Contrary to previous reports that the company bans Apple AirTags from flights, Lufthansa now claims that it is not banning the said device from checked luggage.
According to 9to5Mac, while there is a standing International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulation on such kind of device, the company has not banned AirTags from its flights. The source of the information is a Lufthansa spokesperson.
Lufthansa Tweets That it's Banning AirTags From Flights
Last week, Lufthansa stirred controversy when it tweeted that it is banning Apple AirTags from flights.
There has been rumors that AirTags are banned from the company's flights and customers asked Lufthansa if this is indeed true. Through Twitter, the company responded that they are indeed banning the said device.
"Hi David, Lufthansa is banning activated AirTags from luggage as they are classified as dangerous and need to be turned off./Mony" reads a tweet from Lufthansa's official Twitter account.
Lufthansa claims that before checking their bags, owners of AirTag and other similar trackers must turn off the devices.
According to the company, its decision is based on the ICAO guidelines, which state that "objects with a transmission function must be deactivated during a flight."
However, according to Apple Insider, the reason of the airline based on the ICAO guidelines isn't correct as the regulation that Lufthansa mentioned pertains to lithium ion battery.
Under the regulation, devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets with lithium ion battery are not allowed in checked luggage. However, an AirTag uses CR2032 cells, which is not a lithium ion battery.
Therefore, the regulation does not cover AirTags. In fact, the CR2032 cells are the same battery used in watches. If it is dangerous, then watches should not be allowed on flights as well.
At this point, it is unknown what made the airline tweets that it is banning AirTags from its flights.
Read Also: How Apple AirTags Work: Woman Uses AirTag to Track Her Missing Travel Luggage For Five
Apple AirTag is a Valuable Device for Travelers
Apple Airtag is a valuable device for travelers. You can attach it to your luggage in order for you to track it and prevent it from being lost. It helps a lot of travelers protect their luggage.
An Airtag is an excellent device to track backpacks and suitcases since it connects with other Apple devices. What makes it more useful is it does not require an internet connection.
According to MacWorld, currently, it appears that there is no consensus regarding AirTags across the airline industry. German site Watson notes that "many airlines tolerate the use of AirTags."
International aviation experts say that the ban has nothing to do with the ICAO regulation.
According to Apple Insider, the ban is just "a way to stop Lufthansa from being embarrassed by lost luggage."
In addition, there is even an indication from Lufthansa that if the battery is removed for transit, AirTags could be put into hold luggage.
However, the key purpose of an AirTag is to track the object where it is attached and removing the battery would defeat this purpose.
The Transport Security Administration (TSA) allows the use of trackers like AirTags in carry-on and checked bags in the U.S. In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also permits usage of such device.
Related Article: Apple AirTags Danger Alert: Thieves Using Apple Device to Steal High-End Cars, Here's How to Detect AirTags
