Are Airlines Banning AirTags? What You Need to Know

No, airlines are not banning AirTags. As of now, no major airline has prohibited the use of Apple AirTags or similar Bluetooth trackers in checked or carry-on luggage. In fact, several airlines have publicly embraced them, and regulators like the FAA and EASA have confirmed they are safe to use in flight. This article explains the background, how AirTags work on a plane, the battery and safety rules, and how to use one effectively when you travel.

Formula

The calculator above finds your average flight speed and pace. The formula is:

Average speed = Distance ÷ Time

Where:

• Distance (d) is the flight distance in kilometers (km).
• Time (t) is the flight duration in hours (h).
• Average speed is in kilometers per hour (km/h).

The pace output shows how many minutes it takes to cover 100 km, which is useful for comparing legs of a journey.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator:

• Time = 8 hours
• Distance = 5,000 km

Step 1: Divide distance by time:

Average speed = 5,000 km ÷ 8 h = 625 km/h

Step 2: Find the pace per 100 km:

Pace = (8 h × 60 min/h) ÷ (5,000 km / 100) = 480 min ÷ 50 = 9.6 min per 100 km

So the average speed is 625 km/h and the pace is 9.6 minutes per 100 km.

Why Would Airlines Care About AirTags?

AirTags are small coin-sized trackers that use Bluetooth and ultra-wideband to show the location of your luggage on a map. They run on a CR2032 lithium coin battery, which is the same type used in many car key fobs and remote controls. Airlines and aviation regulators have two main concerns: the battery’s safety in the cargo hold, and whether the tracker’s signal could interfere with aircraft systems.

Because AirTags are so small and use very low-power Bluetooth, they do not pose a fire risk under normal conditions. The FAA has stated that personal electronic devices like AirTags are allowed in both checked and carry-on bags, as long as they are turned off or placed in “airplane mode� if they have one. AirTags do not have an airplane mode, but their low power output makes them safe. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has also confirmed that AirTags are safe to fly with.

How AirTags Work on a Plane

AirTags do not have built-in GPS. They rely on the Find My network, which uses nearby Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, Macs) to relay the AirTag’s location to Apple’s servers. When your bag is in the cargo hold, it is out of range of most phones, but the AirTag will still update its location whenever it comes near any Apple device – for example, when the bag is loaded onto the baggage cart, on the tarmac, or when it is placed on the carousel. This is why you often see your bag’s location update at the airport, but not during the flight itself.

In practice, you will see the last known location before the flight, then a gap, and then the new location after landing. That is normal and does not mean the AirTag is broken. Some airlines have even integrated AirTag support into their own apps – for example, Lufthansa and United allow you to share your AirTag location with them when your bag is delayed.

Battery and Safety Rules

The CR2032 battery in an AirTag is a lithium metal coin cell. Lithium batteries are regulated in air travel because they can overheat and catch fire if damaged or short-circuited. However, the amount of lithium in a CR2032 is tiny – about 0.1 grams – far below the 2-gram limit that requires special handling. For this reason, AirTags are treated like any other small electronic device, not like a spare laptop battery.

You can place AirTags in checked luggage without removing them. If you are worried about the battery, you can replace it yourself (the AirTag is designed to be opened with a twist). The battery lasts about one year with normal use. Some airlines ask that you disable the speaker on an AirTag if you are carrying it on board, but this is not a legal requirement – it is just a courtesy to avoid the beeping sound that can occur if the AirTag is separated from your phone for a long time.

Common Misconceptions

One common myth is that airlines ban AirTags because they could be used to track people or because they interfere with navigation. Neither is true. AirTags are not GPS devices, and their Bluetooth signal is far too weak to affect aircraft systems. Another myth is that you must put AirTags in your carry-on only – that is not the rule. The FAA allows them in checked bags, and millions of people fly with them every year without incident.

Another misconception is that AirTags work everywhere, including in the middle of the ocean. They only work when they are near an Apple device. If your bag is on a remote island with no iPhones around, you will not get a location update until it comes near another device.

How to Choose a Tracker for Travel

If you are considering a luggage tracker, here are a few factors to think about:

• Compatibility: AirTags only work with iPhones. If you have an Android phone, you need a different tracker like a Tile or a Samsung SmartTag (which works with Galaxy phones).
• Battery life: AirTags last about a year. Some trackers have rechargeable batteries that last a few months.
• Network size: Apple’s Find My network is the largest, with over a billion devices. Tile and Samsung have smaller networks, so they may update less frequently.
• Water resistance: Most trackers are splash-resistant, but not fully waterproof. If you travel to wet climates, consider a waterproof case.
• Price: AirTags cost about $29 each. Other trackers range from $20 to $40.

For most travelers, the AirTag is the best choice if you own an iPhone, simply because of the network size. If you have an Android phone, a Tile or SmartTag is a reasonable alternative, but be aware that they may not be as reliable in crowded airports because fewer people use their networks.

Airline Policies and International Travel

While no airline has banned AirTags, some have specific recommendations. For example, Lufthansa initially discouraged their use in 2022, but later reversed that stance and now actively supports them. United Airlines tells passengers they can use AirTags and even allows you to share the location with the airline if your bag is lost. Delta, American, and Southwest have no restrictions on AirTags.

If you are flying internationally, the rules are the same – AirTags are allowed in both cabin and checked baggage on all major airlines. The only time you might run into trouble is if you try to bring a large number of AirTags (more than, say, 20) in your carry-on, because the total lithium content could exceed limits. But for normal use – one or two in your luggage – there is no issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do AirTags work in checked luggage?

Yes, they work in checked luggage. The AirTag will update its location whenever it is near an Apple device, which happens frequently at airports – during loading, on the tarmac, and on the carousel. You will not see updates during the flight itself, but that is normal.

Do I need to turn off my AirTag on a plane?

No, you do not need to turn it off. AirTags do not have an off switch, but they are designed to be safe during flight. The FAA and EASA have confirmed they are safe to use in both cabin and cargo.

Can an AirTag cause a fire on a plane?

No. The battery in an AirTag is a tiny lithium coin cell with a very low risk of fire. It is much safer than a spare laptop battery or a power bank, which are also allowed on planes with restrictions.

Will an AirTag work internationally?

Yes, AirTags work in over 200 countries and regions. The Find My network is global, so you can track your bag anywhere as long as there are Apple devices nearby.

What if my AirTag beeps during a flight?

AirTags beep when they are separated from their owner for a while. To stop the beeping, you can remove the battery or place the AirTag in a spot where it is less likely to move. Some travelers put it in a small pouch or between clothes to muffle the sound.

Can airlines see my AirTag location?

No, airlines cannot see your AirTag location unless you share it with them. Some airlines, like United and Lufthansa, have features in their apps that let you share a temporary link to your AirTag location if your bag is delayed.

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in t | Flight time | hours | 8 | 0.1 | 48
in d | Flight distance | km | 5000 | 1 | 20000
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / t | 0
out pace | Minutes per 100 km | min | (t * 60) / (d / 100) | 1