American Airlines is implementing a new safety rule to address the potential fire risks associated with battery-powered "smart bags."
Passengers will soon be required to remove the lithium ion batteries from the bags if the luggage is being checked, due to concerns that devices could catch fire in the cargo hold. Smart bags that are being used as carry-ons can keep their battery installed, but they must be powered off.
Smart bags, which have charging devices installed into them, have grown in popularity and are expected to be a common gift over the holidays.
