This was published 6 years ago
'Smart' suitcases and lithium batteries: Airline ban on bags where battery can't be removed
Bluesmart, which says more than 65,000 of its suitcases are being used around the world, said its batteries cannot be removed but that its products meet all safety regulations and requirements. It said it would be holding meetings with airlines to try and ensure its products are exempt from any restrictions.Credit: AP
"Smart suitcases" may be able to charge mobile phones or be easily found if misplaced, but unless their battery can be removed they risk being sent packing by the world's airlines.
Global airlines body IATA said it could issue industry-wide standards on the new luggage soon, after some airlines issued their own restrictions on smart bags, whose manufacturers include companies such as BlueSmart, Raden or Away.
These contain GPS tracking and can charge devices, weigh themselves or be locked remotely using mobile phones, but they are powered by lithium ion batteries, which the aviation industry regards as a fire risk, especially in the cargo hold.
The IATA is expected to announce guidance on the issue soon, but many airlines have already taken action to restrict or ban the carriage of the suitcases.
Virgin Australia said in a statement that passengers would only be allowed to use the bags as carry-on luggage.
"In the event that the guest's smart bag is too heavy, the lithium battery must be removed and carried as a spare battery in carry-on baggage. If the lithium battery cannot be removed, the smart bag cannot be carried on our aircraft," the airline said.
Qantas will not allow cases on its planes at all if the batteries cannot be removed.
See also: The simple trick that ensures your bag hits the carousel first
US based carriers American Airlines, Delta and Alaska Airlines all said last week that as of January 15, 2018, they would require the battery to be removed before allowing the bags on board.
Careen gave no details of any potential industry-wide standards, but said he expected others could quickly follow the example of these carriers.
Away and Raden say on their websites that batteries in their bags can be easily removed.
Bluesmart, which says more than 65,000 of its suitcases are being used around the world, said its batteries cannot be removed but that its products meet all safety regulations and requirements.
It said it would be holding meetings with airlines to try and ensure its products are exempt from any restrictions.
Concerns over the risk of a lithium ion battery fire were highlighted during the electronics ban temporarily imposed earlier this year on some flights to the United States.
Fairfax Media with Reuters
See also: Why Qantas won't let you pick up your phone if you drop it on board
See also: Why you can't take hoverboards on planes
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