A few weeks ago, a statement was made about banning Apple Air tags. The airline turned around. Another airline seems to want to go down this rabbit hole.
If the baggage tracker can be turned off, it can be used in checked bags. An Air New Zealand spokesman confirmed that the ban applies to Apple AirTags and that it may be reconsidered in the future.
“As products such as the AirTag and Tile are portable electronic devices that cannot be turned off, dangerous goods regulations currently prohibit them from being carried in checked-in luggage. As part of Air New Zealand’s safety management system, a review of these products is likely to take place in early 2023. Following this, discussions with the regulatory authority may be undertaken.”
The Aviation Security Service, which is responsible for screening bags, has stated that it is not required to remove the trackers from bags. Passengers are welcome to use AirTags and similar devices according to another airline.
Air New Zealand doesn't seem to have a plan for how to enforce the policy. Travelers are asked if they are carrying prohibited goods when they check in, and if they say they are, they will be asked to remove them from their luggage. This is dependent on passengers having the same policy interpretation Air New Zealand has.
Apple Air tags have become very popular for travel recently. You can put them in your bag and it will keep a record of it. Travelers can take matters into their own hands because of how unreliable airlines have been.
It seems like issues could be avoided ifICAO issued clear guidance regarding Apple AirTags and similar devices. According to the organization's instructions for the safe transport of dangerous goods, it is permissible to have batteries in checked baggage, but they need to be turned off.
It would eliminate the point of having an AirTag in the first place. Air New Zealand is following the guidance of the International Civil Aviation Organization in a certain way.
There is a risk of fire in an aircraft cargo hold. I don't think global regulators would have addressed this if they were aware of it.
Most airlines and national regulators are allowing this because it doesn't seem like AirTags pose a risk. It seems to me that something should be decided one way or another here, rather than interpreting each airline's regulations. It is not possible to check an AirTag on an Air New Zealand flight.
Air New Zealand is the newest airline to ban AirTags. The airline is interpreting the restriction on the use of batteries in checked bags to apply to AirTags. The airline is technically correct, but this isn't how the industry is interpreting the rules.
It is hoped that ICAO and other regulators issue clear-cut guidance on AirTags sooner rather than later. This restriction is only theoretical if you don't enforce it.
What do you think about Air New Zealand banning the sale of Apple products?
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