Airports to Ban Popular Suitcases? It’s About Traveler Safety

Suitcases are no longer just for transporting our clothes or cosmetics. Inventive travelers have found a way to use them to move faster through the airport. So-called “smart suitcases” are popular, combining the features of luggage and scooters. Unfortunately, this type of equipment is not welcome everywhere. In Japan, more and more airports are banning this type of gadget or clearly limiting the possibilities of using it.

Suitcase and scooter in one

The popularity of motorized suitcases is growing worldwide. They are used not only by children but also by adults fascinated by trendy gadgets. Suitcases resembling scooters have become particularly popular in Asia, where airlines have not yet banned this type of luggage on board planes. However, not all countries are happy with the new trend. Japanese airports have appealed to travelers not to bring motorized suitcases into the airport. Police are asking sellers to inform their customers about the strict rules for their use. “Japan currently classifies electric suitcases as motor vehicles, which can only be driven on the roads after meeting safety requirements and having a driving license,” we read.

Tourist detained at the airport

Ignorance of the regulations led to the arrest of a tourist from China a few weeks ago. “The case of a 30-year-old woman who was accused of driving a suitcase without a license has been referred to the prosecutor’s office,” the police in Osaka Prefecture reported. The careless driving of passengers rushing to the gate can affect the safety of other guests. In Europe, transporting electric scooters with lithium-ion batteries on planes is strictly prohibited. This is associated with the risk of the equipment exploding during the flight. There are many videos available on the Internet showing scooters that suddenly burst into flames.