Can You Bring GPS Trackers and Other GPS Devices on Planes?

Travelers can bring battery-powered GPS devices on flights to the United States. Both GPS devices and dry batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D) are welcome on board in carry-on and checked baggage. Still, it’s best practice to pack electronic devices in your carry-on suitcase.

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You can bring rechargeable GPS devices with lithium batteries in hand and checked luggage on planes from United States airlines with certain limitations. A GPS lithium battery shouldn’t have a battery with more than 100 watts and it should travel in a carry-on preferably. If traveling in a checked bag, it should be turned off and safely packed. Plus, if packed in a carry-on, it should always be charged when going through security in case the security agents need to make sure that it’s working and isn’t damaged.

GPS trackers are TSA compliant and are allowed to fly in any type of luggage in the United States, but travelers should check with each airline to learn about possible restrictions.

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You can use GPS devices during flights in the United States, but some airlines might limit their use to certain moments of the flight to avoid interference with the hardware of the airplane.

You should take your GPS device out of your luggage if it’s larger than a cell phone when going through United States airport security. Smaller GPS devices like luggage trackers might be subject to additional inspection too.

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It’s recommended to pack GPS navigation devices in hand luggage when traveling to the United States. Generally, most airlines recommend packing electronics in hand luggage. That way they are not damaged during the trip and there is a minor risk of incidents with the battery of the device.

Personal locator beacons and satellite messengers aren’t banned from flights in the United States, but they might not be allowed on many planes since they emit radio signals that could interfere with the airplane’s systems. Pilots reported cases during which satellite messengers have affected the plane’s GPS signal. TSA recommends communicating with the airline before traveling with them. The [amazon link=”B07X59RH7T” title=”ZOLEO satellite communicator GPS”] is a popular option that works both with your smartphone and alone to keep you connected and accessible in case of emergency.

GPS can work even when your phone is in airplane mode since the GPS signal doesn’t depend on cellular data and wifi. But, since civilian GPS devices are designed with certain functions in mind, conditions like high altitude and high speed make it difficult for civilian GPS devices to work accurately. The fuselage of the plane might also be another limitation for your GPS.

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All electronic devices that receive and transmit radio frequency have a certain potential to interfere with the hardware on airplanes, but most GPS devices are low-power devices and aren’t considered a major threat to avionic systems. Still, many airlines ban certain types of GPS devices completely or limit their use on the plane as a safety measure.