No Worries, You Can Continue Using Apple AirTags in Your Checked Luggage

The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed that Apple AirTags are safe for travel, allowing passengers to keep using these luggage tracking devices in their checked bags without safety concerns. This clarification follows a statement from German airline Lufthansa last week, which labeled the Bluetooth devices as 'dangerous' and required them to be turned off during flights, causing considerable confusion.

According to the FAA, “Luggage tracking devices powered by lithium metal cells containing 0.3 grams or less of lithium can be safely used in checked baggage.” Apple AirTags comply with this guideline, while other tracking devices might not.

While Apple AirTags are approved for use, it remains uncertain whether devices like Tile and Dynotag meet the safety standards. It's advisable to verify the lithium content in the battery before including them in checked luggage.

Lithium batteries that power personal devices such as phones, tablets, and cameras generally need to be switched off when placed in checked bags, as damaged lithium batteries can overheat or ignite, according to FAA research. However, Apple AirTags contain only 0.1 grams of lithium, which the agency deems safe for air travel, as this minimal amount is unlikely to catch fire.

Lufthansa had previously attempted to attribute concerns to the 'transmission function' of the trackers, claiming that Apple AirTags fell under 'dangerous goods' regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). However, Apple responded with a statement shared with Dinogo, asserting that AirTags comply with international airline travel safety regulations for both carry-on and checked baggage, and emphasized that they operate using the same technology as Bluetooth headphones, which are permitted.

Lufthansa has since changed its stance. On Twitter, the airline announced, “The German Aviation Authorities (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt) have confirmed our risk assessment that tracking devices with very low battery and transmission power in checked luggage do not pose a safety threat. Therefore, these devices are now permitted on Lufthansa flights.”

This year, Apple AirTags and other baggage tracking devices have gained immense popularity, particularly following a summer marked by extensive travel disruptions, which resulted in frequent loss or delays of luggage due to staffing shortages at airlines and airports worldwide. According to the latest Transportation Department’s Air Travel Consumer Report, over 275,000 checked bags were 'mishandled' (lost, stolen, or delayed) in the United States alone in July 2022. While this is still fewer than the over 300,000 mishandled bags in 2019, the last year before the pandemic, the numbers reflect ongoing challenges in air travel.