On Friday, Dec. 3, American Airlines and other U.S. carriers unilaterally announced that “as part of safety management and risk mitigation,” smart bags, also known as smart luggage, would not be allowed on their planes if the lithium ion battery couldn’t be removed. The policy change took effect on Jan. 15., and the industry is fighting back.
According to Forbes.com, Tomi Pierucci, CEO of Bluesmart, and other smart luggage manufacturers vowed to fight the ban, planning to work with carriers directly to acquire exemptions. No changes have been implemented, yet.
The decision to ban smart luggage came as a result of the updated IATA regulations and concerns over lithium batteries on aircrafts. If punctured, the batteries have the potential to ignite in airplane cargo holds. The bags are still allowed allowed in passenger cabins.
Smart luggage isn’t the only technology banned from flying. View a list of other smart items that have made the “no-fly” list.-
Smart balance wheels/boards such as Hoverboard, Airboard and Skateboard
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Self-balancing wheeled devices such as Ninebot
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Battery-assisted bicycles such as e-bikes
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Wheeled vehicles or motorcycles
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Electrically-powered scooters
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Riding, motorized suitcases
These items would have to be packaged and transported as dangerous goods, instead.
