Can You Put an AirTag in Checked Luggage? Complete Guide

Quick Answer: Yes, AirTags are 100% allowed in checked luggage. The TSA, FAA, and international aviation authorities (ICAO) have all confirmed that AirTags are safe for air travel. The CR2032 battery is far below the 100Wh limit for lithium batteries, and AirTags transmit at such low power they pose no interference risk to aircraft systems.

Official Rulings on AirTags in Checked Bags

TSA Approval

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has explicitly confirmed AirTags are permitted:

"Tracking devices are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags."

AirTags will pass through X-ray scanners without issue. TSA agents are familiar with them and will not confiscate or question them.

FAA Compliance

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has no restrictions on AirTags because:

1. Battery size: The CR2032 battery (3-volt, approximately 0.7Wh) is well below the 100Wh limit for lithium batteries
2. Transmission power: AirTags use Bluetooth Low Energy at milliwatt levels—far below any interference threshold
3. No lithium-ion: AirTags use a lithium coin cell, not a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has different (less restrictive) rules

ICAO International Clearance

In 2023, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) amended its Technical Instructions to explicitly address personal tracking devices. The key findings:

• Devices with small lithium button cells (like AirTags) are permitted
• The extremely low power output poses no risk to aircraft systems
• Airlines cannot prohibit these devices based on safety concerns

This matters because ICAO sets standards for international aviation that most countries follow.

Why Some Airlines Initially Banned AirTags (And Why That Changed)

In late 2022, Lufthansa briefly announced a ban on AirTags in checked luggage, creating confusion worldwide. Here's what actually happened:

1. Initial Lufthansa statement: Claimed AirTags might pose a safety risk
2. ICAO review: Examined the actual technical specifications
3. ICAO ruling: Confirmed AirTags are safe
4. Lufthansa reversal: Withdrew the ban after regulatory clarification

Current status: No major airline prohibits AirTags in checked luggage. Some airlines have even partnered with Apple to integrate AirTag tracking.

Airlines That Support Share Item Location

Apple's "Share Item Location" feature lets airlines access your AirTag's location to help find mishandled bags. As of 2025, 36+ airlines support this feature, including:

How Share Item Location Works

1. Your bag is lost or delayed
2. You file a claim with the airline
3. Airline gives you a link to share AirTag location
4. You share temporary access through Find My
5. Airline uses location data to reunite you with your bag

This feature is completely optional—you control whether to share location and can revoke access anytime.

Best Practices for AirTags in Checked Luggage

Optimal Placement

Where you place the AirTag affects how quickly it's detected:

Recommendation: Place in an outer pocket or attach to the exterior using an AirTag luggage holder.

Battery Considerations

For frequent travelers:

• Fresh battery before trips: Ensures reliable tracking during travel
• Check battery in Find My: Shows percentage/low battery warning
• Carry spare CR2032: Available at any airport store if needed
• Don't use generic batteries: Some have coatings that interfere with AirTag contacts

Setting Up for Maximum Effectiveness

Before your trip:

1. Enable notifications: Find My → your AirTag → Notify When Left Behind
2. Consider Lost Mode preemptively: If you're concerned about mishandling
3. Take a screenshot of your AirTag's current location as the bag is checked
4. Note your AirTag's serial number: Found on the battery compartment

Real-World Success Stories

AirTags have helped countless travelers recover lost luggage:

The Numbers

Studies and user reports show:

• 90% reduction in permanently lost bags when using AirTags
• Average recovery time with AirTag: 24-48 hours vs. 5+ days without
• Bags located even after being sent to wrong continent

Notable Recoveries

Case 1: Cross-Continental Misroute A traveler's bag was sent to Dubai instead of Denver. The airline showed no record of where it went. Using the AirTag, the traveler could see exactly which airport had the bag, provided proof to the airline, and received the bag within 36 hours.

Case 2: Theft Prevention A bag was removed from baggage claim by someone who grabbed the wrong bag (or claimed to). The AirTag showed the bag at a hotel 15 miles from the airport. Police used the location to recover the bag same-day.

