Airline Company Turkish Airlines prohibits the use of smart luggage equipped with non-detachable lithium batteries.
In response to growing concerns about lithium battery safety in aircraft environments, Turkish Airlines has announced new restrictions on smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries. Passengers are now required to remove the lithium battery completely from smart luggage and carry it separately in the cabin, as the battery cannot be reattached until reaching their final destination.
The aviation authority's advisory specifically targets the use of power banks and similar lithium battery-powered devices during flight operations. This policy change follows a recent incident involving a South Korea-bound flight, where a passenger's portable charging device fell between seats while the aircraft was over Kazakhstan airspace.
The Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM) issued recommendations to airline companies regarding the prohibition of portable charging devices containing lithium batteries during flights. Turkish Airlines' decision aligns with broader industry trends, as aviation authorities worldwide prioritize passenger safety amid the increasing proliferation of battery-powered travel accessories and smart luggage systems.
Turkish Airlines defines smart luggage as baggage with integrated lithium batteries powering features like device charging, GPS tracking, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, digital locks, or self-weighing. If you want to travel with smart luggage, the lithium battery must be removable, taken out, and transported in the cabin separately.
For checked baggage scenarios involving smart luggage, the lithium battery must be completely removed and transported separately in the passenger cabin, ensuring the battery remains under direct supervision throughout the flight.
The new rules are detailed on Turkish Airlines' website, where passengers can find specific protocols for carrying smart luggage as cabin baggage. Turkish Airlines has established protocols requiring the lithium battery to be removed and transported separately within the cabin baggage compartment.
Furthermore, Turkish Airlines has implemented additional safety protocols for loose lithium batteries carried in cabin baggage to prevent short circuits, such as placing batteries in their original packaging, properly insulating terminals, or using protective plastic bags designed for battery transport.
These restrictions on smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries reflect growing aviation industry concerns about lithium battery safety in aircraft environments, as these power sources have been identified as potential fire hazards.
In a separate development, Turkish Airlines has struck a first Islamic lease deal with Dubai Islamic Bank in the business sector. The airline's focus on safety and compliance with industry regulations demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the well-being of its passengers and adhering to best practices in the aviation industry.
[1] Turkish Airlines' Policy on Smart Luggage: https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-intl/information/travel-information/baggage-information/smart-luggage/ [3] Turkish Airlines' Policy on Lithium Batteries: https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-intl/information/travel-information/baggage-information/lithium-batteries/ [5] IATA Lithium Battery Safety Guidelines: https://www.iata.org/contentassets/6d8c4075498441989c75f84c3d8a4f7c/lithium-ion-battery-safety-guidelines.pdf
- The aviation industry, with Turkish Airlines leading the way, has implemented new restrictions on smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries due to concerns about their safety in aircraft environments.
- In light of these concerns, Turkish Airlines advises passengers to remove the lithium battery completely from their smart luggage and carry it separately in the cabin.
- The Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM) has also issued recommendations pertaining to the prohibition of portable charging devices containing lithium batteries during flights, similar to Turkish Airlines' policy.
- Turkish Airlines defines smart luggage as baggage with integrated lithium batteries powering features such as device charging, GPS tracking, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, digital locks, or self-weighing; if the battery is non-removable, it must be transported separately in the cabin.
- For checked baggage scenarios involving smart luggage, the lithium battery must be completely removed and transported separately in the passenger cabin to ensure the battery remains under direct supervision throughout the flight.
- Turkish Airlines has established protocols requiring the lithium battery to be removed and transported separately within the cabin baggage compartment to prevent potential fire hazards.
- Passengers are encouraged to review Turkish Airlines' policy on smart luggage and lithium batteries, available on their website, for detailed information on carrying such items as cabin baggage.
