Statistics show that over 22% of passengers travel with two suitcases, and losing your luggage or waiting for a delayed suitcase can be a frustrating travel experience.
That’s where a GPS or Bluetooth luggage tracker can help. But are GPS trackers allowed on planes, and can you put a GPS tracker in your carry-on or checked luggage?
Yes, you can generally take a small luggage tracker on a plane and place it inside both your carry-on and checked luggage. Small trackers such as AirTags, Tile trackers, and Samsung SmartTags are generally allowed.
In this post, I’ll explain everything you need to know about taking GPS trackers on planes, including airport security rules, battery limits, where to put a tracker in your luggage, and which types of trackers you can use.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
You can take a GPS tracker on a plane.
You can put a GPS tracker in both your carry-on and checked luggage.
Small trackers like AirTags, Tile trackers, and Samsung SmartTags are permitted.
Most GPS trackers have small lithium batteries, so they are usually allowed on planes without any issues.
For checked luggage, place the tracker in a secure inside pocket so you can track your bag if it gets lost or delayed.
Can You Take a 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 airport security authorities recommend removing any electronics larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and placing them in a separate bin during screening.
Most GPS trackers are small, though, so you don’t need to remove them from your bag unless you are traveling with a large navigation GPS.
The TSA does not list GPS trackers on its website, but they mention navigation GPS devices, which are 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.
Can You Place a GPS Tracker In Your Carry-on Luggage?
You can bring any type of GPS tracker in your carry-on luggage on most airlines without any restrictions.
I don’t think you will need to turn on your tracker in your 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 You Place a GPS Trackers In Your Checked Baggage?
Yes, you can put any type of GPS tracker inside your checked baggage, whether it is an Apple AirTag, a Garmin, or any other type of tracker.
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 information.
Most airlines do not have any restrictions on luggage trackers. In fact, they can 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 or valuables in your checked luggage. Even if you place a luggage tracker inside your checked bag, it won’t prevent your bag from being opened by luggage handlers or anyone else who could 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
What Are Some GPS Tracker Alternatives?
In addition to the vast choice of GPS trackers and tags on 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 comes 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 a notification whenever someone opens your bag.
Most suitcases that come with a GPS tracking system have an app that needs to be installed on 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.
There are so many places to hide a GPS tracker in a suitcase or any other 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 these items can be stolen or the tracker can 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 AirTag, and we have already covered everything about the amazing tag in this detailed guide.
In addition to the Apple AirTag, there are plenty of other fascinating trackers that you can 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.
Airport security and most airlines do not have any problem with GPS trackers or any other type of tracker.
I would recommend a small luggage tracker that can be kept inside your suitcase, like the Apple AirTag.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
FAQs About GPS Trackers on Planes
Can you use a GPS tracker during a flight?
Yes, small luggage trackers can stay active during a flight if they meet the applicable battery rules. Some trackers may automatically stop transmitting while the plane is in the air.
Can you put an AirTag in carry-on and checked luggage?
Most of the time you won’t have any issues placing a small AirTag inside your carry-on and checked baggage.
Are Tile trackers allowed on airplanes?
Yes. Tile trackers are allowed on airplanes, including in checked luggage, as long as the tracker and its battery meet the applicable requirements.
Are Samsung SmartTags allowed on planes?
Yes, Samsung SmartTags are good to go on a plane. If you’re putting one in your checked bag, take a look at the battery limits and your airline’s rules first.
Are GPS trackers with lithium batteries allowed on planes?
Yes, small GPS and Bluetooth luggage trackers with lithium batteries are generally allowed.
What is the battery limit for a GPS tracker in checked luggage?
For a baggage tracker in checked luggage, the lithium battery must not contain more than 0.3 grams of lithium metal or 2.7 Wh for lithium-ion batteries.
Do GPS trackers need to be turned off in checked baggage?
Not always. Small baggage trackers such as AirTags have a specific exception and can remain active when they meet the battery limits. Always check your airline’s rules before flying.
Can a GPS tracker interfere with an airplane’s navigation system?
Small luggage trackers are not generally a concern when they meet the applicable aviation rules. Some tracking devices are designed to automatically stop transmitting when the aircraft is in flight.
Can you put a GPS tracker in international checked luggage?
Yes, most of the time you won’t have any issues placing a GPS tracker inside our checked bag.
Can you put a GPS tracker inside smart luggage?
Yes, but smart luggage has additional battery rules. If the bag has a larger removable battery, you may need to remove it before checking the bag.
Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist
passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.
