Cathay Pacific cracks down on fixed battery smart luggage
Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific and sister airline Cathay Dragon has followed other airlines around the world in restricting the carriage of smart luggage.
All smart luggage must have a removable lithium battery to be permitted onboard either in the cabin or as a checked-in bag.
The two airlines roll out the new policy on January 1, 2018, two weeks earlier than most other airlines such as Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Qantas.
The policy mirrors industry guidance recently announced by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
So-called smart luggage bags are powered by lithium batteries, which due to overheating heighten the risk of fire, authorities say.
The battery can power USB outlets, GPS tracking and even an ‘onboard’ motor which means larger bags can be ridden.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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