Do airlines allow smart luggage?

Since 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits spare lithium batteries in checked luggage from being stored in an aircraft's cargo unit. That means that most smart suitcases, which are powered by lithium-ion batteries, are deemed fire hazards and not allowed.



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Are suitcases with chargers allowed on planes? Suitcases with chargers are allowed on planes as long as the battery is removable. For example, if your luggage comes with an external battery bank, you'll want to eject it before turning the baggage in.

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The bottom line? In short, smart luggage is a great high-tech choice as long as it complies with the TSA's removable battery regulation and adheres to your airline baggage policies.

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While Smart luggage does make travelling much easier, one of the biggest drawbacks with using them is that they cause a premium to buy, certainly much more expensive than traditional luggage. Sometimes, they tend to be 3 times as expensive as a regular carry-on of the same size.

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Our top picks:
  • Best Overall Luggage: Samsonite.
  • Best Value Luggage: American Tourister.
  • Best Carry-On Luggage: Away.
  • Best Luggage for Frequent Flyers: Hartmann.
  • Best Fashion Luggage: Calpak.
  • Best Under-$100 Luggage: Amazon Basics.
  • Best Luggage for Long Trips: L.L.Bean.
  • Best Luggage for International Travel: Briggs & Riley.


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Since 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits spare lithium batteries in checked luggage from being stored in an aircraft's cargo unit. That means that most smart suitcases, which are powered by lithium-ion batteries, are deemed fire hazards and not allowed.

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Good news for you, the TSA states that “portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium-ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags.” This means that yes, you are able to take your charging backpack on a plane. However, you must bring your backpack with you as a carry-on bag.

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Lithium batteries can catch fire
While not all batteries are prohibited in checked luggage, lithium batteries are considered hazardous and should not be packed in checked bags. If a lithium battery overheats and catches fire inside the cargo hold, the fire can quickly spread and become difficult to control.

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When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at planeside, all spare lithium batteries and power banks must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. The battery terminals must be protected from short circuit.

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Another easy and less expensive alternative to a lock is zip ties. So, if TSA clips them off, it won't be a financial loss. Some travelers choose to wrap their suitcases in plastic, which prevents theft as well as breakage. You may have even seen this service offered at the airport.

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Bright red, bright green, bright blue, and even bright yellow are good luggage colors. They are striking enough that you can easily spot them on the luggage carousel, but they aren't light enough that they will show all the wear and tear of having been used for several trips.

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The expandable feature comes in handy when you have a lot to pack. However, it may also be a risk if you're flying on a major commercial airline and exceed the weight limit for checked bags. So, keep that in mind when you're throwing everything possible into your Flex.

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