U.S. Airlines looking to ban most ‘Smart Bags’

‘Smart bags’, also known as smart luggage, have become increasingly popular with travelers this year, but many American airlines have become concerned over their use as they contain a lithium-ion battery or power bank, which poses an undetected fire risk when stored in the aircraft’s hold. Providing the battery can be removed and carried by the passenger with their hand luggage, this is acceptable to carriers, but the battery cannot be removed from most smart bags.
The size of battery also varies depending on the smart bag’s capabilities and functions. Some have USB charging ports and GPS satellite for bag location, while others can either remotely follow their ‘owner’ or even act as a ride-on scooter.
American Airlines is the first airline in the U.S. to announce this new policy, which took effect at the end of last week. However, if the battery cannot be removed, the bag will still be permissible luggage providing the battery is powered off and the bag travels in the passenger cabin. Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines have announced that similar policies will take effect from January 15, though their ban does not permit these bags in the cabin.
With United Continental and Southwest Airlines due to announce their smart bag policies soon, the ban could cover over 80% of all U.S. air traffic.
Bluesmart, a smart bag manufacturer, has said that it has sold 65,000 units, though with their models the lithium batteries cannot be removed. The company also says its bags comply with the current federal regulations from the Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission, while the TSA has confirmed that the bags are not on its list of prohibited items. However, Delta Air Lines has pointed out that regulators have not specifically approved any company’s smart bags.