U.S. CARRIERS BAN “SMART LUGGAGE”
February 19, 2018
Throughout January 2018, U.S. air carriers unilaterally (without the FAA requiring them to do so) implemented policies which ban passengers from traveling with smart luggage. “Smart luggage is any piece of travel-worthy baggage imbued with electronics, charging ports, and Bluetooth.” It now appears that all major U.S. carriers have implemented similar restrictions on smart luggage.
The ban is a result of safety concerns related to the lithium ion batteries that are housed in smart luggage and are used to charge or operate compatible devices. As the airlines’ restrictions currently stand, passengers are not able to check smart luggage unless the lithium ion battery can be removed from the luggage prior to travel. The batteries, which are the same type of battery that also powers laptops and cellular devices, are allowed in the main cabin of the aircraft. There is no indication that the airlines will rescind the ban as its primary purpose is to preserve the safety of the passengers and the airlines’ crews.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).
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