Holidaymakers going abroad this summer have been reminded about a little-known luggage rule that, if broken, could result in suitcases being refused from the flight. Airlines operate strict rules when it comes to the size and weight of your carry on and checked luggage, but some passengers may be completely unaware about EasyJet, Ryanair and British Airways’ policy surrounding ‘smart luggage’.
Last year, a number of popular airlines, including EasyJet, Ryanair and British Airways, changed their terms and conditions to ban smart luggage from their flights, as Birmingham Live reports. Smart bags and suitcases have built-in electronics, like a power bank, which allows the user to charge their phone or other devices, with some even acting as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Depending on the airline the bans can be banned from both the cabin and the hold on planes, especially if the batteries are not removable because they can be deemed as a fire hazard. The rules are unknown by many so to prevent you running into issues, here is what each airline says about their current restrictions on bags.
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EasyJet
One easyJet passenger issues a warning to other flyers last summer after experiencing issues boarding her flight because of suitcase. Pandora Sykes said: “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’). EasyJet quietly changed their Ts&Cs a few weeks ago without telling their customers.”
Other airlines have their own restrictions on the types of batteries that are allowed on board. EasyJet’s policy states: “Smart luggage is a bag (suitcase, rucksack or similar) that contains a lithium battery or power bank, which is used to power itself or to recharge other devices. There are restrictions on the type of lithium batteries allowed.”
It adds: “If the smart luggage is to be checked in and put in the hold, you need to disconnect and remove the lithium battery/power bank from the smart luggage at Bag Drop and take it into the cabin with you. Any exposed terminals should be covered with tape to prevent against short circuits. For safety reasons, the lithium battery/power bank needs to be disconnected, so if you are unable to remove it from your luggage, we won’t be able to accept the bag on board.”
Ryanair
Ryanair’s list of prohibited items banned from all flights includes smart bags where the lithium battery has not been removed. Its luggage rules read: “You can take a smart bag (a bag that contains a lithium battery and can charge items from the USB port) on the plane as your item of carry-on baggage. However, you must remove the lithium battery before you put the bag in the overhead locker. The battery must stay with you at all times.
“Smart bags can be carried in the hold as checked-in luggage as long as you remove the lithium battery before handing the bag in at the bag-drop desk or the gate. You must take the battery on the plane with you.”
British Airways
British Airways says: “If the lithium battery/power bank cannot be readily removed from Smart Baggage by the customer, the smart bag will not be accepted on the flight. 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 [and] 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 160Wh, or the Wh rating cannot be determined (eg 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 our security requirements.”
If you’re looking to update your luggage for your upcoming holiday, luxury suitcase brand Antler has slashed the price of its Logo Cabin Bag from £160 to £96 in the sale. The Logo Large Suitcase is ideal for checked-in luggage and is also reduced from £220 to £154.
