Nope, this isn’t an April Fools’ joke. Telecom giant T-Mobile is getting into the luggage business.
In this post:
T-Mobile launches the “Un-carrier On” bag
T-Mobile has introduced the “Un-carrier On,” which the company is describing as “the Smartest, Flyest Carry-on Ever.” The company is collaborating with Samsara Luggage on this limited-edition, magenta bag, which retails for $325.
The suitcase is available for pre-order at travelmagenta.com. The suitcase will apparently only be available for sale within 30-60 days, as the FCC completes its authorization process for the bag’s battery. If this is intended as a holiday gift, that’s not exactly great timing, since it could be January before the bags are delivered.
Here’s how Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile, describes this new suitcase:
“I know there’s a lot to unpack here. Why is T-Mobile, a wireless provider, launching a suitcase? Well, we’re the Un-carrier—and travel is kind of our bag. So we made one. A bag. An actual bag. T-Mobile customers are already covered with the best travel benefits, keeping them connected in America’s skyways and around the world with Coverage Beyond. But in true Un-carrier fashion, we didn’t stop there. We made a smart suitcase to keep your belongings covered, too. Literally.”
What makes T-Mobile’s suitcase special?
So, what makes this new T-Mobile suitcase unique, aside from the color, which will most definitely stand out at airports?
- The bag has wireless and USB-C charging; this is the only carry-on with wireless charging capability, and the bag also comes with a removable battery pack to ensure devices are always powered up
- The bag has Tag Smart technology, which will track your suitcase throughout the journey
- The bag has a flat top work surface, making it a place you can rest your laptop while at the airport
- The bag has an eight-bag packing set, so that you can pack your belongings in different areas
Bottom line
T-Mobile is getting into the luggage business, at least for a limited time. This ultimately seems like a good mutual marketing opportunity for T-Mobile and Samsara.
While I’m a T-Mobile customer, this product is a hard pass for me. While I can appreciate having a distinctive checked bag (so no one takes it by mistake), I don’t want to stand out with my carry-on. Furthermore, personally I’m not a fan of the “smart” luggage concept. I don’t find the juice to be worth the squeeze, so to speak. Just give me a bag that’s durable, functionally designed, and has a good warranty, and I’m happy.
Anyone plan on picking up T-Mobile’s new suitcase?
9.68lbs alone. Low speed, high drag.
Obnoxious color
Hehe, haha, snort snort, Mikey. You’re so clever with your ‘unpack’ usage.
I’d probably not even accept this bag for free unless I was really desperate, due to them using this stupid word.
seems relatively boring compared to mine (pink with golden flamingos on it).
Unless there's a big discount for this color, no thanks.
Don't get into any London black cabs with this luggage...
Magenta? Folks, it's pink. Not that there's anything wrong with that!
C, Y, & K would beg to differ.
...completely underrated comment! lol
The Tag Smart technology is the only point of this and T Mobile is willing to push the limits of airline rules against Air Tags.
Since T Mobile has one of the most generous international service roaming plans in the US mobile industry, it makes sense for them to highlight it.
They might sell far fewer bags than they will get in being able to note their international roaming network.
T Mobile...
The Tag Smart technology is the only point of this and T Mobile is willing to push the limits of airline rules against Air Tags.
Since T Mobile has one of the most generous international service roaming plans in the US mobile industry, it makes sense for them to highlight it.
They might sell far fewer bags than they will get in being able to note their international roaming network.
T Mobile has done a great job of building a cellular carrier that competes well against AT&T and Verizon and the dominant carriers in other countries.
For those who live in the many US areas where T-Mobile service is trash, AT&T’s top plan (or 2?) allows you to use your US 5G plan at no extra cost in the entire western hemisphere minus French Guiana.
Am hoping they continue to expand that.
competition is good.
T Mobile is highlighting their global roaming packages AND embedded bag tracking technologies.
I don't want a magenta colored bag but I commend T Mobile for their marketing creativity.
Air Tags also work in "normal" luggage when connected to people that use the T Mobile network. :-)
Got an offer from T-Mobile today to get the bag for $175 OFF, basically paying $150 for the bag (unless I'm mistaken). Yet, there's no point in even considering it when it exceeds carry-on size limits in every direction... The bag is "9.8 * 15 * 22.5 inch" and standard carry-on size limit is 9 x 14 x 22... so it's too big for a carry-on and kinda small for checked luggage. Ridiculous...
Wondering if the new $35 activation fee applies. It's a disappointing fee on all new or replacement devices. Been a Tmo since the get go.