Flying Emirates? Avoid carrying smart bags, if you can

If you are flying with Emirates any time soon, be sure not to pack your stuff in a smart bag. And if you do, make sure your smart bag has a removable battery.

Starting January 10, the airline, in line with IATA regulations, has put in place restrictions on smart bags as checked-in or carry-on baggage.
 

Smart bags are allowed in the cabin if the battery is removable and within the cabin baggage size and weight limits, and the battery can remain installed as long as the smart bag is completely powered off, the airline said.

However, if the battery is not removable, the smart bag can't be carried on the flight, the airline added.

Smart bags are allowed in checked baggage if the battery is removed and carried in the cabin. If the smart bag exceeds the cabin baggage size/weight limitations for the route, or the battery is not removable, then the smart bag can't be carried on the plane.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad has issued a similar notice on its website.

As per IATA's regulations, smart luggage includes baggage with integrated lithium batteries, motors, power banks, GPS, GSM, Bluetooth, RFID or Wi-Fi technology.