Smart Luggage Options For Airplane Carry On
We all know that technology is getting more advanced all the time. Imagine this. Luggage with a brain. Or as I like to call it bags with brains.
When I first heard about smart luggage I was skeptical for a few reasons. For one I didn’t think it was necessary and a stupid idea, two I thought it was expensive and a waste of money, and three I was convinced that smart luggage would never become popular and be a huge flop. Boy was I wrong.
Smart luggage is becoming hugely popular amongst travelers these days. More and more people are starting to see the convenience and experience of how smart luggage can make traveling easier and more enjoyable!
Plus for all the techy travel geeks out there, who wouldn’t want a smart bag!
What is a smart bag or smart luggage?
First, let’s look at what smart luggage is. When anyone mentions smart luggage, think of any bag or suitcase that has high tech capabilities.
Smart luggage is powered by lithium-ion batteries which can be removable or non-removable. More on that shortly.
What Does Smart Luggage Do?
Smart luggage can do some pretty impressive things and make your travels easier. Some examples are:
- GPS capabilities – track your luggage by using GPS on your mobile device. Use GPS luggage tags.
- Bluetooth enabled
- Electronic locks – Use TSA approved locks that can be controlled from your smartphone.
- Apps controlled remotely
- Charging capability for your devices
- Electronic weighing – shows the weight of the bag just by picking it up.
- WIFI capability – portable WIFI hotspots in the event you are in an area with no connection.
- Prevent identity theft – RFID blocking liners to prevent identity theft.
- Solar charging ability
Not all smart luggage will have every one of these features but expect to see a combination of each on most bags.
Are Smart Bags Allowed On Planes? Smart Luggage Ban
Ok, so now that I told you how great and convenient smart luggage is, there is a pretty big problem you might run into.
Not all smart bags are allowed on airplanes. Yup, that’s right. Starting on Jan 15, 2018, there is a smart luggage ban in place for some airlines restricting the use of smart luggage that do not have removable lithium-ion batteries.
Not all airlines are affected but a few have already implemented this smart luggage ban including Delta Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and United Airlines.
It is expected that many other airlines, if not all of them will implement this ban in 2019.
But here is the good news about the smart bags ban. It doesn’t affect all bags. Just the ones that don’t have the removable lithium-ion batteries. This is due to the fire safety hazard of placing lithium-ion batteries in the cargo hold of the aircraft.
There has always been rules and regulations in place with regards to carrying batteries on board a plane. You can read more on that here.
So if you have a smart bag that does have a removable lithium-ion bag, you are in luck. I always recommend you check with your specific airline before traveling to confirm this as every airline can be different when it comes to carry on luggage restrictions. This can also include size and weight.
So to be clear, if you have a smart luggage bag with removable batteries, they can be used as a carry on with batteries removed. Bags with non-removable batteries, can not be placed in the cargo hold as checked luggage either. The bags can be placed there but the batteries can not.
Which smart bag brands are approved by Airlines?
Any smart luggage brand that features removable batteries will be allowed on most flights. The most popular brands being Away, Arlo Skye, Heys, and Raden.
Raden is no longer in operation along with Bluesmart which was a very popular distributor of smart bags. I did some research and found out that Bluesmart has gone out of business due to the batteries being so difficult to remove in the Series 1 and newly-released Series 2 models, that it makes them impossible to fly with.
Here are my recommended Smart luggage bags for air travel.
G-RO Classic Carry On
The G-RO Smart luggage bags are designed with quality and long lasting features in mind. They offer a lifetime warranty and are very affordable.
Features:
- Gravity roll indestructible wheels mounted on the side not the back
- Removable 10,000 mAh power bank
- Luggage strap for an additional bag
- Constructed with carefully selected materials
- World-class YKK zippers
- Undergoes lengthy, rigorous stress tests and quality control to ensure that it is built to last
- Compliant with FAA smart luggage regulations
- Weight: 9.3 lbs
- Dimensions: 14” wide x 22” long x 9” deep
- Plus many more features
Here is a great review of the G-RO carry on smart luggage bag.
You can check out more info on the G-RO carry on classic smart luggage bag here or click the image above.
RADEN A22 USB SMART LUGGAGE
The RADEN A22 is a great smart bag if you are on a budget but still looking for an airline approved, quality bag. It won’t have all the features of a more expensive, higher-end smart bag but still considered “smart luggage”.
Features:
- Quality 100% polycarbonate shell
- Reversed zipper linings and waterproof sealing
- 4 double-spinning wheels
- TSA-approved lock
- Removable Battery
- 2 external USB ports
- Self-Weighing
- Location Awareness: Built-in Bluetooth
- Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
- Weight: 8.4 lbs
The RADEN A22 is very affordable and can be found on Amazon by clicking the link here or image above.
Smart Luggage Tags
If you plan to travel with smart luggage, I recommend you consider getting some smart luggage tags. Keep an eye on your luggage and never lose it in the airport!
My favorite feature is knowing where your bag is on the airport carousel. No longer will you need to push your way to the front in a panic to grab your bag as it flies by! With the Swiftfinder, you will know exactly where your luggage is and when it will come to where you are standing! Not bad for the cost of a few cappuccinos!
Summary
So I think that if you are an avid traveler, looking to find an approved luggage bag that is perfect for airline carry on, you should give the smart luggage a try. No longer am I skeptical like I used to be.
The GR-O smart luggage is highly recommended by many people. They have many 5 star ratings and is definitely worth the cost. You really can’t go wrong with GR-O.
The RADEN A22 is another great option at a smaller price tag with less options. A great bag overall.
Any of these bags will be great for the everyday traveler or business traveler. Smart luggage is the way of the future for travel luggage so check these out, you will be impressed!
Just remember that your smart bag must have a removable battery to be allowed on a plane!
Hopefully, you found this article helpful. As always feel free to leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.
Thanks for reading!
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