Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
Yes, TRACE ME is specifically authorised by SITA and supported by IATA. We are a member of the only authorised group of third party baggage tag issuers who have their own IT fields embedded within SITA’s WorldTracer Baggage Management System.
Airlines will continue to check in luggage and attach one of their paper tags. They will rely on the TRACE ME when the paper tag has been removed, damaged, is un-readable or has expired.
UIS is the specific ID element within the WorldTracer interface specially implemented for the TRACE ME Tag serial number. This allows the Airline Baggage services staff worldwide the capability to enter the TRACE ME unique serial number to create the unclaimed baggage record (OHD) with details of its location and any relevant file information.
They input it either manually or by a barcode scanner depending on each airport’s operating procedure.
The airline discover a bag where the standard airline paper tag is missing or unreadable and recognises the TRACE ME Tag attached and serial number. They then create a ‘lost bag file’ into which they input the TRACE ME serial number. They input this into the WorldTracer system. This then generates an automated message via a link to TRACE ME, who in turn will advise the Owner of the location and bag reference.
WorldTracer has an on-going programme of continued improvement procedures for its ground handling and baggage management personnel. Ground handling services include many different companies around the world, so it is constantly evolving. SITA and IATA continue to appraise and update their agents about UIS on a regular basis.
There are several ways the customer can contact us. Through our email help desk support@tracemeluggagetracker.com or through our representatives in your Region, where the links are available on our ‘Contact Us’ page on our website.
Yes, but you must update the details on your TRACE ME online account for that tag by changing the bag description. If you don’t, you might reduce the chance that your bag is identified and recovered.
If you accidentally lose your Tag or it becomes damaged, we will provide an immediate replacement. Because all our serial numbers are unique, we will de-list your original serial number and replace it with your new serial number. You must register your replacement Tag as before.
Yes, there are several other tracking devices on the market. However, the airline bag management system relies entirely and uniquely on a clearly visible serial number specified by SITA and integrated into their IT system. RFID and Satellite devices tend not to be integrated into the airlines’ bag management systems. A satellite device may show you where your bag is at any specific time, but because it is not integrated into the airlines’ system, it will not enable airline and airport staff to locate your bag.
Some airlines have introduced their own Bag Tag which do comply with the correct serial number protocol. However, they only work along the routes of that airline. So if you are only travelling from A to B on that airline and you lose your bag, then that airline’s Tag should work. But, if you then connect with another airline and then lose your bag, your original airline’s Tag will not be operative for the other airline. This way, TRACE ME is different, in that it works across all airlines, has no moving parts and no batteries, it’s that simple.
Some airlines have introduced their own Bag Tag which do comply with the correct serial number protocol. However, they only work along the routes of that airline. So if you are only travelling from A to B on that airline and you lose your bag, then that airline’s Tag should work. But, if you then connect with another airline and then lose your bag, your original airline’s Tag will not be operative for the other airline. This way, TRACE ME is different, in that it works across all airlines, has no moving parts and no batteries, it’s that simple.
REGISTRATION
Yes, you must register your Tag for it to be able to identify your Bag and you as its Owner.
Simply click on the ‘Register your Tags’ at the top of this page.
You should enter your name as the name that appears in your foreign or international passport in English.
For your TRACE ME Tag to be active we advise that you register it as soon as you receive your Tag and certainly within 60 days of receiving it.
All TRACE ME Tags have an automatic 12 month life from the point of Registration and if you choose to renew your Tag, another 12 months after the point of Renewal.
We will automatically notify you by email approximately 3 weeks before your Tag is due to expire.
No, all Renewals are for a 12 month period.
We will de-activate your Tag and it will no longer be active for tracing purposes.
You need to provide your first and last names, your email address and a mobile/cell phone number.
TRACE ME will be advised by the airline that they have discovered a bag with a TRACE ME Tag serial number. We will notify you that your Bag has been found and confirm your identity with your airline. We will advise you of the reference number to quote to your airline in order to enable them to deliver your Bag back to you at the location you request.
TRACE ME will email you and SMS you immediately your Bag has been found.
TRACE ME’s data security bank is accredited with one of the highest security certification available which is Certified to ISO 27001.
