Equipped with a range of high-tech features and user-friendly functions, these smart cases could be the answer to lost luggage and unexpected baggage fees.
It seems strange to think that with all the technology we have infused into virtually every aspect of our lives, it took so long to get smart luggage. However, that time has come and while the innovations are almost exclusively reserved to carry on cases (which was just as well when the TSA announced a ban on bags with non-removable batteries inside), those smart cases that are on the market are packed with great features that keep your belongings secure, keep you notified of where your bag is, and even link up with apps to tell you the cases weight, your boarding gate, and the weather of your destination. If you love tech and you love to travel, these cases just might be for you.
Samsara Aluminum Carry-On
Constructed in tough tough aluminum, the 21-inch Aluminium Carry-On smart suitcase has a little something for every traveller, from a USB-C port that connects to a 10,000mah battery for device recharging, to a flat top that can be used as an impromptu work surface. There’s even an automatic LED light inside to help you find things when it’s dark. We especially love the alert you’ll receive if your luggage starts moving without your say so.
Horizn Studios x Design Hotels Trolley
Design Hotels has teamed up with Horizn Studios to create a signature cabin trolley that’s packed with features. With GPS tracking, a dedicated app, a smart charger and dual USB ports, the new Horizn Studios x Design Hotels Trolley is made from ultra-durable, lightweight German polycarbonate, with touches of Italian Vacchetta leather. Four agile 360-degree spinner wheels by Hinomoto allow for effortless upright rolling, and each case comes with 12 months’ complimentary access to the new Horizn Studios Travel Assistant service.
Rimowa Electronic Tag
Skip the hassle of airport check-in screw-ups with German luxury luggage brand Rimowa’s new Electronic Tag. A combination of integrated technology and smartphone connectivity, the Electronic Tag, built into a new series of cases, allows travellers to check-in their luggage, from home or on the road, using an airline app (Lufthansa has become the first airline to integrate this technology into its system with others to follow). A press of a button and the luggage tag information is beamed via Bluetooth to the case’s cutting edge E Ink Mobius TM display, where it is displayed in colour like a regular luggage tag, but one resistant to water, heat, shocks and tearing.
Bluesmart Black Edition
Marrying style with cutting-edge technology, the Bluesmart Black Edition, the latest generation of the pioneering Bluesmart case, features GPS and 3G tracking capabilities as well as a USB charger with a 10,000mAh capacity, enough to charge a smartphone up to six times. The built-in weight sensor allows you to check the weight of their luggage through the Bluesmart app, which automatically locks the case when it’s not by your side. The tri-layer polycarbonate shell is water and scratch resistant, while the nylon front compartment provides protective padding for laptops and tablets.
Incase ProConnected Roller
When it decided to create a smart suitcase, luggage brand Incase focused less on smart features and more on power, installing a 20,100mAh removable battery pack that can be accessed via USB-C and two USB-A cables and which can recharge everything from multiple smartphones to a MacBook Pro. Made from durable polycarbonate and polyester, the ProConnected 4 Wheel Hubless Roller meets current TSA guidelines on smart luggage, as the battery is easily removable, while its companion app keeps tabs on battery life and case location – which you have to admit are the fundementals.
Space Case 1
Packed with a variety of smart functions, the Space Case 1 by Planet Traveler promises a carefree journey. Its biometric scanner enables you to unlock the case with the touch of a finger, while its global tracker makes sure you know where your luggage is at all times. Available in two sizes, the Space Case 1 features a digital scale, three USB charging ports, and a Bluetooth speakerphone. There’s also a built-in garment bag to keep suits and shirts wrinkle-free. The case comes with an assortment of colours and patterns, from stealth black to polished pink.
G-Ro
Like something you might see in The Jetsons, carry-on sized G-Ro (presently in crowdfunding) features a powerful 23,000mAh internal charging feature, location tracking and a proximity detector. Travellers killing time will love the tablet stand, while all-terrain wheels allow for serious off-concourse striding, and a telescoping handle with multiple settings allows for more comfort on the move.
Delsey Pluggage
With unmistakable French lines and plenty of cutting-edge features, the new Delsey Pluggage case boasts a built-in scale, displaying its weight on a dedicated app. There’s a charging port for tablets and phones, as well a fingerprint security access, interior lighting, an inbuilt speaker, and a detection system that notifies you that your case made the flight. These features are wrapped in a classic, durable carry-on sized case that will turn heads.
Trunkster
A savvy case for connected gents, the Trunkster not only boasts a sophisticated roll-top, zipper-less design, but also features a removable power bank for essential charging, a digital scale, and easily-accessible USB ports. Durable and water-resistant, the roll-top face is designed to better survive the ordeals of baggage handling while also providing additional security from hot little hands.
Away Carry-On
Durable and cost-effective, the Away Carry-On features a near-indestructible lightweight polycarbonate shell, interior compression, a quality spinner wheels for those mad dashes to the boarding gate. Stay charged with a 12,000mAh internal battery, connected with two USB ports, and smelling like a rose thanks to a removable laundry bag.
Barracuda
Perfect for space-starved travellers, the Barracuda is a collapsible smart luggage solution that can slip under hotel beds or hang in a closet. There’s a laptop tray for working from the road, an ergonomic ‘halo’ handle that rotates 360-degrees, a proximity sensor and tracking system (available as an upgrade), a 10,000mAh Li-ion Polymer battery for USB charging, a laundry bag and a duo of shoe bags to ensure everything stays pristine within.
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