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Luggage with contemporary features

Progressive digitalization sets the rigid suitcase market in motion: Luggage items with smart features are conquering more and more lounges and terminals worldwide. A Power Bank suitcase or a USB suitcase is almost a classic: renowned manufacturers and ambitious start-ups are vying for further sophisticated functions from the field of digital technology and favour Smart Travelling as the new way to travel.

New generation luggage: What does smart mean?

Power Bank Luggage

The main criterion of Smart Cases is an integrated additional battery with at least two USB ports for charging electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet computers and laptops. Due to the removable charger, these luggage items are often referred to as Power Bank cases or USB cases. There is a reason for this: since 2018, several American Airlines have banned the carrying of suitcases with permanently installed batteries. In the meantime, the safety regulations have been adopted by other international airlines. Lithium ion batteries are particularly affected by this: the chemical element is considered to be very reactive and can ignite spontaneously if damaged. Nevertheless, it is incorporated into the power banks as standard. Although batteries with a capacity of up to 100 watt hours are permitted in the hand luggage of all airlines, they have to be removable and deactivated. Some airlines tolerate more powerful lithium-ion batteries with a capacity between 100 and 160 watt hours, which can be found in extremely powerful notebook batteries. The manufacturers of the Power Bank cases are based on the safety regulations of the airlines and usually rely on a 10.000 mAh battery with at least two USB ports of different types, so that at least one smartphone and another device can be charged at the same time. If you want to play it safe, you can calculate the watt-hours of a charger yourself: the unproblematic value is 100 Wh. To do this, multiply the specified milliampere-hours (mAh) by 3.7 and divide the result by 1000. The following calculation shows the example with a 20.000 mAh battery: 20.000*3.7/1000=74 Wh. Often the storage capacity of USB cases is even in the lower range of 10.000 mAh: The performance is sufficient for three to six mobile phone charges or for a full tablet charge.

Other intelligent features of the Smart Suitcases

Among the common attributes of Smart Suitcases are GPS tracking systems, which allow you to determine the current location of the suitcase almost anywhere in the world using an app. Some Smart Luggage manufacturers equip their products with RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) secure pockets - these prevent unauthorized third parties from reading the bank cards. Built-in WLAN hotspots or Wi-Fi devices are also common, ensuring permanent access to the Internet. Check-In luggage is often equipped with a notification function. This is activated as soon as the Smart Suitcase lands on the baggage reclaim conveyor belt, thus saving long queues and waiting time. Many suitcases also have a smart security system: they usually lock with a TSA combination lock, which can be opened by authorized airport officials for inspection with a master key without the lock being broken in an emergency. Smart suitcases are equipped with the latest versions of this security lock - they can be secured either via app or via biometric fingerprint, whereby several fingerprints can be stored.

Another typical feature is the practical self-weighing function: innovative pieces of luggage often have a handle with weight sensors - the result of the measurement is communicated via app and/or a digital display. The function can be programmed individually for each airline. In doing so, the exact total weight can be determined before the check-in to avoid possible excess baggage charges. Smart luggage can be quite affectionate: Models with distance sensors give an alarm if the owner moves away from a specified range. Some models automatically latch the luggage lock in this case. Smart Luggage also boasts concierge service systems that perform many functions, including notifying a gate change or making a hotel reservation via app, SMS or e-mail. Innovative travel companions also impress with their excellent organizational skills. Crease-free stowage thanks to an integrated, removable garment bag, built-in, extendable fabric shelf for a better overview and ingenious systems that allow the suitcase to be extended or reduced in size or folded to save space complete the smart features of these modern suitcases. The Smart Travelling luggage items can score points with many other features, such as a fold-out table which can be used as a laptop base or a built-in motor so that you can drive to the gate sitting on the suitcase. Also an app, with which one can check in from home and get the respective luggage tag displayed on a display built into the suitcase, provides a stress-free travel. A Bluetooth loudspeaker for music playback, an interior light that comes on automatically as soon as you open the case and a customizable screen on the front of the case are further ingenious features.

Smart luggage: the special features

Smart Luggage was developed from the idea of making travel comfortable, carefree and in line with the needs of the digitalized world. That's why the equipment of smart travel companions in most cases includes a power bench positioned between the struts, which is covered by a protective flap. Particularly practical: some models show the charging status of the connected devices. If you want to charge your device on the way to the terminal, you should be careful not to slip off the Smart Case, because unfortunately most models do not have a special holder. Smart Luggage with integrated power bank is especially interesting for travellers who need to be constantly available and/or depend on an Internet connection. The digital component is bound to the use of a Smartphone. This is practical and simple, but you should keep in mind: if the phone is lost or broken, functions such as GPS tracking, weight display or concierge service may fail, depending on the model. Another related difficulty has to do with the use of Bluetooth technology: because of its relatively short range of 10 to 50 metres, it is quite possible that you will see your Smart Luggage on the baggage carousel before the corresponding app informs you. In addition, Smart Luggage items are comparatively heavy, although there can be big differences depending on size and model. Also relevant: the rather proud price of innovative travel accessories. In return, many Smart Luggage manufacturers offer a lifetime guarantee on their products.

Order Smart Luggage at wardow.com

Smart is not only the new generation of travel companions, but also our Reward Program: With every order on wardow.com or as a small thank-you for up to three submitted product reviews, bonus points are added to your user account. You can redeem these as Wardow credit for future purchases. Whether it's a Power bank case without any technical gadgets or smart luggage with a whole list of digital functions - for the smart luggage you have to dig a little deeper into your pocket. The 15% discount for a newsletter subscription comes in handy and also provides you with the latest trends from the world of bags as well as current offers and promotions. Discover the advantages of Smart Travelling with our diversified assortment!

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