Apple's AirTag tracking devices have become a popular way of locating lost luggage amidst massive travel disruption, but the practice has raised red flags at Air New Zealand – which has reportedly banned the devices amidst safety concerns about their lithium batteries.

In 2026, AirTags are not officially banned by major aviation authorities like the FAA or EASA, but they continue to be a subject of controversy and "misinformation bans." The confusion started in 2022 when Lufthansa briefly suggested they were "dangerous goods" due to their small lithium batteries and low-power Bluetooth signals; however, regulators clarified that these devices are safe for both checked and carry-on luggage. In early 2026, some individual airlines in the Middle East and Asia have considered restrictions not for "safety" reasons, but for "operational privacy"—to prevent passengers from tracking baggage handling delays and publicly calling out the airline for mishandled luggage. Additionally, there are ongoing legal debates regarding "stalking" and "privacy" laws in certain countries that make the use of tracking devices without consent a criminal offense. For the standard traveler, AirTags remain a legal and highly effective tool for tracking bags, provided you use them in compliance with the local privacy laws of your destination.