Passengers flying with Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways have been issued a warning ahead of summer about a specific type of luggage that could be refused on flights. Each airline has its own restrictions regarding the size, weight and in some instances, the type of suitcase passengers can bring onboard.
Customers of Ryanair, easyJet and BA may need to reconsider their choice of luggage due to a ban on a particular type of suitcase on these airlines. A change in rules last summer caused disruption for some travellers who were not aware of their airline’s policy on smart luggage.
Smart bags, which come equipped with built-in electronics such as power banks enabling users to charge their phones or other devices and sometimes even act as Wi-Fi hotspots, are the subject of this ban. Depending on the airline, these bags can be prohibited from both the cabin and the hold, particularly if the batteries are not removed, as they pose a potential fire risk.
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An easyJet traveller had issued a cautionary tale to fellow flyers during last summer after experiencing complications due to her ‘smart’ suitcase, BirminghamLive reports. 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 T&Cs a few weeks ago without telling their customers.”
EasyJet along with many other airlines have strict rules regarding the kinds of batteries permitted onboard. As per EasyJet’s regulations; “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.”
The rule further explains: “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 has issued a warning to passengers regarding its list of banned items, specifically highlighting restrictions on smart bags with non-removable lithium batteries. The airline’s luggage policy states: “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.”
Meanwhile, British Airways has its own set of regulations, noting: “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.”
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