It’s a small device that more and more travelers are including in their luggage. Created by Apple, the AirTag enabled beacon enables real-time tracking of an object without using the Internet by connecting to nearby iOS devices via Bluetooth. It’s a good way to track your luggage if it gets lost by your airline. Other smartphone manufacturers offer similar trackers, such as Samsung with SmartTag.
In recent days, Lufthansa announced everything and its opposite about the ban of these AirTags in checked baggage in the hold. The first article, published on October 3 by the German online media Watson, raises doubts. A spokesman for the German airline said that “isDue to their transmission function, the tracker should be used in the same way as phones and laptops, tablets, etc. during the flight if they are in checked baggage“. In other words, AirTags are allowed, but only when turned off or without a battery, making them completely useless…
The news gained momentum this weekend after an exchange on Twitter. In response to users asking Lufthansa to confirm or deny this information, the carrier replied that it “Prohibited on activated AirTags in baggage, as they are classified as dangerous and must be deactivated“. And to add to the second tweet.According to ICAO guidelines [Organisation de l’aviation civile internationale]baggage tracks are subject to dangerous goods regulations.»
No hazard according to international regulations
This publication on social networks has caused misunderstanding and heated debate in the community of technophiles and aviation professionals. So much so that a Lufthansa spokesperson had to step back the same day and clarify the company’s position with specialized media. Airways magazine :”AirTags are not prohibited and there are no guidelines or rules [de la part de Lufthansa] going in this direction.»
But then why did you say otherwise on Twitter? “This is most likely a misinterpretation by the community leaderAeronautics consultant Xavier Titelman assesses. The Bluetooth transmission power of AirTags is too low to pose any threatnotes Xavier Titelman. If we were to ban them, we should also ban smartwatches, wireless headphones, and even smartphones.»
Some batteries are prohibited from flying
International ICAO air regulations, which all air carriers must comply with, require that all battery-powered devices be turned off when in storage to prevent the risk of fire. But AirTags do not fall into this category because they are powered by a single-use CR2032 battery (used especially for watches), which is not subject to any restrictions. However, even if it wanted to, the company has no right to set its own security rules.
Only spare lithium-ion batteries for portable electronic devices (drones, external chargers, electric scooters, etc.) with a capacity exceeding 100 watt-hours (Wh) are prohibited in storage. Those of less than 100 Wh are allowed under certain conditions (limit of two or three per passenger, no flammable contents in the same baggage, etc.). It is not surprising that no airline in the world bans AirTags on its planes… Some users on Twitter do not hesitate to joke.Airlines will find any excuse to keep you from knowing where your lost luggage is.»
Source: Le Figaro
