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Do airlines allow luggage trackers?

Are luggage trackers allowed on planes? Although luggage trackers often have lithium batteries, they are still allowed in checked and carry-on bags. The FAA doesn't allow rechargeable lithium batteries with more than 100 watt hours per battery, but, luckily, tracking devices have less than that.



Yes, in 2026, airlines almost universally allow luggage trackers like Apple AirTags, Tile, and Samsung SmartTags in both checked and carry-on baggage. Following a period of regulatory confusion in previous years, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and international bodies like the IATA have clarified that these small devices are safe for air travel. The lithium-metal battery in a typical tracker contains less than 0.3 grams of lithium, which falls well below the threshold for "Dangerous Goods" restrictions that apply to larger power banks or laptop batteries. Airlines have embraced this technology because it helps passengers reduce "travel anxiety" by seeing the real-time location of their bags. Some modern airlines have even integrated their own tracking systems into their mobile apps, allowing you to see when your bag has been scanned onto the aircraft. To ensure a smooth journey, simply place the tracker inside your suitcase; there is no need to declare it to security or the gate agent, as they are standard travel accessories in the mid-2020s.

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AirTags and Tile Mate verdict While the trackers performed equally well in my lost luggage trial, I think the AirTags are the better product if you want to track your luggage; they provide more updates than the Tile Mate trackers, but you are going to need an iPhone to use them.

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Newer smart luggage tags on the market are a great option for tracking your baggage and protecting against identity theft. Using a safe sensor, your bag can be monitored via a smartphone app. Tags like Dynotag are waterproof, shatterproof, and have no batteries to worry about.

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Resolution 753 makes it obligatory to track baggage at specific stages: upon acquisition from the passenger, delivery to the aircraft, during custody transfers between carriers, and upon final delivery to the passenger.

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Luggage trackers use Bluetooth and GPS signaling to relay the location of the device back to a phone or tablet. Even if you're thousands of miles away, the tracker can usually display a location on a map on your device, which is particularly useful if your luggage gets lost in transit.

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While flight tracking information can provide useful climate information, it can also pose high-risk threats to safety and privacy if users escalate from comments behind computer screens to the physical locations shared in real time.

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Real-time location updates: Luggage trackers provide you with up-to-date information on the whereabouts of your luggage, reducing stress and anxiety about lost or misplaced items. Faster recovery of lost luggage: If your luggage goes missing, a luggage tracker can help you and the airline locate it more quickly.

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Barely the size of a quarter, the Apple AirTags have become one of the most popular luggage trackers since its debut in 2021, in part because it doesn't require a subscription like other luggage trackers do.

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Here's a look at some of the best luggage trackers on the market, so you can prepare yourself for the 2023 holiday travel rush.
  • Best Tested. Apple AirTags. Apple AirTags, 4 Pack. ...
  • Eufy SmartTrack Link. Amazon. ...
  • Tile Pro. Amazon. ...
  • Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2. Amazon. ...
  • Tracki GPS Tracker. Amazon. ...
  • AirBolt GPS Tracker. AirBolt.


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With an almost 400ft range, your Tile will help you keep track of your luggage when traveling. Check out our Tile Mate 4-Pack with Tile Premium here.

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Batteries, electric and electronic devices. For your own personal use you can take up to 15 battery-operated Personal Electronic Devices (PED) that containing lithium batteries such as laptops, tablets, smart phones, cameras, music players, smart baggage tags (e.g. Apple AirTag).

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In checked baggage Smart luggage tags (e.g. Apple AirTag) may remain energised provided the device contains only lithium batteries not exceeding: Lithium metal content must not exceed 0.3g of lithium.

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