Air tags are a simple and easy way for flyers to keep track of their checked bags even if their airline can't.
Scores of passengers have been able to locate their bags after they were mishandled by their carrier because of the small device that can be dropped into luggage.
One of the largest airline groups will no longer allow AirTags, according to headlines.
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After a confusing case of back-and-forth with the Lufthansa Group, they now say there is no ban on the devices.
Tracking devices with very low battery and transmission power in checked luggage don't pose a safety risk, according to a risk assessment done by the Lufthansa Group. The German airline conglomerate said in a statement that they have never banned devices like that.
There's been confusion as to whether the devices would be banned by the airlines or not, and the company went so far as to say that they are not allowed. The company wishes international aviation bodies would exempt AirTags from broader checked-luggage restrictions on electronics powered by lithium batteries.
The use of these devices for airline passengers in checked luggage is currently limited by regulations. We are in close contact with the institutions to find a solution.
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The use of trackers has increased recently.
The language used by the International Civil Aviation Organization may be to blame for the confusion. The group's guidance on the topic can be interpreted to mean that AirTags should be banned, even though their batteries only contain a small amount of Li-ion.
Even if an airline banned trackers, it would still raise concerns about enforcement.
Would such a policy be enforced? Security screeners aren't searching for the devices if customers aren't lying, or if they are AirTags are allowed in both checked and carry-on bags in the U.S.
The AirTag's rise to become an indispensable tool for locating lost and mishandled checked luggage came after a summer of travel disruptions.
The CR2032 type of battery, which is the size of a small coin and traditionally power wristwatches and key fobs for cars, is causing concern over AirTags in checked luggage. It's a minuscule amount of the metal.
All items with batteries that can't be powered off can't be checked, even if they are powered off.
It has to do with fire risk. When there is a fire in the cabin, it is easier to use the onboard fire extinguisher. It is difficult to put out a fire in the cargo compartment.
There are no known instances of the devices catching fire in the cargo hold of the plane.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration have not explicitly forbidden the use of the tracking devices. It is in favor of an exemption that would allow trackers with low battery and transmission power to be used.
Travelers are wondering if this topic will come up again. Despite occasional reports of airline agents telling travelers not to use the devices, they seem to be allowed on most airlines.
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Matt made a report.
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