Batteries, Smart Bags, Location Trackers Attached to Luggage

Baggage equipped with lithium batteries (e.g. smart bags) intended to power features designed to make travel easier, such as location tracking, digital weighing, or motors.

Carry-On Baggage

Baggage equipped with lithium batteries must be carried as carry-on baggage unless the batteries are removed from the baggage. Removed batteries must be carried in accordance with the provision for spare batteries.

Checked Baggage

Baggage equipped with lithium batteries are only allowed in checked baggage when containing lithium metal batteries with a lithium content not exceeding 0.3 grams, or lithium ion batteries with a Watt-hour rating not exceeding 2.7 Wh.

Portable electronic devices powered by lithium batteries that are placed in checked baggage must be completely switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode) and protected to prevent unintentional activation or damage.

Baggage Location Tracking Devices

Baggage location tracking devices (or "bag tags") powered by lithium batteries are portable electronic devices that the traveler attaches to or places in baggage to track the location of baggage. Check with the airline before traveling with these devices. If you choose to equip a checked bag with a baggage tracking device, then it must meet the size limits above. See the U.S. DOT letter of interpretation 19-0002.

For international flights check with your airline as international regulations may vary from domestic regulations.

Note: the DOT letter of interpretation 19-0002 references 14 CFR § 91.21 and should point to AC 91.21-1D

See the regulation: 49 CFR 175.10(a)(26)

View our illustrated guide on Airline Passengers and Batteries.