Can I bring a GPS tracker for luggage on a plane?

Yes, you can bring a GPS tracker for luggage on a plane. Bluetooth trackers like AirTags are permitted in checked bags under FAA rules. GPS or cellular trackers are also allowed in most countries, but some nations restrict satellite-enabled devices. Always check with your airline before flying.

  • United States: Bluetooth trackers with lithium metal batteries under 0.3 grams of lithium are permitted in checked bags. GPS trackers with lithium-ion batteries under 2.7Wh are also allowed. Check with your airline before flying.
  • Canada: Luggage trackers are permitted in checked bags. Standard lithium battery rules apply. Check with your airline for specific restrictions.
  • Europe and United Kingdom: Bluetooth trackers are generally permitted in checked bags. Lufthansa briefly banned AirTags in 2022 but reversed the policy after ICAO clarified the rules. Check with your specific carrier.
  • Gulf Region: Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad follow IATA rules. Bluetooth trackers are permitted in checked bags. GPS trackers with satellite transmission functions may require approval.
  • Turkey: Turkish Airlines permits Bluetooth trackers in checked bags. GPS trackers with satellite functions may be restricted. Check with the airline before travel.
  • Asia-Pacific: Japan and Singapore permit Bluetooth trackers in checked bags. India prohibits satellite-enabled GPS trackers without prior permission. South Korea disables Apple tracking due to local data laws.

Traveling soon? See our Travel Essentials page.

Want a deeper dive? ↓

Detailed Answer

ICAO Rules for Luggage Trackers

The International Civil Aviation Organization updated its Technical Instructions in March 2023 to permit baggage tracking devices in checked baggage. The key rule is that the device must be powered by a lithium metal battery with 0.3 grams or less of lithium, or a lithium-ion battery with 2.7 watt-hours (Wh) or less. This change resolved earlier confusion that had led some airlines to ban trackers entirely.

The FAA adopted these rules for US flights. Bluetooth trackers like Apple AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell, which contains about 0.1 grams of lithium. This is well under the 0.3-gram limit. They are permitted in checked bags and can remain switched on during the flight.

Bluetooth Trackers vs. GPS Trackers

There are two main types of luggage trackers. Bluetooth trackers like AirTags, Samsung SmartTags, and Tile devices use low-energy Bluetooth to connect with nearby phones. They do not transmit GPS or cellular signals. GPS or cellular trackers use satellite or mobile networks to report location. These devices use larger lithium-ion batteries and may be subject to stricter rules in some countries.

Bluetooth trackers are the simplest option for air travel. They are permitted in checked bags on most airlines worldwide. GPS trackers with satellite communication functions may require airline approval and are restricted in some countries.

Country-Specific Restrictions

India

India prohibits satellite-enabled GPS trackers without prior permission. In May 2025, a US citizen was detained at Jabalpur airport after a GPS tracker was found in her hand luggage. The device was seized under the Indian Telegraph Act. Possession of satellite phones and satellite-enabled GPS devices is prohibited for people traveling to or through India. Bluetooth trackers are not affected by this rule, but GPS trackers with satellite transmission are banned.

South Korea

Apple tracking is not enabled in South Korea due to local data laws. AirTags and other Apple Find My devices will not update their location once you enter the country. The device itself is not banned, but the tracking service does not function. Samsung SmartTags may work with Android devices in South Korea.

Lufthansa and European Carriers

Lufthansa briefly banned AirTags in 2022, classifying them as dangerous goods. The airline reversed the policy after ICAO clarified that baggage trackers are permitted under specific battery limits. Most European carriers now follow the ICAO rules and permit Bluetooth trackers in checked bags. Check with your specific airline before flying.

Battery Rules for Trackers

Bluetooth trackers with coin-cell batteries are permitted in checked bags under the 0.3-gram lithium metal limit. GPS trackers with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries must have a rating of 2.7Wh or less to be permitted in checked bags. Devices exceeding this limit must be carried in the cabin or require airline approval. Always check the battery specifications before packing a tracker in checked luggage.

