Turkish Airlines & Samsung Team Up to Launch Smart Tagged Baggage Tracking

Turkish Airlines has taken another big step in its digital transformation journey, teaming up with Samsung to launch a new Smart Tagged Baggage Service designed to make lost luggage dramas far less likely. From 1 December, passengers can track their own bags in real time when they place a Galaxy SmartTag inside their luggage and connect it via Samsung’s SmartThings Find app, giving travellers extra peace of mind from check-in to carousel.​

How Smart Tagged Baggage works

Using Samsung’s SmartThings Find, Turkish Airlines guests can link a Galaxy SmartTag to their bag and monitor its location throughout the journey, including during transfers and at arrival airports. The app also allows passengers to upload a photo of their suitcase, helping both travellers and airline teams quickly identify bags if they’re delayed or misrouted – a simple touch that can save a lot of time at the baggage desk. Turkish Airlines is the first airline in the world to roll out SmartThings technology specifically for passenger baggage tracking, highlighting its focus on practical, passenger-first innovation.​

A new standard for digital travel

Turkish Airlines’ Chief Information Technologies Officer, Kerem Kızıltunç, describes the partnership as a key milestone in the carrier’s digitalisation strategy, using cutting-edge tech to lift comfort and confidence for guests. Samsung’s SmartThings team, led by Executive Vice President Jaeyeon Jung, sees the move as part of a broader push to extend SmartThings Find across industries, helping customers stay connected and in control wherever they are – including at 35,000 feet.​

What this means for Aussie flyers

For Australian travellers flying long haul via Istanbul to Europe, Africa or beyond, Smart Tagged Baggage adds an extra layer of reassurance on complex itineraries with tight connections. Instead of waiting at the carousel wondering if a bag made it, passengers with a Galaxy SmartTag can see where their luggage last checked in on the network and show that information to Turkish Airlines staff if something goes astray. The airline has also flagged plans to extend SmartThings Find beyond baggage, with future location-based digital services in the pipeline that could further streamline the end-to-end journey.​

As Turkish Airlines continues to expand its global reach – including popular routes for Aussies heading to Europe and beyond – this smart baggage partnership with Samsung positions the carrier at the front of the pack when it comes to blending aviation and consumer tech for a smoother travel experience. For frequent flyers and gadget lovers alike, it’s one more reason to pay attention to what the Istanbul-based airline is doing next.​