Qantas, Virgin Australia latest airlines to restrict smart luggage
Australia’s big two carriers Qantas and Virgin Australia recently followed the lead of US airlines by banning some smart luggage.
Virgin Australia says smart luggage containing fixed lithium batteries would only be allowed on flights as suitably sized carry-on baggage.
Qantas has taken this a step further and will ban all smart luggage if the lithium battery pack is not removable whether in the cabin or in the cargo hold.
Both airlines will impose these new restrictions on January 15, 2018, the same date as American Airlines, Delta and Alaska Airlines in the US.
"Virgin Australia ensures that all relevant regulations are strictly adhered to with regards to the use of portable electronic equipment with batteries installed. Our policy complies with the current dangerous goods regulations and we regularly review this policy to ensure that the highest standard of safety is always upheld," Virgin said.
Smart luggage models boast features like USB ports for charging other devices, geo-location tracking systems and even motors allowing them to be ridden
However airlines are understandably wary of lithium ion batteries which can quickly overheat and cause a fire risk.
IATA said it will soon implement a similar directive for all 275 member airlines around the world.
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