If you were rushing out to buy one of those new suitcases that can charge your phone, broadcast its whereabouts, weigh itself and in some cases let you ride on it to the gate…slow down a bit.
Airline security officials are coming to the conclusion that a cargo hold full of luggage powered by potentially flammable lithium-ion batteries is not so smart, and are moving toward restrictions, including removing batteries before check-in, and with it all the ‘smart’ tricks, including remote locking from your phone.
American, Delta and Alaska have all announced ‘no-battery’ rules taking effect on January 18, and others are sure to follow. Nick Careen, a senior vice-president of the International Air Transport Association, representing airlines, told a media briefing Tuesday that “We expect guidance to be issued potentially next week.”
Among makers of smart bags, Away and Raden make it possible to easily remove the battery; others may not be as easy—but if the features only work when they are with you, buying one may not be such a smart idea.
