Some “smart bags” have built-in USB ports for charging your most important devices on the go, while others have electronic locks you can open with just your fingerprint. A few smart bags even allow you to ride them in the airport (if you aren’t afraid of looking a bit silly.)
But as technology-forward bags are on the rise, so are the rules governing their usage in the airport. Currently, most airlines will allow you to carry on most smart bags, without any restrictions, into the cabin. However, new airline rules regarding smart luggage are already being written for January 2018—with American Airlines leading the charge.
“Beginning January 15, customers who travel with a smart bag must be able to remove the battery in case the bag has to be checked at any point in the customer’s journey. If the battery cannot be removed, the bag will not be allowed,” according to an American Airlines press release.
While the regulations regarding smart bags are new, the ideas behind them are not. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration, “…has long-standing rules about lithium ion batteries in items like laptops and medical equipment,” as stated by CNN. And according to established regulations any uninstalled batteries should be on the passenger or in their carry-on luggage.
Why such tight restrictions? Lithium batteries in smart luggage can catch fire if they overheat or short-circuit. If such incidents occur within the cabin, the situation can be quickly dealt with by passengers or the airline crew. However, if a lithium battery catches fire within the cargo hold, the issue could quickly become dangerous.
While you might be considering purchasing a smart bag in the near future to easily charge your phone, snag Wi-Fi or even cruise on four wheels through the airport, make sure the battery is detachable and carry it with you in the cabin.
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