5 High-Tech Luggage Solutions for Smarter Travel

In today’s frequent flier world, high-tech travel products are thriving.

Whether you’re a business person on your way to a client meeting or a parent traveling with a toddler for summer vacation, there are plenty of gadgets to suit your specific needs.

Most interestingly, the smart luggage market is taking off like never before. Not only do these innovative companies recognize that travellers want ease and convenience, they realize that travellers want their luggage to complement their high-tech lives.

Here are five of the most unique smart luggage products for any budget.

Heys Vantage 21” Smart Luggage:

Starting at $160 CA. The term high-tech applies to everything from materials to storage. This Heys carry-on product has a cushioned front pocket that fits any laptop up to 39 cm (15.6 in). This means no more fussing at the security line to dig through your backpack or briefcase to remove your largest electronic device.

The Vantage, which weighs 3.8 kg (8.3 lbs), also features 360° wheels that let it spin easily, a built-in TSA lock, and is 100 per cent pure polycarbonate. Plus, the price is reasonable for any buyer.

Away: The Carry-on:

Starting at $345 CA. This 3.2 kg (7 lb) carry-on is a must for travellers who need to charge on the go. While more and more airports have adequate charging available, there are still plenty of locations that lack access to convenient outlets.

With The Carry-on, you can charge one device at a time using the USB port on top of your luggage. Yes, that means that your bag is a portable charging station. Aside from this functional feature, The Carry-on is available in a number of colors, has a TSA-approved lock, and is scratch resistant.

PHOTO: Away Carry On in black, with USB charging port. (Photo courtesy of Away)

G-RO:

Starting at $602 CA. In the world of travel crowdfunding campaigns, G-RO wins the prize as one of the most funded projects of all time (raising more than $3M US).

Let’s start with charging stations; instead of just one USB port, it boasts two (so you can energize your smartphone and tablet simultaneously) and it has a power outlet to charge your laptop. It also has a built- in tablet stand for working on the go (think of it like a mini desk). Plus, its large stylish wheels ensure that it can handle your fierce travel grind. It also has an exterior pocket for a laptop and a TSA-approved lock.

However, it’s the G-RO luggage locator that sets it apart; this feature means that you can always find your bag nearby using Bluetooth or locate it anywhere in the world using GSM/GPRS (thanks to sensors trackers).

Rimowa Electronic Tag:

Starting at $860 CA. If you live in Europe and often travel on Lufthansa, you’ll be interested in luxury luggage maker Rimowa’s Electronic Tag. Not only is this luggage line stylish, it’s also smart. Download either the iOS or Android app to track your Rimowa’s journey.

The e-tag feature means that you can check your bag before you arrive at the airport (this is to save you time from waiting for a paper version of your baggage tag). Your baggage info will appear, thanks to functionality in the app, on a screen on your luggage. Not only does this save you time, but it saves the airline time. Rimowa plans to roll out this electronic tag luggage feature with other airline partners in the future.

JetKids BedBox:

Starting at $269 CA. Ride-on suitcases for kids are all the rage, and they keep parents sane during on-the-ground airport travel. However, once in the air, many young children have a hard time getting comfortable in a seat built for an adult. Thankfully, a former aircraft engineer and airline Captain worked with his wife to find a sensible solution.

The BedBox is a ride-on carry-on for kids (up to seven years old), but once you’re cruising in-flight, it turns an average seat into a mini bed (on most airlines, this product can only be used while seated at the window or on a single-aisle aircraft). Inside the compartment is a tiny mattress that you can unfold and rest on the sliding cover of the luggage. This means kids can stretch out their legs for a comfortable rest (and parents can catch some sleep as well!).

As always, before using any high-tech luggage, check with your airline to determine their rules and regulations.

Amber Mac (@ambermac) is a regular contributor to TravelPulse Canada.She is a technology expert, keynote speaker, and frequent flyer. She is also the co-founder of digital marketing agency, Konnekt and AmberMac Media.

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