BRITS checking in their luggage next time they fly might want to check what is inside it, or they face strict fines.
An airline has banned passengers from using AirTags in their baggage if being checked in at the airport.
Many desperate travellers have resorted to putting trackers in their suitcases this year due to airlines losing luggage more than ever.
According to aviation IT group SITA, nearly 10 million bags were either lost or damaged in 2021.
However, Lufthansa has confirmed these will not be allowed into the hold with checked bags, according to local media Watson.
The German flag carrrier said it was because they fell into the category of portable electronic devices, which are not allowed into the hold either.
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A spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: “Baggage trackers belong to the category of portable electronic devices and are therefore subject to the dangerous goods regulations issued by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) for carriage in aircraft.
“Accordingly, due to their transmitting function, the trackers must be deactivated during the flight, similar to cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc., if they are in the checked baggage and can therefore not be used.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) currently states: “Lithium batteries carried by passengers remain a safety concern for airlines.
“You may carry devices powered by lithium batteries subject to certain conditions.”
They list examples such as portable power banks, vapes and spare batteries – the rules were introduced in 2018 after they were deemed a risk in case they catch fire in the hold.
AirTags are yet to be included on the list as they are a relatively new invention, however Lufthansa has said they fall under this ban.
No other airlines have issued a ban on AirTags yet, but passengers should check before they check their bags in.
If passengers don’t want to take them out then they can be deactivated – although this means they then can’t be used to track the bag – or put them in their hand luggage.
Anyone falling foul of the rules faces fines or could be stopped from boarding – which one woman found out the hard way.
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And journalist Pandora said she was kicked off her easyJet flight after she tried to check in a smart suitcase which has battery packs inside.
Here are some other big luggage mistakes you’re making when you go on holiday.
