Following on from the hazards caused by hover-boards, dodgy chargers and exploding mobile phones, all associated with lithium batteries and fires, a new type of travellers’ luggage known as ‘smart bags’ are starting to get attention for their built-in lithium batteries. These small but high capacity batteries are a power source for charging external devices or to provide power to the wheels of the bag.

Passengers trying to check them in as carry-on bags are warned by two Asian airlines that if they are fitted with non-removable lithium batteries, they will be banned from flights.