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Lufthansa has not banned AirTags

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Re: Lufthansa has not banned AirTags

#31
post #7

Except they have. A Lufthansa spokesperson has clarified the new rules for the German news site watson: https://www.watson.de/leben/urlaub%20&%20freizeit/879935671-... It rougly translate to: The device itself is not banned, but has to be shut off during flight. In practice this would mean that you would have to remove the battery from the airtag, since there is no powerswitch. But I will admit that this seems odd an…

So they banned your cell phone too? Last I recall you can take those on a plane powered off too.

Re: Lufthansa has not banned AirTags

#32
post #10

Really simple question is whether car keys are banned under the same rules. They are powered by the same types of batteries.

Car keys usually remained powered off until a button is pressed.

That is patently false. Keyless car fobs are constantly transmitting and it is possible to shut them down for long term storage with a key combination that almost nobody ever uses or even knows about.

Re: Lufthansa has not banned AirTags

#33
post #7

Except they have. A Lufthansa spokesperson has clarified the new rules for the German news site watson: https://www.watson.de/leben/urlaub%20&%20freizeit/879935671-... It rougly translate to: The device itself is not banned, but has to be shut off during flight. In practice this would mean that you would have to remove the battery from the airtag, since there is no powerswitch. But I will admit that this seems odd an…

As far as I understand there is nothing new. Lithium batteries have always been allowed in checked luggage only if they are inside a completely powered off and reasonably protected device, to avoid the risk of fires. This risk doesn't really apply to such small batteries, but the rules are there regardless of the size of the battery.

Is the problem with batteries or lithium batteries?

AirTags have non lithium batteries

Re: Lufthansa has not banned AirTags

#34
post #10

Really simple question is whether car keys are banned under the same rules. They are powered by the same types of batteries.

Car keys usually remained powered off until a button is pressed.

Not mine, or any others that have hands free unlocking. I presume that they are in a deep sleep but not unpowered and wake up when the car pings them.

Re: Lufthansa has not banned AirTags

#35

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Car keys usually remained powered off until a button is pressed.

That is patently false. Keyless car fobs are constantly transmitting and it is possible to shut them down for long term storage with a key combination that almost nobody ever uses or even knows about.

If you're going to use language like "patently false" it helps to be correct. Keyless car fobs are not constantly transmitting. If they were, the battery would die quite quick. The key combinations to disable them help to prevent relay attacks, not because they just constantly transmit.

Re: Lufthansa has not banned AirTags

#36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I always fly with my car keys (almost always in my carry-on bag) even when I take the train to the airport. Simply because my car keys are on the same keychain as my house keys, and I never leave home for anything without those..

Oops, I am so used to taking a taxi (I don't drive) to the airport that I completely forgot many people actually drive there... Quite an idiot moment.

[deleted]

Re: Lufthansa has not banned AirTags

#37

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As far as I understand there is nothing new. Lithium batteries have always been allowed in checked luggage only if they are inside a completely powered off and reasonably protected device, to avoid the risk of fires. This risk doesn't really apply to such small batteries, but the rules are there regardless of the size of the battery.

Is the problem with batteries or lithium batteries? AirTags have non lithium batteries

AirTags use CR2032 batteries which are, in fact, lithium batteries.

They are lithium primary cells though, not lithium ion cells, which are usually what is banned.

Re: Lufthansa has not banned AirTags

#38
post #10

Really simple question is whether car keys are banned under the same rules. They are powered by the same types of batteries.

Of course they are also banned, if they also use lithium batteries, though who flies with car keys? Especially in their checked in luggage?

Why do you think airports have parking lots? Tons of people drive to the airport before flying

Re: Lufthansa has not banned AirTags

#39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Car keys usually remained powered off until a button is pressed.

That is patently false. Keyless car fobs are constantly transmitting and it is possible to shut them down for long term storage with a key combination that almost nobody ever uses or even knows about.

They don't transmit continuously. The little CR2032 cell in my Tesla key would be dead in a day or two but in fact it lasts about at least six months, probably more like a year. I presume that they listen for a ping from the car and only then transmit. Unless you press a button of course. I've had the car almost five years and I think I have only replaced the battery four times.

Re: Lufthansa has not banned AirTags

#40
post #31
post #7

Except they have. A Lufthansa spokesperson has clarified the new rules for the German news site watson: https://www.watson.de/leben/urlaub%20&%20freizeit/879935671-... It rougly translate to: The device itself is not banned, but has to be shut off during flight. In practice this would mean that you would have to remove the battery from the airtag, since there is no powerswitch. But I will admit that this seems odd an…

So they banned your cell phone too? Last I recall you can take those on a plane powered off too.

It's about checked-in luggage, not what you take with you in the cabin.
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