Nöbetçi Eczaneler
Turkish Airlines (THY) has announced that smart luggage containing non-removable lithium batteries will no longer be allowed in the cabin or in the aircraft hold due to flight safety concerns.
Recently, a special airline operating an Istanbul–Seoul flight had to return to Istanbul Airport while flying over Kazakh airspace after a passenger’s portable charger (power bank) fell between the seats, prompting a safety precaution. Following several similar incidents, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM) has recommended banning the use of portable charging devices with lithium batteries during flights.
Lithium Batteries Must Be Removed from Luggage
Following SHGM’s advisory to airlines, Turkish Airlines has introduced a new rule concerning smart luggage containing lithium batteries. According to the airline’s official website:
“Smart bags are defined as luggage that includes built-in lithium batteries providing the ability to charge external devices, GPS tracking devices, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, self-weighing features, and digital locks.
Smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries cannot be carried either as cabin baggage or checked baggage.
To carry smart bags as cabin baggage, the lithium battery must be removed, placed inside the cabin baggage, and must not be reattached to the smart bag until arrival at the destination.
To protect against short circuits, the removed lithium battery should be placed in its original packaging, have its terminals insulated, or be stored in protective plastic cases.
When smart bags are checked in as hold baggage, the lithium battery must be removed and carried separately in the cabin.”