PRODUCT PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (previously named Bag Loss Guarantee)
No, TRACE ME is not a guarantee that luggage will not be lost or delayed. It is there to help prevent your Bag being lost and does not replace an insurance policy. It is a fully compliant airline luggage tag with a specific airline compliant serial number that provides additional bag security to the owner should their airline paper tag be removed or damaged. It acts as an additional protection for the bag owner and doubles their bag security.
When luggage is damaged or lost when flying, strictly speaking it is the airline that is liable, but there are no rules about exactly how much compensation passengers should receive – airlines are notoriously tough negotiators, and the total payout is limited by international convention. In the same way travel insurance can also fall short when it comes to lost or damaged baggage claims.
Total claims under an insurance policy are often limited and there are separate limits on the amount payable for lost valuables. These may not be anywhere near enough to cover the replacement cost of lost clothes, an expensive suitcase or other possessions. High excess charges will also reduce the overall payout by an insurer.
Whether a passenger chooses to claim from an airline or their insurance company (and not all travel insurance policies provide cover for luggage while in the care of an airline), a passenger will have to produce evidence to show the contents and value of what they have lost. This means receipts or proof of when items were bought and any compensation will also take depreciation into account.
In order to claim from an airline, a passenger must produce a Property Irregularity Report for (PIR). This is obtained from the airline desks in all Bag Reclaim areas and must be filled out before the passenger leaves the airport. The passenger leaves one copy with the airline and takes a duplicate copy. The airline will provide a reference number to quote in correspondence.
In the case of items that have been damaged, lost or stolen from the bag, the passenger must write to the airline within 7 days. In the case of a lost bag (missing for more than 3 days), a passenger has 21 days in which to claim from the airline or insurance company.
Total claims under an insurance policy are often limited and there are separate limits on the amount payable for lost valuables. These may not be anywhere near enough to cover the replacement cost of lost clothes, an expensive suitcase or other possessions. High excess charges will also reduce the overall payout by an insurer.
Whether a passenger chooses to claim from an airline or their insurance company (and not all travel insurance policies provide cover for luggage while in the care of an airline), a passenger will have to produce evidence to show the contents and value of what they have lost. This means receipts or proof of when items were bought and any compensation will also take depreciation into account.
In order to claim from an airline, a passenger must produce a Property Irregularity Report for (PIR). This is obtained from the airline desks in all Bag Reclaim areas and must be filled out before the passenger leaves the airport. The passenger leaves one copy with the airline and takes a duplicate copy. The airline will provide a reference number to quote in correspondence.
In the case of items that have been damaged, lost or stolen from the bag, the passenger must write to the airline within 7 days. In the case of a lost bag (missing for more than 3 days), a passenger has 21 days in which to claim from the airline or insurance company.
TRACE ME is not an insurance company but it does offer a fixed price cash financial warranty of USD $500 or the equivalent in local currency. This is subject to certain terms and conditions set out in our website.
In the highly unlikely event that your airline loses your bag to which a registered active TRACE ME Tag was attached and the airline declares your bag lost and pays you its financial compensation as a result, provided you have observed our Product Performance Warranty conditions, you will be eligible to claim under the terms of the Product Performance Warranty.
This warranty is in addition to any other compensation the passenger might be entitled to through any insurance or from their airline.
In the highly unlikely event that your airline loses your bag to which a registered active TRACE ME Tag was attached and the airline declares your bag lost and pays you its financial compensation as a result, provided you have observed our Product Performance Warranty conditions, you will be eligible to claim under the terms of the Product Performance Warranty.
This warranty is in addition to any other compensation the passenger might be entitled to through any insurance or from their airline.
You go into ‘Product Performance Warranty’ Page on our website and complete the form
You must immediately go to the Lost Luggage Desk in the Bag Reclaim area and ask to complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
You should notify us of a claim within 48 hours of completing the PIR.
We will advise you within 21 days after receiving confirmation from your airline that they have declared your Bag lost.
This is the standard global form that all airports and airlines provide when your bag has not arrived at Bag Reclaim.
Provided you have registered your Tag and attached it to your Bag and stated this on your Property Irregularity Report (PIR), it is not necessary to include the serial number.