Smart suitcases with built-in electronics are used as charging or location tracking devices and are powered by lithium-ion batteries that are subject to some carriage limitations.
Smart bags with the battery installed must be transported as carry-on luggage.
For any smart bag transported as checked baggage, the passenger must remove the battery and carry it in the cabin.
Dry cell batteries: C, D, AA, AAA, 9 VOLT, alkali-manganese (alkaline), zinc-carbon (dry cell), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), nickel cadmium (NiCd) and silver oxide batteries (Non-lithium). Such batteries are allowed in carry-on baggage only.
Batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits, e.g. exposed terminals can be taped over, each individual battery can be in a protective pouch or separate plastic bag, or batteries can be in their original retail packaging.
Devices containing these types of cells or spare cells are permitted in carry-on baggage only. If
the cells are removed from the device and carried on board, the device can remain in checked
baggage.
Each passenger is limited to a maximum of 20 spare batteries.
Lithium batteries are dangerous goods, much like gasoline, propane, and sulfuric acid. Lithium batteries are used in many electronic devices such as cameras, cell phones, laptops and tablets, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and other personal vaporizers, drones, medical equipment and power tools.
When carried by passengers for personal use, lithium batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage only. To learn more about lithium batteries, watch this Transport Canada video.
Portable Electronic Devices (PED) / Consumer Electronic Devices (CED) Portable Medical Electronic Devices (PMED)
Battery Watt-hour (Wh) rating |
Position |
Carry-on baggage |
Checked baggage |
Number of Spares |
Up to 100Wh |
In device |
✔ |
⛔ |
Limit of 20 per passenger |
Spares |
✔ |
⛔ |
101 to 160Wh Approval by Air Transat Required |
In device |
✔ |
⛔ |
Limit of 2 individually protected per passenger |
Spares |
✔ |
⛔ |
Exceeding 160Wh |
In device |
⛔ |
⛔ |
N/A |
While most lithium batteries are safe, some have overheated and caught fire. These fires are difficult to put out and produce toxic and irritating fumes.