Yes. Smart bags with lithium batteries can be carried on. To check one, the battery must be removable and taken out (then carried in the cabin), unless it's a tiny battery of 0.3 g lithium or 2.7 Wh or less.
Allowed as a carry-on with the battery installed, subject to your airline's size limits.
Only if the lithium battery is removed (and carried in the cabin as a spare) or the battery is no more than 0.3 g lithium metal or 2.7 Wh lithium-ion. Any electronics left in the bag must be fully off and protected from activation.
Checked against official TSA, FAA and government pages on . These are US rules unless we say otherwise; the TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.
The rules in numbers
- Checked smart bag: battery removed, or ≤0.3 g lithium metal / ≤2.7 Wh lithium-ion
- Removed battery: follows spare battery rules (carry-on only, up to 100 Wh without approval)
- Bags with non-removable batteries must be carried on
Packing tips
- Before buying a smart bag, confirm the battery pops out without tools; non-removable designs can't be checked or gate-checked with the battery inside.
- If an overhead bin is full and the bag gets gate-checked, remove the battery and keep it with you.
- Rules on international flights may differ, so check with your airline.
Questions people ask
Can I check a smart suitcase?
Only if you remove its lithium battery and carry the battery in the cabin, or if the battery is very small (0.3 g lithium or 2.7 Wh or less).
Are smart bags allowed as carry-on?
Yes, smart bags with lithium batteries may be carried on, subject to normal carry-on size limits.