We reported over the weekend that German airline Lufthansa seemingly confirmed via tweets the ban of AirTags in checked luggage, citing airline safety policies. Lufthansa is backtracking and saying that the company isn’t banning Apple’s AirTag.
A Lufthansa spokesperson confirmed to Airways Magazine that “there is no guideline or regulation by Lufthansa to ban AirTags. There is a standing ICAO regulation on such devices, but this has nothing to do with Lufthansa or any other carrier.”
The Lufthansa and AirTag fiasco started on Twitter over the weekend when a Lufthansa employee tweeted that AirTag devices will be banned as they’re “classified as dangerous.”
Hi David, Lufthansa is banning activated AirTags from luggage as they are classified as dangerous and need to be turned off./Mony
— Lufthansa (@lufthansa) October 8, 2022
The reasoning behind the ban comes from official guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that state “objects with a transmission function must be deactivated during a flight.” This guideline pertains to devices such as phones and laptops that are equipped with Lithium-ion batteries, not a CR2032 battery like AirTag. CR2032 batteries are commonly found in wristwatches and keyfobs.
A big reason airlines would possibly consider banning tracking devices like AirTags would be customers tracking lost luggage without contacting the airline. Earlier this year, a British man flying back from South Africa tweeted Aer Lingus a PowerPoint presentation to get his luggage back. After involving the police and using his AirTag, the luggage was recovered despite the airline claiming they weren’t able to locate the lost bags.
Hi @AerLingus – perhaps a PowerPoint presentation on the journey you’ve sent my lost/stolen bag on will help?
I’ve told you multiple times where it is and you’re doing nothing about it.
This has been a shocking experience with you pic.twitter.com/105BdEM7MU
— Avios Adventurer ???????? (@aviosAdventurer) April 22, 2022
Do you think airlines have the right to ban AirTags? Have you tracked lost luggage with your AirTags? Let us know down in the comments or on Twitter @Appleosophy.
First time reader as you came up first on the Google
It’s still not clear The Lufthansa stmt was a denial – stated in the negative – not an affirmative AirTags are welcome.
Lots of chatter on the Viking Customers Facebook page. I’m trying to find definitive affirmation
I’ve got the AirTags but waiting just a bit longer- couple weeks to get new iPhone 😉 before next month’s Round the World trip
Looks like Lufthansa has confirmed AirTags will be allowed on flights after the German Aviation Authorities stated AirTags do not pose a safety risk.