Australian-born luggage brand July has launched what is believed to be the world’s first fully-integrated trackable suitcase called CaseSafe.
The design-led range was created in consultation with Google and Apple and allows travellers to track the location of their luggage from their phone via an integrated, trackable TSA-approved lock.
The trackable, battery-operated lock is compatible with Apple’s ‘Find My’ and Google’s ‘Find Hub’ networks.
According to Google’s VP of engineering Erik Kay, the tech company’s ‘Find Hub’ initiative allows Android users access to a crowdsourced network of over a billion devices to help find lost or misplaced items.
Globally, it’s estimated about 36 million bags are mishandled each year, and roughly 1.8 million go missing entirely, according to a 2024 report by AirHelp.
July co-founder Athan Didaskalou called CaseSafe a game-changer.
“This is the beginning of a new era,” Didaskalou said. “First it was wheels on a suitcase, now it’s a standard. Integrated TSA locks were rare, now they come by default.
“What we’re seeing here is the first of a new standard for luggage – once your case is tracked out of the box, you can never go back. This is truly smart luggage.”
The latest move comes after July teamed up with Qantas earlier this year for a limited-edition run of trackable suitcases that sold out on the July website within 48 hours. According to July, this demonstrates the desire amongst travellers to have extra peace of mind on their journey.
“We’ve always believed luggage should do more than carry your things,” Didaskalou said. “It should actively make travel better. CaseSafe continues that mission by combining world-class design with technology that simplifies and elevates the journey.”
The CaseSafe range retails from $395 to $495, and is available in all of July’s core colours in Carry On, Checked and Checked Plus sizes and features the brand’s German aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell and SilentMove 360° spinner double wheels.
July was founded in 2019 in Melbourne and has since expanded to around 13 stores across Australia, and stockists in key regions across Asia – including Singapore, Korea and Mainland China.