Airlines Ban "Smart" Luggage Devoid of Removable Batteries
In a bid to enhance flight safety, Turkish Airlines has announced new regulations concerning the transportation of lithium batteries, particularly those found in smart suitcases. The changes come in response to a recent incident on a flight from Istanbul to Seoul, where a portable battery got stuck between seats, posing a potential fire threat.
The new safety measures aim to prevent similar incidents in the future. Smart suitcases, which are typically equipped with batteries that allow charging of gadgets en route, are now subject to strict regulations. Turkish Airlines has banned smart luggage with built-in, non-removable lithium batteries from both carry-on and checked baggage.
To ensure safety and prevent risks like short circuits or fire, lithium batteries carried in the cabin must be placed in their original packaging, have terminals insulated, or be stored in protective plastic bags designed for battery transport. For checked baggage, smart luggage batteries must also be removed and transported separately in the cabin.
These changes align with broader aviation safety trends due to the fire hazard posed by lithium batteries overheating or entering thermal runaway states. Turkish Airlines' policies are consistent with other major international airlines addressing lithium battery safety in flight.
The emergency landing necessitated due to the inability to retrieve the portable battery serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of lithium batteries in flight. The new rules aim to minimize in-flight fire risks and reinforce the need for strict safety measures.
It's important to note that the restrictions on smart suitcases are solely for safety reasons to prevent potential onboard incidents. The new rules do not apply to portable batteries that can be detached from the suitcase and meet the specified safety requirements.
Turkish Airlines continues to prioritize flight safety in its policies and procedures. The new rules, reported by RIA, are part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring maximum flight safety. The incident highlighted the potential dangers of lithium batteries in flight, reinforcing the need for strict safety measures.
Passengers are advised to carefully review the updated regulations before their next flight with Turkish Airlines. The airline did not specify whether the incident involved a smart suitcase or a portable battery from another device. However, the message is clear: for the safety of all passengers, lithium batteries must be handled with care and in accordance with the new regulations.
- In an effort to align with aviation safety trends, Turkish Airlines has announced new regulations concerning the transportation of lithium batteries, specifically those found in smart suitcases.
- The new safety measures aim to prevent potential fire hazards from lithium batteries, such as the recent incident on a flight from Istanbul to Seoul.
- To maintain flight safety, Turkish Airlines has imposed restrictions on smart suitcases with built-in, non-removable lithium batteries, banning them from both carry-on and checked baggage.
- For those who wish to carry lithium batteries, they must adhere to specific safety guidelines, like placing them in their original packaging or storing them in protective bags designed for battery transport.
- Through these new regulations, Turkish Airlines is emphasizing the importance of handling lithium batteries with care to minimize in-flight fire risks and reinforce the need for strict safety measures in travel and lifestyle sectors, including transportation, finance, technology, and smart-home-devices.
