Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon implemented new policies restricting “smart bags” as of Jan. 1. These new types of luggage have a lithium battery to charge external devices or power the wheels.
The new policy says smart bags will not be considered portable electronic devices; instead, the batteries will be handled as a power bank or spare lithium battery. This means passengers who want to check a smart bag must remove the battery and carry it with them on board the plane.
Passengers who want to take the bag on board must still demonstrate the battery is removable, in case the luggage needs to be stowed during any part of the trip. If the battery cannot be removed, the bag will not be permitted as checked or cabin luggage.
According to the Cathay Pacific Group, “the new policy follows industry guidance recently issued by the International Air Transport Association and aligns with similar practices adopted by major airlines worldwide for safety management and risk mitigation.”
Other airlines issued similar restrictions including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines.
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