Confusion arose last week regarding Lufthansa’s statements about baggage tracking devices like AirTags. Lufthansa reportedly announced via Twitter its ban on the use of Apple AirTags and other similar tracking devices on checked bags during flights. Describing activated AirTags as dangerous, the airline stated possible plans to ban activated AirTags found in checked bags, citing compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization.

This announcement would make Lufthansa the only airline to claim international standards do not permit passengers use the devices in checked bags. Lufthansa, however, has not yet implemented a specific rule prohibiting bag trackers. The airline’s statement rather implied it will further examine the rules and conduct examinations into the possible effects and dangers of using baggage trackers.

“Baggage trackers belong to the category of portable electronic devices and are therefore subject to the dangerous goods regulations for carriage in airplanes issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization [ICAO],” said a Lufthansa spokesperson.

AirTag is used for tracking items and, with more passengers worldwide utilizing them in checked luggage, many airlines reevaluate the permissibility of these tracking devices. Passengers attach tracking devices to luggage to allow them to keep tabs on their belongings should airlines lose bags.

More and more passengers use tracking devices following the chaos of airlines and airports losing bags across the world this summer. Viral images and videos of rows and rows of unclaimed or lost luggage at London’s Heathrow Airport was enough to spur many passengers to seek ways to track their luggage when short-staffed airlines and airports could not.

In fact, one man earlier this year used an AirTag to find lost luggage from a trip with Aer Lingus. When only two of his three lost bags were returned to his house, he posted images of the location of his lost bag online thanks to his AirTag. His device resulted in him locating the bag and being reunited with it.

AirTags use Bluetooth Low Energy, the same thing often used by wireless headphones like AirPods, allowed on flights. AirTags use only small amounts of lithium compared to larger devices like smartphones and laptops. Lufthansa points to ICAO’s rule stating all items with lithium-powered batteries cannot be checked if they are unable to be powered off, which includes AirTags.

One concern is the possibility of these devices catching fire. While easier to extinguish a fire in the cabin, it’s much harder to put one out in the aircraft’s cargo compartment.

In response to the airline’s announcement, Apple rejected Lufthansa’s explanation of its devices, stating AirTags comply with regulations. In the United States, TSA states wireless tracking devices are allowed in carry-on and checked bags. Furthermore, the FAA allows passengers to use short-range Bluetooth connections on flights as long as the devices using these connections stay in airplane mode.

Contradictions continued for Lufthansa when the airline released a statement saying, “The Lufthansa Group has conducted its own risk assessment with the result that tracking devices with very low battery transmission power in checked luggage do not pose a safety risk. We have never issued a ban on devices like that.”

After days of confusion, Lufthansa officially released another statement confirming Apple AirTags are once again allowed in checked bags. It is unknown the official cause for the initial reported ban, but quick responses to this supposed ban seem to see the airline allowing tracking devices on checked bags once more after mounting pressure.

What are your thoughts on this potential ban? Do you use tracking devices like AirTag on checked luggage? Would this ban have affected you? Tell us your thoughts. Email us at [email protected]. Please include your full name and location.