Carry-on bags
Yes, with conditions
Checked luggage
Yes, with conditions
Rules for Flights in the USA
In general, GPS devices are allowed in hand and checked luggage on flights in the United States. Passengers traveling with personal locator beacons and satellite messengers will have to contact their airline to learn if they can travel with them, but in general, they should also be allowed.
Rules for Flights in Other Countries
Canada
Similar to the US, on Canadian flights, GPS devices are accepted both in carry-on and checked baggage.
Europe and the United Kingdom
It is not specified whether GPS devices are allowed on planes in Europe and the UK. That said, some airlines ask passengers to report any GPS tracking devices in carry-on and cargo luggage, ask them to be off during the flight, and even limit the use of certain brands. It’s also recommended to keep electronic devices in hand luggage.
Australia
GPS devices are permitted in hand luggage on Australian flights. Itโs not specified whether GPS devices are allowed in checked baggage, but overall, itโs always recommended to keep electronics in carry-on baggage.
New Zealand
GPS devices are allowed on flights in New Zealand in a carry-on, but they should be turned off during the entire flight. It isnโt specified if GPS devices are allowed in checked baggage, but airlines recommend that most battery-operated electronic devices travel in hand baggage.
China
GPS devices arenโt specifically mentioned, but some airlines prohibit radio frequency items like walkie-talkies. GPS trackers, personal locator beacons, and satellite messengers also use radio frequencies to transmit and receive information which means their transportation and use are restricted on flights in China.
India
Indiaโs authorities aren’t specific about the transportation of other GPS devices in hand and checked suitcases but satellite phones and messengers are banned from flights in India. Passengers traveling with GPS phones need to declare it to Customs when entering the country and have a special permit to use it.
Sources: For writing this article, we took information only from official sources, like airline regulators, government websites, and major airlines. If you want to confirm that our information is accurate and up to date, click on any of the links mentioned above. We linked out to where we found this information for each country.
Disclaimer: The final decision of whether you can bring GPS devices onboard airplanes always rests on the security officer. Some airlines also have additional rules that may be different.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing GPS Devices on Planes
Can I bring disposable battery-powered GPS devices on planes? (AA, AAA, etc.)
Read Next: Can You Bring Laser Pointers and Other Laser Tools on Planes?
Can I bring rechargeable GPS devices with lithium batteries on planes?
Are GPS trackers allowed in luggage?
Read Next: Can You Bring Snowshoes on Planes?
Can I use my GPS device during the flight?
Do I need to take out my GPS device when going through security?
Read Next: Can You Bring Stereo and Radio Devices on Planes?
Is it better to pack GPS navigation devices in hand or checked luggage?
Are personal locator beacons and satellite messengers allowed on planes (Garmin, Spot, ACR, etc.)?
Will GPS on my phone work during the flight?
Read Next: Can I Use My Mobile Data During the Flight?