Yes — you may place an Apple AirTag in a checked bag because its coin‑cell battery sits well below FAA safe‑goods limits.
AirTags slip into suitcases with ease. The tracker’s low‑power Bluetooth beacon shows where a bag goes once it leaves your hands at the drop‑off belt. This guide explains why regulators approve AirTags in the hold, how U.S. airlines view them, and quick tricks for reliable tracking every trip.
Why AirTags Pass Battery Safety Rules
An Apple AirTag runs on one CR2032 lithium‑metal coin cell that holds about 0.1 grams of lithium. The TSA lithium battery list and FAA chart set 0.3 grams as the ceiling for devices in checked bags, so the tag clears the mark with plenty of room.
| Item | Battery / Lithium | Checked‑Bag Status |
|---|---|---|
| Apple AirTag | CR2032 coin (≈0.1 g) | Allowed |
| Bluetooth tracker (Tile, etc.) | Coin cell (≤0.3 g) | Allowed |
| Smart‑bag battery | Li‑ion pack 10–20 Wh | Remove & carry on |
| Spare power bank | Li‑ion 20–100 Wh | Carry‑on only |
The pocket‑size cell carries none of the fire risk linked to large lithium‑ion packs. Agents treat a tracker like a wrist‑watch battery, not a hazard.
Airline Positions On Bag Trackers
Lufthansa sparked a brief stir in 2022 by labeling AirTags “dangerous goods,” yet backed away once regulators stepped in. Today no major U.S. carrier bans them, and several lean on trackers to reunite flyers with bags faster.
- Delta lets travelers attach tracker info to lost‑bag claims.
- United agents can add live map links to recovery files.
- Lufthansa now lists AirTags as fully compliant.
The beacon sends short Bluetooth pulses — the same radio tech as wireless earbuds. That tiny signal will not disturb aircraft systems.
Official Word From Regulators
The FAA states that coin‑cell trackers “may remain in checked baggage.” One clear line settled the debate and guides airline staff in every terminal.
How AirTags Behave Inside The Airport
During loading, thousands of iPhones pass by on tugs, belts, and ramps. Each device silently joins Apple’s Find My network and relays the tag’s spot. The signal rides out over cellular or Wi‑Fi owned by ground crews, so you see location updates without switching on your own phone’s roaming.
Once airborne, updates pause while the hold sits in radio silence. The tag wakes again when ground phones pick it up at landing. That cycle explains why you might see a gap mid‑flight, then a fresh pin the moment wheels touch down.
Other Trackers And Their Batteries
Most GPS or Bluetooth tags from Samsung, Tile, and Chipolo rely on the same CR2032 cell or a rechargeable pack under 2.7 Wh. Both totals stay under the lithium limits set for checked bags. If you own a bulkier beacon, open its spec sheet; as long as the power source stays below those figures, you are clear to check it.
| Tracker | Power Source | Checked‑Bag OK? |
|---|---|---|
| Apple AirTag | CR2032 (0.1 g Li‑metal) | Yes |
| Samsung SmartTag + | CR2032 (0.2 g Li‑metal) | Yes |
| Tile Pro | CR2032 (0.1 g Li‑metal) | Yes |
If the tracker ships with a rechargeable cell, check watt‑hours. Anything under 2.7 Wh sits below the same ceiling.
Changing The Coin Cell Safely
Swapping the battery takes less than a minute. Twist the stainless‑steel cover, pop the cell, and swap in a fresh CR2032. The step‑by‑step guide on Apple’s support page shows the process. Always match the “+” side up and recycle the old cell at an electronics drop‑box.
Privacy Notes
Apple designed AirTags to curb misuse. An iPhone warns any user who travels with an unknown tag, and an Android safety app sends the same alert. Those measures stop covert tracking while letting you follow your own luggage without hassle.
Five Quick Tips For Stress‑Free Tracking
- Hide it deep. Slip the tag in a zipper pocket or under layers so rough handling cannot eject it.
- Check battery life. Replace the coin cell when the Find My app shows a low‑power alert before travel.
- Name every tag. Label it “Checked Suitcase” or similar so push alerts make instant sense.
- Share the map. If your bag misses the carousel, show staff the live dot; recovery often speeds up.
- Use airline QR tools. Some counters scan a code to link your tag to the claim form — use that option when offered.
Final Take
Light, legal, and handy, AirTags slot neatly into any checked bag. The moment your suitcase leaves the hold, you see it rolling toward the carousel — proof that a coin‑size tracker can spare hours of worry on travel day.