Traveling with airlines often involves packing a lot of luggage. In fact, almost 90% of passengers bring at least one piece of luggage, and over 22% of passengers travel with two suitcases.
To ensure the safety of your belongings, it’s important to protect your luggage.
While insurance can help with lost or missing items, using a GPS tracker is an even better solution.
But, is it allowed to bring GPS trackers on planes and can you put a gps tracker in your luggage?.
This post will provide all the information you need to know about taking GPS trackers on planes and why you should consider placing a tracking device in your luggage.
Let’s dive right in.
Taking GPS Tracker Through The Security Checkpoint
According to the TSA you are allowed to bring a GPS tracker or a navigation GPS through the security checkpoint without any issues.
However the TSA and most of the airport securities recommend removing any electronics larger than a cell phone from carry on bag and place them a separated bin during the screening, but most GPS trackers are small and you don’t need to remove it from your bag, unless you are traveling with a large Navigation GPS.
The TSA did not list GPS trackers on its website but they mentioned GPS navigations which is allowed through the security checkpoint.
If any airport security or Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent scans your carry-on and the GPS tracker triggers the alarm, then you will be required to remove it from the bag for further inspection, make sure to remove any other electronics and cables that may trigger the alarm.
If that happens, ensure that you don’t forget the tracker in the tray.
Placing GPS Tracker In Carry-On Luggage
You can bring any type of GPS trackers in carry-on luggage on most airlines without any restrictions.
I don’t think you will need to turn on your tracker in carry-on luggage as long as your bag will always be in front of you.
If you are not going to use your GPS tracker during the flight, you can power it off and place it inside its carrying case. then you can place it in a safe pocket to avoid any possible damage.
Can GPS Trackers Go In Checked Baggage?
Yes you can put any type of GPS trackers inside your checked baggage whether it is an Apple Air Tag, a Garmin or any other type of trackers.
Broncos asked the TSA customer service about using a Tile Pro tracker for his checked luggage.
And the TSA customer service replied that GPS trackers are permitted in checked luggage, however; he needs to contact his airline for more info.
Most Airlines do not have any restrictions on luggage trackers, in fact that will help them save a lot of time and retrieve any mishandled luggage quickly.
If you can it is better to avoid placing any expensive items and valuables in your checked luggage, even though if you place a luggage tracker inside your checked bag, it won’t be lost but still it can be opened with luggage handlers or anyone and take items from it.
Here is what a passenger says on TripAdvisor about missing some of his items in checked luggage.
Can My GPS system be hand carried on my Southwest Flight from Baltimore to Orlando, or must it be checked? Same with binoculars- We are planning on viewing a space shuttle launch and want our binoculars with us. Must I check them in too. We have had items stolen from our luggage so I’m not really keen on checking-in valuable items.
Source: TripAdvisor
GPS Tracker Alternatives
In addition to the vast choices of GPS trackers and tags in the market, If you don’t want to bother yourself with placing a GPS tracker inside your bag , you can easily find a suitcase that has a built-in tracker.
Some advanced smart luggage already come with some good features, and you don’t need to worry about placing a tracker inside your bag or about losing your valuables any time you travel.
And there are also some cool features along with the tracker, like receiving notification whenever someone opens your bag.
Most suitcases that come with a GPS tracker system have an app that needs to be installed in your phone and connected to the tracker, you can just scan the QR code and you are set to track your suitcase whenever it lands.
How Can I Hide My GPS Tracker In My Bag?
There are so many places to hide a GPS tracker in a suitcase or any other a backpack.
Small pockets are the ideal way to hide a tracker, some people tend to place the tracker inside shoes , socks, books or other items but that is a bit risky, as most of the items can be stolen or the tracker will fall out when the airport security is inspecting the bag.
Sometimes I just toss the tracker in a separate compartment in my suitcase and I never worry about it.
What Type Of GPS Tracker Is The Best For Luggage?
I highly recommend the Apple Air Tag, and we have. already covered everything about the amazing tag in this detailed guide.
In addition of the Apple Air Tag there are plenty of other fascinated trackers that you an use for your bag, like this Dynotag PROTAGZ Series Web/ GPS Enabled QR Smart MEGA Luggage Tag, you can just enable it, attach it to your bag and you are good to go.
You can then track your bag via your phone or laptop. The tag has advanced GPS technology so you don’t need to worry about losing your bag anywhere in the world.
Final Thoughts
You can put a luggage tracker inside your carry-on and checked luggage on any flight without any issues.
The airport security and most airlines do not have any problem with GPS trackers or any other type of trackers.
I would recommend a small luggage tracker that can be kept inside your suitcase like the apple air tag.
We hope this helps Happy travels.
