Airlines announce ban on smart luggage
Suitcases equipped with USB ports and GPS tracking devices—smart luggage—have increased in popularity.
Unfortunately, they may not be the best present this holiday season, as major U.S. airlines announce bans on smart luggage with non-removable batteries.
On December 1, American Airlines announced all high-tech suitcases must have a removable battery to be allowed on board. Since then, Delta and Alaska have made similar announcements. It is projected United and Southwest will soon follow suit.
The restriction means passengers checking smart luggage are required to remove the lithium-ion batteries. If the bag is being checked, the battery must be removed and carried with the passenger on board.
Why the restriction? Unfortunately, the smart luggage lithium batteries have the potential to overheat and cause a fire. If a fire starts in the belly of the plane, crew members cannot access it to put it out—making flights unsafe.
American, Delta and Alaska will start enforcing smart luggage policies in January 2018.
Related Posts
View More
A New Year, A New Proposition: Expect More
Written by: George Kalka, Vice President – Business Travel The new year rings in opportunities for a fresh start. Resolutions are set and new habits are formed. It’s no different for... Read More

Business Travel Updates: January 2023
Fox World Travel’s VP of Supplier Solutions, Mike Heck provides his Business Travel update for January 2023. Southwest Airlines and Winter Strom Elliott We all know what happened. During the... Read More

Have You Considered These Details When Selecting Your Incentive Destination?
Planning an incentive program for your most profitable customers or an executive retreat for your top decision makers? Do you know the ins and outs of the planning process, the best hotels... Read More
No Comments