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TSA and ICAO rules permit AirTags in checked and carry-on luggage
Key points
- AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries with under 0.1g lithium.
- TSA limits non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries to 2g lithium.
- ICAO amended rules in 2023, allowing devices under 0.3g lithium in checked bags.
- AirTags are permitted in both checked and carry-on luggage.
AirTag Compliance with TSA Regulations
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits AirTags in both checked and carry-on luggage. This is due to the AirTag's power source, a CR2032 coin cell battery, which contains less than 0.1 grams of lithium. This amount is significantly below the TSA's limit of 2 grams of lithium content for non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries. While AirTags are not rechargeable, their power threshold is also less than 0.7 Wh, which would comply with watt-hour restrictions if they applied.
International Aviation Standards
Beyond the United States, the legality of AirTags in luggage is consistent. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN agency, updated its regulations in 2023. This amendment specifically allows lithium battery devices in checked baggage to remain powered on during flights, provided their lithium content is under 0.3 grams or their lithium-ion battery output is less than 2.7 Wh. These revised rules address previous bans imposed by some airlines and ensure AirTags can be used globally for travel.
Why Battery Regulations Exist
A primary concern with lithium-ion batteries in air travel is the risk of thermal runaway. This phenomenon involves a chain reaction that can cause lithium-ion devices to overheat uncontrollably. Regulations are in place to mitigate this safety risk by setting limits on battery size and type allowed on aircraft.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
The TSA allows AirTags in both checked and carry-on luggage because their CR2032 coin cell batteries contain less than 0.1 grams of lithium, well below the 2-gram limit for non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) also amended its rules in 2023, permitting devices with less than 0.3 grams of lithium content or lithium-ion batteries under 2.7 Wh to remain on in checked baggage, making AirTag use nearly universally legal for air travel.