For the first time, Trakdot Luggage gives airline passengers unprecedented control at a wallet-friendly price, allowing them to keep track of checked-in luggage anywhere mobile phones work.

ENGADGET: Trakdot Luggage hands-on: find your lost bags Hands-on

But frequent business travelers always try to hold on to their travel gear for a simple reason -- the inexcusably long time it takes for checked-in luggage to make it to baggage-claim carousels.

FORBES: Fact and Comment

While the International Air Transport Administration also considers compressed gas cylinders hazardous in general, the body approves of the avalanche-specific canisters for either checked or carry-on luggage, thereby making the US the only country in the world to prohibit them. (Passengers outside the US are, however, required to inform the airline before their flight that they will be transporting the system).

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But what are the airlines communicating with their baggage fees at the check-in point if you want your luggage checked through so that you no longer have to carry it?

FORBES: Avoiding Passenger Congestion

The luggage locator system delivers city-specific information on the whereabouts of checked baggage in real time.

ENGADGET: Trakdot Luggage hands-on: find your lost bags Hands-on

According the company, the luggage locator system delivers city-specific information on the whereabouts of checked baggage in real time.

FORBES: Afraid of Losing Your Luggage? Track It With Trackdot