Warning to Irish holidaymakers as Aer Lingus and Ryanair ban certain bags from flights

Being unaware of the rules if you are flying with high tech luggage could see you being prevented from boarding your flight with holidaymakers warned to familiarise themselves with airline policies

Bookmark
Share

Life

Blathin de Paor

17:50, 16 AUG 2023

Busy scenes at Dublin Airport ahead of the August bank holiday weekend (Image: Gareth Chaney / Collins Photos)

It is currently peak travel season with even more people than ever booking last minute deals to the sun after a washout summer.

But holidaymakers are being warned to double check the rules of the airlines they choose to fly with, to prevent any unwanted last minute surprises that could derail your trip before you even leave the airport.

More people than ever are choosing to opt for hand luggage in a bid to save money, however passengers are being warned that certain bags are banned from Ryanair and Aer Lingus planes.

Smart bags are one such bag type that has recently been banned by several airlines, with some passengers being refused boarding when travelling with them.

These suitcases feature built-in electronics boasting benefits like device charging, electronic locks and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities.

Ryanair

Ryanair allows smart bags to be taken onboard as carry-on luggage, but only if the lithium battery is removed before the bag is stored in the overhead locker, with the battery remaining with you at all times during the flight.

Smart bags can also be carried in the hold as check in luggage as long as the battery/power bank is removed before it is dropped off at check in/bag drop off. The battery must then be carried on to the plane with you.

If the power bank has not been removed, the bags will be banned on the flight as either checked-in luggage or carry-on bags.

A Ryanair spokesperson said: "You can take a ‘smart bag’ (a bag that contains a lithium battery and can charge items from the USB port) on the plane as your item of carry-on baggage. However, you must remove the lithium battery before you put the bag in the overhead locker. The battery must stay with you at all times.

"A ‘smart bag’ (a bag that contains a lithium battery and can charge items from the USB port) can be carried in the hold as checked-in luggage as long as you remove the lithium battery before handing the bag in at the bag-drop desk or the gate. You must take the battery on the plane with you."

Aer Lingus

According to Aer Lingus: "Smart Luggage is a bag (rucksack, suitcase or similar) that may contain a lithium battery/power bank. This device is often used to recharge personal electronic devices (PEDs) i.e. phones, tablets, laptops etc. or provide electro-motive power that provides propulsion to the suitcase."

According to Aer Lingus policy smart bags can be carried onboard if the battery is removed. They are banned if the battery is still attached.

The airline said: "Smart Luggage will not be accepted on flights if:

If the lithium battery/power bank cannot be readily removed by the passenger

If the wattage rating (Wh) of the lithium battery/power bank is more than 100Wh, or the Wh rating cannot be determined (e.g. not marked on the battery/power bank case)."

"If the lithium battery/power bank can be removed, the smart luggage is permitted for carriage, subject to the following conditions;

The lithium battery must be removed and carried in the aircraft cabin with the terminals protected against short circuit.

The lithium battery must have a capacity of less than 100Wh."

Get the latest RSVP headlines straight to your inbox for free by signing up to our newsletter

Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this LINK to receive your daily dose of RSVP Live content. We also treat our community members to wonderful competitions, promotions, along with great stories. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice