Qantas and July Launch Smart Trackable Luggage with Apple, Google Tech

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Australian airline Qantas has partnered with luggage innovator July to launch a new range of smart suitcases, aiming to eliminate the anxiety of losing or delayed baggage for travellers.

According to Esquire, this collaboration introduces a line of luggage with July’s proprietary CaseSafe tracker, a device ingeniously integrated into the suitcase’s TSA-approved lock. This built-in design means travellers do not need to carry or manage separate tracking devices. The technology leverages the extensive Apple Find My and Google Find Hub networks, allowing Passengers to pinpoint the exact location of their bags in real time using the July app on their smartphones.

The system is engineered for convenience, featuring a long-lasting battery to ensure connectivity throughout long-haul journeys to destinations like Sydney, New York, or London. By providing passengers with direct control over their baggage monitoring, the initiative promises to transform a significant travel pain point into a seamless experience.

Catriona Larritt, Qantas Group’s Chief Customer and Digital Officer, framed the initiative as a key component of the airline’s commitment to enhancing the customer journey through digital innovation. She explained that by connecting July’s trackers to these global networks, passengers will have end-to-end visibility of their luggage, from the moment it leaves the check-in counter to its arrival on the baggage carousel. This new feature complements Qantas’s existing in-app baggage tracking services, adding a powerful layer of precision and peace of mind.

Athan Didaskalou, co-founder of July, described the technology as a “set and forget” solution. “The CaseSafe technology integrated into the luggage allows travellers to rest assured that their bags are constantly monitored, ensuring they arrive with them at their destination,” he noted.

Media releases from the Quantas newsroom have it that the Qantas x July collection is available in both carry-on and checked sizes, featuring a sleek, modern aesthetic that blends style with high functionality. The seamless integration of the tracking technology into the lock mechanism ensures the system is both secure and user-friendly.

This partnership marks a significant step in the evolution of travel technology. By offering real-time updates, the system allows for proactive management of any baggage delays or issues, empowering customers to focus on their journey rather than the location of their belongings.

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The advent of integrated trackable luggage, as pioneered by the Qantas and July partnership, could have a transformative impact on the tourism sectors in Africa and, more specifically, Nigeria. Lost or delayed luggage is a significant deterrent for international tourists, particularly those embarking on multi-leg journeys to African destinations. The anxiety of arriving without personal belongings, medication, or equipment can be enough to discourage travel. 

As such, adopting this technology would significantly boost traveller confidence, assuring tourists that their possessions were secure. For Nigeria, such a move could help improve its perception as a safe and modern travel destination, encouraging more first-time visitors.

African carriers that partner with innovative luggage brands or develop integrated tracking systems gain a significant competitive edge. Airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, or Nigeria’s Air Peace could market this feature as a premium service to attract international passengers who prioritise security and convenience. It would position them as innovators on the global stage, capable of offering services on par with leading international airlines.

Baggage handling is a critical component of an airport’s operational efficiency and reputation. For Nigerian airports like Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV), the widespread use of trackable luggage would reduce the incidence of lost baggage claims, lessen the burden on ground staff, and improve overall passenger satisfaction. A reputation for efficient and secure baggage handling is invaluable for an international travel hub.

Specialised tourism segments, such as adventure travel, medical tourism, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), often involve travellers carrying expensive or essential equipment. For a business traveller attending a conference in Lagos or a tourist on a safari in Kenya, knowing their equipment is trackable is not just a convenience but a necessity. This technology would make Africa a more attractive destination for these high-value tourism sectors.

The success of such a partnership could inspire local innovation. African tech entrepreneurs and startups could be encouraged to develop similar or complementary travel-tech solutions tailored for the regional market, fostering a new ecosystem of innovation within the continent’s travel and tourism industry.

Ultimately, while the Qantas-July partnership is an Australian initiative, the technology it champions offers a clear roadmap for Africa and Nigeria to address a persistent travel challenge, thereby strengthening their tourism appeal and infrastructure in an increasingly competitive global market.

 

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FAQs

1. How does the tracking technology on the Qantas x July luggage work?

The luggage features July’s CaseSafe tracker, which is built directly into the TSA-approved lock. It utilises the global Apple Find My and Google Find My Hub networks to broadcast its location. You can then see where your bag is in real time using the July app on your smartphone.

2. Do I need a separate device or to charge the tracker frequently?

No. The tracking technology is fully integrated into the suitcase, so you don’t need a separate gadget like an AirTag. The tracker is designed with a long-lasting battery to ensure it remains functional even on long-haul international flights.

3. Can I use this luggage on airlines apart from Qantas?

Yes. While this is a partnership with Qantas, the tracking technology functions independently of the airline. It uses Apple and Google networks, so you can track your luggage anywhere in the world where these networks are available.

4. What makes this process different from just putting an Apple AirTag in my bag?

The key difference is integration and security. The tracker is built into the suitcase’s lock, making it tamper-proof and impossible to remove without being noticed. This design eliminates the need to purchase, charge, and remember a separate device.

5. What is included in the Qantas x July luggage collection?

The collection features a sleek, modern design and is available in both carry-on and checked baggage sizes to suit different travel needs. All suitcases in the range come equipped with the integrated CaseSafe tracking technology and TSA-approved locks