Airlines will begin banning smart luggage in 2018

Modobag

Modobag makes motorized luggage you can ride through airports.

• Airlines are starting to announce policies to ban smart luggage that includes non-removable lithium ion batteries on their flights.
• The first bans are set to go into effect on Jan. 15.
• American Airlines, Delta, and Alaska Airlines have announced bans so far. United and Southwest are expected to do so soon.

The future of luggage may be delayed, as airlines are set to ban smart luggage that includes non-removable lithium-ion batteries.

American Airlines announced its ban on Dec. 1, and other airlines have followed, including Alaska Airlines and Delta. United and Southwest are also expected to announce similar policies, according to CNN. The first bans are set to go into effect on Jan. 15.

Smart luggage bags have features like USB ports that can be used to charge phones or laptops, motors, and tracking systems. But airlines fear that the lithium ion batteries the bags carry could spark fires in overhead compartments or cargo holds.

"We love innovation and understand why smart bags are so appealing for travel," Alaska Airlines manager of dangerous goods Mike Tobin said in a statement. "While these restrictions may pose a challenge to some of our guests, there have been no incidents to date with smart bags on airplanes and we want to keep it that way."

Most airlines will allow smart luggage on their flights if the batteries are removed, but some smart luggage bags don't give users that option.

"Before and at the time of production, we did our due diligence to make sure that we complied with all international regulations defined by DOT and FAA," smart luggage company Bluesmart said in a statement. "While most airlines understand and approve of smart luggage, others might still be getting up to speed. We are saddened by these latest changes to some airline regulations and feel it is a step back not only for travel technology but it also presents an obstacle to streamlining and improving the way we all travel."