Real Traveler Experiences

"I put an AirTag in my checked bag on a trip to Europe. It worked perfectly. When my bag was delayed, I could see it was still at the airport. I shared the location with the airline and they found it." US traveler, forum post

"My AirTag did not update at all in South Korea. I only found out after I landed. It is a known issue there. The tracker itself was fine, but the tracking service is disabled." Canada traveler, travel review

"I brought a GPS tracker to India and it was confiscated at the airport. I did not know satellite-enabled devices were banned. I should have checked before I left." US traveler, forum post

Pro Tips

  • Choose a Bluetooth tracker like an AirTag or SmartTag for the simplest travel experience
  • Check the battery type and rating. Bluetooth trackers with coin cells are permitted in checked bags
  • Avoid GPS trackers with satellite transmission functions when traveling to India or other countries with strict rules
  • Check with your airline before flying with any tracker in checked baggage
  • Be aware that Apple tracking does not work in South Korea
  • Share the tracker location with your airline if your bag is delayed
  • Keep your most valuable items in your carry-on, not in checked bags

Related Questions

Sources

AskTravel.org gives you the answer first, then the detail. Every answer is built from official sources and updated when rules change. See how we answer: How We Answer.

AskTravel.org is an information website only. Always check local regulations and operator policies before traveling, as rules change frequently.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Can I bring a vape to Egypt?

Yes, you can bring a vape to Egypt for personal use, but you must follow strict rules for transport and use. Egypt lifted its ban on e-cigarettes in 2022, making importation and possession legal for adults. However, you must carry your vape and spare batteries in your hand luggage only, never in checked bags, and you should expect severe enforcement against any product containing marijuana or other drugs. Legal for personal use: Egypt officially allows the import and possession of vaping products for adults aged 18 and over. The ban was lifted in 2022. Carry-on only for flights: Vapes and spare batteries must be in your hand luggage. Placing them in checked baggage is prohibited for aviation safety reasons. Quantity limits apply: Carry only what you need for your trip. A reasonable personal supply is generally tolerated, but large quantities may raise questions at customs. Zero tolerance for drugs: Vapes containing marijuana oil or any other narcotic substance are treated as ...
Read more

Can I use my Costco card internationally?

Yes, your Costco membership card works at all Costco warehouse locations worldwide, including the US, Canada, UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Mexico, and more. Your physical card or the Costco app on your phone grants you access to any location globally. However, there are important differences in payment methods, food court access, and gas station rules to be aware of before you travel. Membership works everywhere: Your Costco card is valid at any Costco warehouse worldwide. Show your physical card or use the Costco app on your phone US Visa card works only in the US: The Costco Anywhere Visa card is only accepted at US warehouses. International locations accept local cards (Mastercard in Japan, Visa in China, etc.) or cash Food courts are member-only in 2026: Costco is rolling out membership verification at food courts worldwide, so you will need to show your card to order food Gas stations are member-only: Fuel is available at Costco gas stations in many countries inclu...
Read more

Can I use my phone charger internationally?

Yes, you can use your phone charger internationally. In most cases, you only need a plug adapter, not a voltage converter. Modern phone chargers are almost always dual voltage, meaning they can handle the different electrical currents used around the world. However, you must check your charger's label and have the correct plug shape for your destination. Most phone chargers are dual voltage: look for "INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60Hz" on the charger block to confirm You need a plug adapter to change the shape of your plug, not a voltage converter Plug types vary by region: Type A/B (US, Japan, Canada), Type C/F (Europe), Type G (UK, Ireland, Singapore, UAE), Type I (Australia, China) Universal travel adapters with built-in USB ports are the most convenient solution for international charging High-power devices like hair dryers and straighteners often need voltage converters; do not assume they are dual voltage Need data abroad? Get an eSIM from Airalo See our full list ...
Read more