Major airline BANS passenger hack to locate lost luggage
Exasperated passengers dealing with international travel chaos, including mountains of lost luggage, have been dealt a new blow.
A major European airline has banned the use of active tracking devices on checked-in luggage.
“Lufthansa is banning activated AirTags from luggage,” the German airline wrote on Twitter, “as they are classified as dangerous and need to be turned off.”
When asked why Apple AirTags are classified as dangerous, Lufthansa responded in a further Tweet.
“According to ICAO [International Civil Aviation Organisation] guidelines, baggage trackers are subject to the dangerous goods regulations,” a spokesperson for the airline said.
“Furthermore, due to their transmission function, the trackers must be deactivated during the flight if they are in checked baggage and cannot be used as a result.”
‘Tracking bags is necessary’
“Being able to track our bags is necessary given the luggage crisis this year,” one person wrote on Twitter.
“Why complicate your passengers’ travel experience even more. This is crazy.”
Many people online have accused Lufthansa of banning bag tags to mask their own errors.
“Is it dangerous or is Lufthansa trying to save itself from the embarrassment of dealing with lost luggage?” one person wrote.
“What a ridiculous and obvious attempt to cover your own failings,” said another.
Others said the decision had cost the airline their business.
“You guys just lost a customer,” one person Tweeted. “I am banning you.”
“Probably I'll pick other airlines that allow people to track their luggage,” another said.
Qantas customers ‘welcome to use tags’
In the wake of Lufthansa’s move, attention has turned to Aussie airlines and whether they will follow suit.
A spokesperson for Qantas told Yahoo News Australia that there are no plans to change current policy, saying customers are welcome to use tracking devices on their luggage.
While Virgin Australia added that there are no restrictions for Apple AirTags packed inside baggage on board flights.
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, the airline added that the safety of its guests and team is of its highest priority and it actively monitors all regulatory advice regarding dangerous goods.
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