fell out of a silicone protective case — but that won’t be an issue with Pelican’s luggage tag.
And despite this ultra-durable build, the device weighs just 3.28 ounces, barely adding any extra weight to the suitcase or backpack you attach it to.
It doubles as a standard luggage tag
The Pelican AirTag Luggage Tag also has a space for an interchangeable name card, so you can display your address, phone number and other information on the outside of your bag if it’s lost. This is far easier than having both an AirTag and a standard luggage tag on the outside of your bag.
What we didn’t like about it
It’s bulky
The Pelican luggage tag is durable, but that comes at the expense of being far bulkier than other AirTag luggage tags and cases out there. It’s also larger than the majority of standard luggage tags. I think it’s a worthy tradeoff, but you should try to see the device in person and decide for yourself.
Back of the AirTag is exposed
My main gripe with the Pelican luggage tag is that it leaves the back of your AirTag exposed. And since AirTags have a shiny metal back, it’s likely to get scratched as it moves through the airport’s system of conveyor belts.
On the flip side, this means it’s easier for someone to scan your luggage if they find your lost bag. Further, it also means you can switch your AirTag’s battery without taking the luggage tag apart.
How it compares
There are a lot of AirTag cases and holders out there. Here’s how the Pelican AirTag Luggage Tag stacks up to the competition.
Bottom line
The Pelican AirTag Luggage Tag is a must-have for travelers who check bags. it’s far more durable than other AirTag cases I’ve tried, and it has stayed attached to my luggage on multiple journeys around the world, even when I had to check a bag.
It’s bulkier and more expensive than many other AirTag cases, but I think the added expense is well worth it for a device that both protects your luggage tracker and acts as a standard luggage tag.
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