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The Smart Suitcase is banned from Aussie airlines

How ironic that the creators of the smart suitcase weren't smart enough to power the new-age, technologically advanced luggage with a battery that can actually fly.

How ironic that the creators of the smart suitcase weren’t smart enough to power the new-age, technologically advanced luggage with a battery that can actually fly.

Jokes, anyone that can fit a suitcase with GPS tracking, self-weighing and phone charging tech is a genius in my book.

Unfortunately they did make the mistake of powering these futuristic bags with non-removable lithium ion batteries, which are fine on land but become a fire risk in the air if they overheat.

That’s right, the bag that can track itself and tell you if you’re over the check-in limit, is a fire hazed.

Image: abi ismail/Unsplash

Image: abi ismail/Unsplash

As a result, Qantas has banned the use of suitcases where lithium batteries can’t be removed on board and in the hold.

A similar ban will come into effect on Virgin Australia planes to ensure “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 Australia Spokesperson

Virgin Australia & Qantas’ decision comes ahead of the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) move to restrict lithium-powered luggage from boarding planes operated by its 275 members from 15 January 2018.

“Baggage where the lithium battery cannot be removed is forbidden for carriage.”

IATA

Earlier this year, the airline association also introduced limitations to the number of portable electronic devices and spare batteries permitted on board.

Image: Jeff Hopper/Unsplash

Image: Jeff Hopper/Unsplash

From 1 January 2018, both passengers and crew will be limited to a maximum of 15 portable electronic devices and 20 spare batteries.

Dave Brennan, IATA Assistant Director, Cargo, Safety and Standards, said the new restrictions were necessary to minimize the risk caused by having too many lithium batteries on board.

“When we fly a lot of us have a laptop, tablet, a phone, even two phones, and that’s quite reasonable,” he said.

“But what we are seeing is people flying to different parts of the world—where they can buy PEDs very cheaply—and they’ll maybe purchase 20 or more devices.

“They might think, ‘I’ll keep one and sell the other 19’. You could even get someone flying to Hong Kong and buying about 100 phones.

“For that reason the Dangerous Goods Board [which is made up of representatives from 12 IATA member airlines] decided we needed to apply a limit.”

READ: More Brisbane-Auckland flights in Virgin Australia & Air NZ’s rejigged alliance

READ: Qantas to fly Melbourne-San Francisco direct

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