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Hawaiian Airlines said Wednesday that it no longer will accept “smart” bags containing nonremovable lithium-ion batteries as either checked or carry-on luggage, starting Jan. 15.
The lithium-ion batteries have been known to short-circuit, said Hawaiian Airlines in a news release, and pose a safety risk for airlines.
Federal Aviation Administration rules allow smart bags that feature removable batteries to be carried on and stored in the overhead bin as long as they remain turned off for the duration of the flight. Passengers also may check in a smart bag if the battery has been removed. The detached battery must be carried in the cabin, with its terminals isolated to prevent a short-circuit.
The smart bags, which have grown in popularity, offer luggage with built-in features including GPS, chargers and motors.
A smart bag, according to the International Air Transport Association, includes features such as a lithium-ion battery and motor allowing it to be used as a personal transportation device, either as a stand-up scooter or sit-on vehicle;
a lithium-ion battery power bank that allows charging of other electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops; GPS tracking devices; Bluetooth, radio-frequency identification (RFID) and Wi-Fi capability; and electronic baggage tags and locks.
Hawaiian Airlines joins other
carriers including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska
Airlines in its restriction of smart luggage.