A Beginner’s Guide to Smart Luggage – All You Need to Know
Do you want to purchase smart luggage but are unsure of where to begin? Because of their enhanced convenience and security features over the past several years, smart luggage and backpacks have grown more and more common.
However, several airlines are starting to forbid particular models of smart luggage.
They are seen as a security risk because of the potential for the lithium battery in the bag to explode.
Because there are so many options available, it might be challenging for beginners to decide which option is best.
And many travelers need clarification. They are not aware of what defines “smart luggage” or what kinds are allowed or forbidden.
In this blog post, We’ll cover everything from size and material possibilities to knowing which smart luggage is restricted and which is not.
What is Smart Luggage, and how does it work
A revolutionary new idea in the travel industry is smart luggage. It is a sort of suitcase that includes previously imagined high-tech characteristics.
It has features like remote locking systems and built-in GPS trackers to make traveling more convenient, safe, and stress-free.
So, precisely how does it operate? The many features of this luggage are powered by a combination of sensors, microchips, and batteries.
A smartphone app with a smart luggage tracker can be used to track your luggage.
Similarly, some smart bag models include an integrated scale that may be used to weigh your baggage and save airport overweight fines. Overall, smart baggage provides exceptional ease and peace of mind, making it a must-have for regular travelers.
What Functions Do Smart Bags Have?
The unique capabilities that smart luggage offers that you wouldn’t often see on a standard suitcase without a power source make it so attractive.
Here are some of the most typical characteristics of smart luggage:
Offer facility for charging
Almost all smart bags include integrated power banks. The battery’s capacity in mAh varies by manufacturer, and you may receive multiple USB ports with varied power outputs for charging various electronics.
We’ve found this to be extremely useful in trains, airports, and buses, where our devices are dying and there are no outlets nearby.
Related: Polypropylene VS Polycarbonate Luggage: Which Is a Good Choice?
Tracking of luggage
Although the specific monitoring technology varies between companies (through GPS, GPRS, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi), the premise remains the same – you may check the app to see where your suitcase is.
Weighing scales for the suitcase
A luggage scale may be included in the handle of some smart suitcases. The luggage will reveal how heavy it is as you pick it up, which helps adhere to the strict weight restrictions for carry-ons.
Proximity detection
Some smart baggage will notify you if you get too far away from the bag. For example, the tracker will alert you after a specified distance if you leave your suitcase in a taxi.
“Whoops! You appear to need to remember your suitcase. “Go get it, cowboy!” You can contact the taxi company and reclaim your belongings.
Approved Brand
All smart baggage brands suffered significant losses when the ban on smart luggage was implemented. Two of the most well-known smart baggage companies, BlueSmart and Raden, announced their closures in 2018.
Another smart luggage company with built-in batteries was Away Luggage. However, they rapidly added the capability to remove the battery pack.
You might either follow their DIY advice or bring your bag to the nearby repair shop to get it fixed for no cost. They were able to survive and are currently still gaining strength as a result of the rapid reaction. They are currently the most well-liked smart baggage manufacturer on the market.
These smart baggage brands will be permitted onboard beginning in 2022:
Is it legal to use smart luggage?
Only those with non-removable batteries are banned if you’re traveling with smart luggage. Smart baggage with detachable batteries is still permitted, but you may only bring the battery onboard; it cannot be checked.
This restriction does not apply to conventional AA batteries; rather, it applies only to lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries.
Remember that you are only permitted to travel 100 Watt-hours (or approximately 27,000 mAh) of lithium-ion batteries. You are only permitted to use 2 grammes of lithium metal in lithium-ion batteries.
Different Types of Smart Luggage
The invention of smart luggage has the potential to completely change how we travel. Travelers now have access to a variety of previously unheard-of capabilities thanks to cutting-edge technology included in suitcases and bags.
Smart luggages comes in several forms, including bags with GPS monitoring, bags with internal balances to make sure you never go over your baggage allowance, and bags with USB connections for mobile device charging.
Aside from these functional capabilities, smart bags provide entertainment features such as built-in speakers and screens. Smart luggage is worth considering whether you are a frequent traveler or simply shopping for a new suitcase for your next vacation.
Types of Smart Luggage
1. GPS-Enabled luggage
GPS luggage tracks the location of your suitcase using global positioning system technology.
Because of the included GPS tracker on this luggage, you may use an application for your smartphone to keep track of their presence.
You can instantly identify your luggage if it is lost or forgotten.
2. Biometric Locking Systems
Biometric locking systems add an added layer of security to your possessions. The fingerprint identification technology in these smart luggage ensures that only authorized people can access the contents.
You no longer need to be concerned about misplacing your keys or failing to recall complex combinations thanks to biometric locks.
3. USB Charging Ports
The inbuilt USB charging connections are one of the best features of smart luggage.
These ports enable mobile device charging, removing the need to look for outlets in congested railway stations or airports.
You can stay connected and engaged during your vacation if your phone or tablet is fully charged.
4. Self-Weighing Suitcases
Say goodbye to the anxiety of exceeding weight limits at the airport.
Self-weighing suitcases come equipped with integrated weighing scales that display the weight of your luggage on a built-in digital screen.
This feature helps avoid extra fees and ensures your suitcase meets airline weight restrictions.
5. Smart Locking Systems
Smart locking mechanisms make it easy and secure to lock your suitcase. These locks are operated by a smartphone app, allowing you to lock and open your luggage with ease.
Some versions also feature tamper alerts, which notify you through text messages on your phone in the event that someone tries to open your suitcase without your permission.
Choosing the Right Smart Luggage for You
It’s important to have the right equipment when traveling. In the modern world, when technology is widespread, smart luggage is gaining popularity.
Given the vast amount of possibilities, choosing the best one for you may be difficult. From built-in charging ports to GPS monitoring, smart luggage may provide a number of functions to enhance your travel experiences.
However, it is important to consider your needs and preferences before making a purchase. Do you value plenty of storage space? Or is maneuverability the most important factor?
You may select the ideal smart luggage to match your travel style by doing some research and evaluating your particular needs.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Smart Luggage
When traveling, keeping your stuff safe and secure is of the highest priority. Smart baggage allows modern travelers to save time and money.
It provides plenty of room for your necessities and has features like built-in phone chargers, GPS tracking, and locks. However, taking care of your smart luggage requires a little extra effort.
To ensure its longevity, keep it dry and clean, avoid over-packing, and handle it carefully during transport. Following these tips will make your smart baggage a trusty travel companion for many future trips.
Pros & Cons of Owning a Smart Luggage
You’ve seen those fancy smart luggage options if you’re a frequent traveler. They sound like something out of a sci-fi film but are a reality.
It may have helpful components like GPS tracking, inside weighing, and phone charging ports. But before purchasing This type of luggage, consider the advantages and disadvantages, just like with anything else in life.
On the plus side, you can charge your phone while on the go without having to find an outlet and you won’t ever misplace your bag at baggage claim again.
Several airports and airlines have banned smart luggage because of the potential for unpredictable fires brought on by the lithium batteries they contain.
The verdict
If you’re a cautious traveler who loves to keep ahead of the game, consider investing in smart luggage that doesn’t require batteries.
Enjoy charging up your bag and having the piece of mind that you’ll always know where it is if you’re willing to take the risk for convenience.
