AirTags have become the best friend of all of us who are distrustful with airlines, and that is because this way we can know where our suitcase is at every second (or our keys or wallet, since some of us are a bit forgetful, do not judge us). And it is becoming more and more common that travelers prefer to make sure by putting one of these inside their suitcases. But is it legal? Does the TSA allow it?
Of course, the doubt comes because these devices work with lithium batteries and you already know that the TSA is very delicate with the issue of lithium batteries and the possibility of them catching fire inside the holds of airplanes, so we are here to tell you if you can or cannot use an AirTag in your luggage to know where it arrives if it does not arrive with you.
Does the TSA allow carrying them on the plane?
The answer is clear yes, AirTags can be carried both in carry-on luggage and checked luggage, as long as they comply with the limits established by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
And the lithium battery?
The TSA establishes that lithium batteries can be transported in carry-on luggage as long as their capacity does not exceed 100 watt hours and the lithium content is less than 2 grams, well, nothing to do with an AirTag, since its CR2032 battery only has 2.35 watt hours and contains 0.10 grams of lithium.
This means that they are far below the official limits, so they do not represent a risk to air safety and it is very unlikely that it will catch fire. In addition, the FAA has also confirmed that this type of tracking device is safe both in the cabin and in the hold.
Why AirTags are safe on flights
AirTags do not use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery like cell phones or laptops, but a CR2032 button battery, similar to the ones watches carry (and that are so polluting, by the way). But its low energy level makes it a very safe option even in aviation standards, so there is no problem.
Why are there problems with lithium batteries?
Because they catch fire under pressure conditions, or have you not seen that amount of videos of iPhones burning or PowerBanks on planes? Imagine if one of these fires happened in the airplane hold, where there is no crew to put out the fire quickly. It could end in disaster just because of an oversight, that is why the TSA (and most airlines and countries) require you to travel with the PowerBank and all those objects that have lithium batteries with you in the cabin.
Why travel with an AirTag in the suitcase?
Putting an AirTag in the suitcase has become a very common practice, and it is that we all fear that they lose our luggage, problematic on the way back, but more problematic on the way there… In fact, more than 30 airlines around the world allow passengers to share the location of their AirTags with the company in case of lost luggage.
The benefits of having an AirTag
- Real-time location of your suitcase.
- Prevention of losses in the most chaotic airports.
- Peace of mind knowing that even if you make long layovers you will know where your suitcase is!
So yes, you can carry your AirTag in your suitcase because it is allowed, also, it will be essential to know where your suitcase ends up in case it gets lost. And you know what the best part is? That any type of AirTag works for you, you do not necessarily have to spend a fortune.