An airline based in Turkey, between Europe and Asia, has banned smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries. This embargo extends beyond lithium-ion to include the entire range. We examine the reasons why there will be no smart luggage on Turkish Airlines aircraft or in checked baggage areas in future.
Why No Smart Luggage on Turkish Airlines Now?
One of Turkish Airlines’ flights was cruising over Kazakhstan in Asia, on the way to Seoul in South Korea. A passenger’s portable charging device fell between seats, and cabin staff were unable to retrieve it.
This situation could have resulted in a major incident if the battery overheated. Therefore, the Turkish Airlines’ aircraft had to return to Istanbul, so technicians could retrieve the passenger’s portable charging device.
The Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation responded decisively, according to Türkiye Today on August 1, 2025. The Directorate recommended Turkish airline companies prohibit use of all lithium battery-powered charging devices during all flights.
Turkish Airlines really had no option. They announced there would be no smart luggage allowed on Turkish Airlines aircraft in future, unless the batteries could be removed, effectively disabling them.
Smart Luggage is More Than a Carry-on Bag
Smart luggage is more than a a carry-on, roller bag, or backpack on a Turkish Airlines’ flight. In the carrier’s mind, the term includes anything able to charge an external device, using any integrated lithium battery.
This definition means passengers on the airline may not check-in, or take on board a wide range of devices, without first removing any lithium batteries. This embargo includes smart baggage with wi-fi, bluetooth, gps, self-weighing, and digital locks.
Passengers traveling to a wide range of destinations will feet the impact of a major airline clamping down on smart luggage. The carrier flies to 131 destinations, which is more than any other airline.
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