'Smart' Bags Banned on Flights

Many airlines are now banning all 'smart' bags that have fixed Lithium batteries

What is a smart bag?
A smart bag is any luggage (backpack, briefcase, carry-on bag, suitcase, etc.) that has fancy-schmancy features built in like USB charging ports for your phone or tablet and GPS tracking.  Yes, the features are cool, but the high-power supply is not:  lithium-ion batteries.  They are the same types of batteries that have been known to spontaneously catch fire and at times explode in cameras, phones, tablets and hover boards.

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The Bans
​​Airlines and aviation safety experts continue to have a particular concern that any fire happening inside a pressurized aluminum tube loaded with people and jet fuel at 34,000 ft could have a potentially negative outcome.

​The risk of fire is present when the battery is connected.

YES:  Your smart bag may fly under these conditions

• Checked/Gate-Checked Baggage - The battery has been removed and you carry the battery with you in the cabin.
• Carry-On Baggage - Depending on the airline the battery may remain installed as long as the device is powered off OR the battery must be disconnected from the smart bag before boarding the aircraft.  In the latter case the battery may be stored in the smart bag as long as it is removed from the connection area.

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NO:  Your smart bag is prohibited from flying under these conditions

• Checked Baggage - The lithium-ion battery cannot be removed and carried with you in the cabin.
• Carry-On Baggage - Depending on the airline the bag cannot be turned off OR the battery cannot be disconnected from the smart bag.

Be Smart.  Be Safe:  Contact your respective airline(s) for complete, official details on all restricted items including smart bags before you travel.  The information contained in this post is for general reference purposes only and is not official.

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