Turkish Airlines Bans Smart Bags with Non-Removable Batteries on Board

Turkish Airlines (THY) has announced a ban on smart bags with non-removable lithium batteries on board or in the hold.

The airline explained in a statement that the decision is to ensure the safety of passengers and the aircraft.

Turkish Airlines confirmed in its statement that this decision came after a recent incident on a flight from Istanbul to Seoul, when a portable power bank fell between the seats and the crew was unable to remove it. This prompted the pilot to return to the airport to avoid any danger.

Smart bags are defined as bags that contain a built-in battery used to charge electronic devices, or are equipped with technologies such as GPS tracking, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as features such as self-weighing and a digital lock.

THY explained how passengers can transport these bags by:

- Disconnecting the battery from the bag before travel.
- Carrying the detached battery in the cabin with the passenger (in hand luggage).
- Secure the battery well to prevent electrical short circuits by placing it in its original packaging or wrapping its terminals securely.

This way, Turkish Airlines ensures the safety of all passengers and aircraft, and avoids potential risks from lithium batteries in smart bags.