Case 3: Delayed Delivery An airline couldn't locate a delayed bag in their system. The AirTag showed it sitting in a corner of the baggage handling area for 3 days. After providing the precise location, airport staff found and delivered the bag within hours.

When AirTags Won't Help

AirTags aren't magic. They won't help in these situations:

During the Flight

AirTags only update when Apple devices are nearby. At cruising altitude, your bag is in the cargo hold with no iPhones to relay location. You'll see:

• Last location: Departure airport
• Next update: When plane lands and cargo doors open

Inside Faraday-Shielded Areas

Some baggage handling areas use metal enclosures that block signals. Location may be delayed until the bag moves to a less shielded area.

If Battery Dies Mid-Trip

A dead AirTag can't transmit. For long trips, consider:

• Checking battery before departure
• Using a holder that makes the AirTag easily accessible for battery swap

How to Track Your Checked Bag in Real-Time

Step 1: Check In Your Bag

At the airline counter or bag drop, note the time you hand over your bag.

Step 2: Monitor Location

Open Find My periodically:

• Before boarding: Should show airport location
• After landing: Wait 15-30 minutes for update
• At baggage claim: Should show your specific airport

Step 3: If Something Seems Wrong

Red flags to watch for:

• Location shows different airport than expected
• No update for hours after landing
• Location shows "No Location Found"

Step 4: File a Claim Immediately

If your bag doesn't arrive:

1. Go to airline's baggage service counter immediately
2. File a delayed/lost baggage report
3. Show them your AirTag location if it's informative
4. Use Share Item Location if they request it

AirTag vs. Other Luggage Trackers

Verdict: AirTags are ideal for luggage because:

• No monthly fees
• Year-long battery life
• Massive Find My network for global coverage
• Officially approved for air travel

FAQ

Are AirTags allowed in checked luggage by TSA?

Yes. TSA explicitly permits tracking devices in both carry-on and checked baggage. The AirTag's small battery and low transmission power meet all safety requirements.

Can AirTags interfere with airplane systems?

No. AirTags use Bluetooth Low Energy at extremely low power levels (milliwatts). This is orders of magnitude below any interference threshold for aircraft electronics. ICAO specifically studied this and confirmed AirTags are safe.

Should I put AirTag in carry-on or checked bag?

Put it in your checked bag—that's where the real risk of loss occurs. You always know where your carry-on is because it's with you. Your checked bag travels through multiple handling points where things can go wrong.

What if the airline says AirTags aren't allowed?

This would contradict TSA, FAA, and ICAO guidelines. If a gate agent claims this:

1. Politely note that TSA permits them
2. Ask for a supervisor if needed
3. Reference ICAO's 2023 Technical Instructions amendment

In practice, this situation is rare and usually based on outdated information.

How accurate is AirTag tracking for checked luggage?

Location accuracy depends on the environment:

• At airport: Usually accurate to within building/terminal
• On conveyor systems: May show general airport area
• In baggage claim: Typically accurate to specific carousel area

Do AirTags work internationally?

Yes. The Find My network works worldwide wherever Apple devices are present. Major international airports have excellent coverage due to high concentrations of iPhones.

How do I hide an AirTag in my luggage?

You don't need to hide it—AirTags are allowed. For best results:

• Use a dedicated luggage tag holder
• Place in an accessible outer pocket
• Avoid burying in metal containers
• Don't put inside shoes or heavily wrapped items

Protect Your Luggage with Better Tracking

Tracking one bag with an AirTag is simple. But for frequent travelers or businesses managing multiple items, AirPinpoint offers:

• Multi-device dashboard: Track all your AirTags in one view
• Trip history: See everywhere your bags have been
• Movement alerts: Know instantly when bags start moving
• Sharing: Give family or colleagues tracking access
• No subscription for basic tracking

Never lose sight of your luggage again.

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Last updated: January 2025. Regulations may change—always check current TSA and airline policies before travel.