Last Updated: April 26, 2022
Smart bags have exploded in popularity in the last few years, particularly among corporate travelers and those technologically inclined. However, are smart bags allowed on planes? Several airlines have begun to prohibit particular types of smart luggage in recent years. This might be because of the lithium battery that is included, is widely known to burst when overheated. This is why such bags are labeled as a security threat
Meanwhile, a large number of travelers are unsure of which smart luggage is permitted and which is not, as well as what really qualifies as smart luggage in the first place.
In this article, we’ll cover all that you need to know about smart bags, what is allowed and banned, as well as other important information you should be aware of before traveling.
What Does Smart Luggage Do?
Smart luggage is essentially any bag or suitcase equipped with a battery that may be used to charge the luggage directly or to recharge other electronic gadgets. The term “smart” means the number of capabilities that the bag provides as a result of the inclusion of a power source in the design. Such bags have several useful features that traditional bags lack. Such as:
- Device charging
- GPS tracking
- Electronic locks
- App-enabled controls
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
Airline delays can be caused by batteries in checked luggage, particularly when the batteries are solid metal or lithium-ion batteries. To make matters worse, they are the most commonly encountered types of batteries in personal devices like smartphones.
The good news is that if you are able to remove the batteries from the smart bag, you will be able to travel with it, since the bag without the attached battery may be checked in at the airport. All you have to do is remove the battery and store it in your cabin baggage shelve or under the seat, provided the dimensions allow it.
The bad news is that if you are unable to remove the battery from the bag, you will not be able to store it in the hold. It is possible that the airline will be forced to do this even if you bring the luggage into the cabin.
Based on how crowded the trip is for cabin luggage and the capacity of the aircraft, it may be necessary to put bags into the aircraft storage to make room for more passengers. The presence of a battery in luggage does not relieve the passenger of the responsibility of observing grounds and cabin crew regulations. If you need to put the bag in the hold, and you are unable to remove the battery, it is possible that the bag will be left behind.
Can You Fly With Smart Luggage?
The only smart baggage that is prohibited is that which has non-removable batteries. A smart bag with battery that is detachable is allowed on airports and flights. However, the removable battery may only be taken on board and not checked in. In contrast to normal AA batteries, this restriction only pertains to lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries.
There are other limitations on lithium-ion batteries, such as a restriction of 100 watt-hours for lithium-ion batteries and a limit of 2 grams of lithium metal for lithium-metal batteries. As a result, if the battery is detachable, the bag will most likely be permitted to fly on commercial airlines. However, even the airlines are sometimes confused which smart luggage is permitted and which is not.
How Do Smart Suitcases Work?
For instance, there could be electronic weight scales incorporated into the suitcase, which alert the traveler when it is time to remove the extra things from the bag. The digital scales could be conveniently tucked away within the luggage to provide an accurate indication of the bag’s weight. This convenient tool allows you to avoid unexpected costs and shocks at the baggage claim desk.
To make matters worse, having a lock and key isn’t enough to protect the goods contained within your luggage. Manufacturers incorporate an anti-theft function to ensure that passengers may travel without fear. Whenever the luggage is shifted out of range or unplugged, this is made possible through app notifications, alerts, and alarms.
Features Of Smart Luggage
Smart luggage comes with distinctive features that you’d never normally see on a standard suitcase, that does not have a power source that makes it so exciting to use.
The following are the most often observed features of smart luggage:
GPS Tracker
Although the specific technique of monitoring varies from brand to brand (GPS, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi), one concept remains the same – you can follow the location of your bag by checking the app.
Luggage Alert
Whenever you’re moving too far away from the smart bag, you’ll receive a notice. Suppose you lost your bag in a taxi, and the tracker alerts you after a specific distance has been traveled by the taxi driver. You may get a message saying, ” It appears that you have forgotten about your suitcase” “Go get it. You may then simply contact the taxi operator and have your luggage picked up.
Inbuilt Scale
Some smart bags are equipped with a scale that is integrated into the handle. It will indicate how heavy this is as you pick it up, which would be useful when trying to fulfill the stringent weight restrictions for carry on luggage.
RFID Blocking Compartment
Smart bags are equipped with RFID-blocking compartments, despite the fact that this function is not powered by energy. Nowadays, a basic scanner may be used to steal digital information because any credit cards or phones placed in the luggage would not be protected from the outside.
Does Smart Luggage Have To Be Checked In?
If your smart bag fits the carry-on weight and size criteria, you won’t have to check it in at all. It should be noted that, on rare occasions, aircraft top shelves become overcrowded, and your well organized carry-on may have to be examined. The battery will need to be removed and carried around as a personal item if this is the case, though.
How Can You Charge Smart Bags?
The USB connection is conveniently positioned on the bag’s surface for charging ease, whereas the battery pack is securely tucked within the bag and supplies power to the connection through a wire that runs through the bag. To charge devices, just connect a USB charging cable to the exterior USB port.
Are Smart Bags Worth It?
It is dependent on your personality and professional background. Many of us are digitally dependent and carry a number of electronic gadgets with us at all times, even when traveling. Even smartwatches require charging, and it’s not unusual to have a laptop, cellphone, camera, e-reader, and other electronic devices with you.
The GPS tracker and proximity-alert capabilities are quite useful since no one wants to lose track of all the things they’re carrying with them.
Despite the fact that many bags do not come with a built-in scale, it is always a good idea to have one on hand, particularly when trying to satisfy the tight European carry-on weight limits. Having one that is integrated will make your life a whole lot easier.
If you are not a techie and simply travel for pleasure, smart bags may not be the best option for you. As you can see, smart baggage has its drawbacks as well – you have to charge the power bank before each trip, you have to remove the battery pack from the suitcase every time you go through airport security checks, and the price is more than for ordinary luggage.
Conclusion
A smart luggage that follows you is a design that’s also tailored to a certain use and may be beneficial to virtually everyone in society. Thanks to technological advancements, you no longer have to experience luggage-related worries at any point throughout your journey. Smart luggage, which includes built-in technologies such as GPS locators, USB connections for charging your gadgets, solar-powered batteries, as well as remote lock technologies, is a game-changer in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Furthermore, you do not have to sacrifice the appearance of your luggage in order to maximize its functionality. Smart bags often have a sleek design and are made of sturdy materials, making them your fashionable companion that will endure for years to come.