Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Attendant Airline Total 6
Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Hazardous Material Violation; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Manuals
I was AFT Flight Attendant. During boarding; the FWD (Forward) called and told me that a passenger had a smart bag and she was confused about the policy regarding those types of bags. I told her that I was fairly certain the battery had to be removed in order to be brought onboard. She said it could not be removed; so I told her that I did not think it was allowed on the plane. She asked it if needed to be gate/valet checked then and I said; 'No. If the battery cannot be removed; then it cannot be on the aircraft at all. But; I'm not 100% certain; so I'll check our manuals.' I searched in several sections of our Inflight Operation Manual and could not find anything specific to smart bags. Meanwhile the FWD called me back and said that she discussed it with the CSA (Customer Service Agent) who told her that it was allowed in the cabin; but not in cargo. I told her that the only thing I was able to find at that time says we must remove all lithium batteries from valet bags; but I still couldn't find the section regarding smart bags. I was still searching and asked if she could talk it over with the Captain to see what their manuals state. She then called me back and said that both of our pilots as well as a Jump-seater who happened to be in the cockpit at the time agreed that the baggage was allowed onboard as long as the passenger did not use the battery in flight and we were aware of where it was located. I had not yet found the section in my manuals and we were late; so I continued the boarding process and we left with the bag on board.After taking off; I continued searching and located the smart bag section under Dangerous Good and Hazardous Materials which states 'Smart' bags...with non-removable batteries are prohibited for transport on [our] Airline.' I immediately spoke with the FWD and showed her where I found the policy. I then called the flight deck and discussed it with the Captain. In our conversation; he told me that he did not realize during boarding that the FWD was talking about a smart bag. He thought she was asking if a passenger was able to bring on board a bag that had batteries packed in it. There had been miscommunication between my crewmembers and I did not follow up with them at the time. After briefing the situation; we decided to continue with the flight since we were already airborne with the bag; but that we would keep an eye on it. We also informed the passenger that our rules state that his bag is prohibited and to be aware of that if he has any other flights. He was very understanding.Cause: I think there was a lack of understanding about the policy first of all. Secondly; a difficulty locating it in the Inflight Manual. Third; we were pressed for time after coming in late. The agents also started boarding much later than we were ready because they were dealing with an oversold situation; which caused for a rushed and hectic boarding process. Lastly; I think there was miscommunication between my other crewmembers. I should have discussed it with the Captain and/or CSA myself or at least been present for the conversation. Ultimately; if there had been better CRM between us all; I don't think this situation would have occurred. Suggestions: Moving forward; I have more confidence in my knowledge of the policy and where to locate it in the manuals to show others. Additionally; I think we all realized that we could do a better job of discussing events as a crew. It might be helpful to include information; or at least a link; about smart bags [to the]: Carry-On Baggage Program or Inflight Manual Chapters on Baggage or passenger boarding.
Flight attendant reported that they inadvertently let passenger bring onboard a smart bag that contained a 'non-removable' lithium battery; which is violation of company policy.