Smart suitcases with lithium batteries? No boarding if not removed before flight! Cathay Pacific’s new rules take effect on New Year’s Day

▲ Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon announce new regulations on smart luggage. (Illustration / Photo by reporter Tsai Wen-jun)

Reported by Yu Jiayun / Taipei

Modern travelers are equipped with increasingly advanced gear, and suitcases with features like electronic tags, GPS tracking, and USB charging ports have become popular. However, because many of these products contain lithium batteries, five major U.S. airlines—including United, Alaska, and Southwest—have announced bans on smart luggage to prevent self-ignition risks. Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon, familiar carriers to many travelers, will also implement new management measures regarding the transport of “smart luggage” starting January 1, 2018.

Cathay Pacific stated that in accordance with the latest industry guidelines issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), this type of high-tech suitcase is equipped with a lithium battery used to charge external electronic devices or power the suitcase’s wheels. Therefore, smart luggage is not classified as a portable electronic device (PED), and its battery is considered a portable spare power source or spare lithium battery.

Starting January 1, 2018, if passengers need to check in their smart luggage during any leg of their journey, they must remove the lithium battery and carry it in their hand luggage, in compliance with current regulations on carrying spare lithium batteries. Passengers who wish to carry smart luggage on board must ensure the battery is removable, but the battery must remain inside the luggage throughout the flight. If the battery cannot be removed, the luggage is not allowed to be carried on board or checked in.