A holiday goer has warned fellow jetsetters of a certain rule which a number of airlines may uphold with regards to baggage and luggage.
Taking to Twitter, Pandora Sykes said she was refused boarding due to the type of bag she had packed and taken to the airport - as 'smart bags' are no longer allowed on certain flights.
Pandora wrote: "Beware anyone being so foolish to fly Easyjet - captain just refused to let us board our flights because our checked-in suitcases have USB ports (aka “smart bags”)."
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The Liverpool Echo reports that smart luggage is a bag containing a lithium ion battery or power bank, which powers itself and can be used to charge other devices. They also have other savvy tech features like electronic locking, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, and the more luxurious are self-propelling.
And despite technology trends persuading many to purchase the latest hype, there are certain restriction on batteries used to power the bags when flying. Here is what each airline says with regards to restrictions on said bags and cases.
easyJet -
In all cases for safety reasons, the lithium battery or power bank needs to be completely disconnected - which means that if you're unable to remove it, you wont be able to take the bag on board with you.
If said smart luggage is checked in to be put in the hold, the batter must be disconnected and removed at the Bag Drop station - and said battery must be taken into the cabin with you. Any exposed terminals should be protected from short circuiting also.
Again, if the smart luggage is a carry on, the battery should be disconnected. However, the unpowered battery is safe to stay in one's bag.
British Airways -
In the case that the lithium battery cannot be readily removed from its baggage, the smart bag will not be accepted on the flight regardless of if cabin luggage or being placed in the hold. If you can easily remove the lithium battery/power bank, the Smart Bag is permitted for carriage, subject to the following conditions:
- Lithium battery/Power banks up to and including 100Wh are acceptable for carriage.
- Lithium battery/Power banks of more than 100Wh up to 160Wh, please see the information in the lithium batteries section for approval.
If the Wh rating of the Lithium battery / Power Bank is more than 160 Wh, or the Wh rating cannot be determined (e.g. not marked on the battery/Power Bank case) the lithium battery/power bank will not be accepted on the flight.
- If the Smart Baggage is to be checked in and will travel in the hold, the lithium battery/power bank must be removed and carried in the cabin (terminals protected against short circuit).
- If the Smart Baggage is to be carried in the cabin, you must be able to easily remove the lithium battery/power bank, but it can remain in the bag.
If you are bringing Smart Baggage with you, please ensure that you are aware of BA's security requirements. If your flight is operated by one of their partner airlines, please contact that airline to ensure you are aware of their Smart Baggage restrictions.
Ryanair -
With Ryanair, Smart Bags can be taken on board as a carry on - however, the lithium battery must prior be removed before the bag is stored in the overhead locker. The battery must also stay with you at all times.
If you remove the battery before dropping the bag in at the desk, the luggage can also be put in the hold. You must again, take and keep the battery with you on the plane.
Smart bags which the lithium battery has not been removed from are not allowed in checked-in luggage or carry-on baggage, or go through security with them on you (for example in your pockets).
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