Are Air Tags Allowed On Planes? | The Latest Rules

Yes, Air Tags are generally allowed on planes in both checked and carry-on luggage, with no specific restrictions from major aviation authorities.

Keeping track of your belongings while traveling offers a real sense of calm, especially when bags make connections or you navigate busy terminals. Air Tags have become a popular tool for this, allowing you to monitor your luggage and personal items from afar. Understanding the rules for bringing these small devices on a flight helps ensure a smooth start to any trip.

The Basics of Air Tag Operation

Air Tags are small, coin-sized tracking devices designed by Apple. They operate using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to communicate with nearby Apple devices on the “Find My” network. This network uses the location data from millions of iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers worldwide to relay the Air Tag’s approximate position back to its owner.

Each Air Tag is powered by a single, non-rechargeable CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. These batteries are common in many small electronics, like watches and car key fobs. The power output of an Air Tag is minimal, designed for efficient, long-term tracking rather than continuous, high-power transmission.

Air Tags in Checked vs. Carry-On Luggage

The primary consideration for electronic devices on planes often revolves around their batteries. For Air Tags, the low power output and the type of battery used are key factors in their permissibility. These devices are allowed in both checked and carry-on bags without issue.

Aviation regulations concerning batteries typically focus on larger lithium-ion batteries found in laptops, tablets, and power banks, which pose a higher risk of thermal runaway if damaged. Air Tags use small lithium metal coin cells, which fall under a different category with fewer restrictions due to their limited energy content.

Understanding Lithium Battery Regulations

Regulations for lithium batteries on aircraft are established to prevent fire hazards. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides detailed guidelines, particularly distinguishing between rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries. Air Tags contain lithium metal batteries, which are generally permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage when installed in equipment, provided the lithium content does not exceed 2 grams per battery.

The CR2032 battery in an Air Tag contains approximately 0.03 grams of lithium, well below this 2-gram threshold. This minimal lithium content means Air Tags do not trigger the stricter rules applied to larger batteries. Devices with small lithium metal batteries, such as Air Tags, are not considered a significant risk.

The FAA’s Perspective on Tracking Devices

The FAA sets the safety standards for air travel, including rules for portable electronic devices. According to the FAA, devices that transmit signals must adhere to specific guidelines, primarily to prevent interference with aircraft systems. Air Tags, with their Bluetooth Low Energy signal, operate on a frequency and power level that does not interfere with airplane navigation or communication systems.

Their functionality is comparable to other small Bluetooth accessories like wireless headphones, which are widely accepted on flights. Unlike cell phones that use cellular data, Air Tags do not require an active cellular connection to transmit their location to the Find My network; they rely on nearby Apple devices. This distinction further solidifies their non-disruptive nature during flight.

Airline Policies and Recent Discussions

Most airlines follow the lead of aviation authorities like the FAA and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). As these agencies permit Air Tags, airlines generally do as well. There was a brief period of discussion regarding Air Tags and their batteries, particularly from one international carrier, Lufthansa, in late 2022.

Lufthansa initially suggested Air Tags might be prohibited in checked luggage due to their transmitting capabilities, citing ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) guidelines. However, this interpretation was quickly clarified. ICAO confirmed that tracking devices like Air Tags, with their small, low-power lithium metal batteries, are indeed allowed in checked baggage. Airlines globally have since confirmed their allowance, aligning with the FAA’s stance.

Quick Reference: Air Tag Placement

Location	Allowed?	Notes
Carry-on Bag	Yes	No restrictions.
Checked Bag	Yes	Permitted due to low-power battery.
On Person	Yes	For wallets, keys, etc.

Best Practices for Using Air Tags While Traveling

While Air Tags are allowed, using them effectively and responsibly enhances your travel experience. Consider placing Air Tags inside your luggage, rather than attaching them externally, to reduce the risk of them being snagged or removed. For larger bags, placing one deep inside and another in a side pocket can offer redundancy.

Always check the battery life of your Air Tags before a trip. A fresh CR2032 battery typically lasts about a year, but a low battery could mean losing tracking capability at a critical moment. Replacing batteries before a long trip is a simple step to ensure continuous tracking. Also, remember that Air Tags are tracking devices; use them for your own property and do not use them to track individuals without their knowledge and consent.

Beyond Luggage: Other Uses

Air Tags are not just for suitcases. They can be invaluable for keeping track of other essential items during travel. Attach one to your car keys, especially if you’re parking at an airport for an extended period. Place one in your wallet or passport holder to quickly locate these critical documents if they are misplaced in a hotel room or airport lounge.

For families traveling with children, an Air Tag in a child’s backpack or jacket pocket can provide an extra layer of reassurance in crowded places. Similarly, for elderly companions, attaching an Air Tag to their personal items can offer assistance if they wander or misplace belongings.

What About Other Tracking Devices?

The same principles that apply to Apple Air Tags generally extend to other Bluetooth tracking devices like Tile trackers or Samsung SmartTags. These devices also operate on low-power Bluetooth technology and use small, non-rechargeable lithium coin cell batteries (often CR2032 or CR2025).

Because their battery types and power outputs are similar to Air Tags, they fall under the same permissive regulations for air travel. The key is the minimal lithium content and the non-interference with aircraft systems. Travelers can confidently use these alternative tracking devices in both carry-on and checked luggage.

Tracking Device Battery Types

Device	Battery Type	Lithium Content
Apple Air Tag	CR2032 (Lithium Metal)	~0.03g
Tile Mate/Pro	CR2032 (Lithium Metal)	~0.03g
Samsung SmartTag	CR2032 (Lithium Metal)	~0.03g

Staying Current with Regulations

While Air Tags and similar trackers are currently allowed, travel regulations can sometimes be updated. It’s always wise to stay informed, especially before international travel, as different countries may have specific nuances to their rules.

For the most current information regarding what you can bring on a plane, direct consultation with official sources is recommended. The TSA website provides comprehensive and up-to-date guidelines on permissible and prohibited items in both carry-on and checked baggage, offering a reliable resource for travelers.