The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is raising concerns about a rising risk concealed in many travelers' luggage: lithium batteries, as millions of passengers get ready to take to the skies for the holidays.
The batteries, which are frequently found in everyday devices like computers, cellphones, and even electric toothbrushes, pose a major risk to in-flight safety because they can catch fire if they are damaged or overheated.
Recent data from the FAA shows how serious the issue is. Lithium batteries transported as cargo or in passenger luggage have been involved in 579 aviation-related accidents between March 3, 2006, and November 5, 2024.
Just the first 11 months of 2024 saw a startling 69 of these events, indicating a spike in battery-related problems as holiday travel levels increase.
The FAA has good reason to be concerned. There is a growing chance that lithium batteries will catch fire. In 2015, there were 16 lithium battery incidents, but in 2024, there were 69. The FAA has good reason to be concerned.
Last month, a Southwest Airlines flight in Denver was evacuated after a cellphone battery caught fire.
When a laptop battery in a passenger's carry-on bag caught fire in July, an American Airlines aircraft from San Francisco to Miami had to make an emergency landing.
The increase in these instances is alarming experts more and more. "Any fire at 30,000 feet is unacceptable," UL Standards & Engagement safety expert David Wroth told CBS News.
In a recent study of more than 800 flight attendants, UL found that 87% of them are extremely worried about the dangers that lithium-ion batteries represent. Many of them called for stronger airline policies to stop and reduce these kinds of events.
Due to the increased risk of cargo hold fires, which are challenging to put out, the FAA has long banned the transportation of lithium batteries in checked baggage.
It is recommended that travelers include electronics with lithium batteries in their carry-on bags, such as tablets, laptops, and cellphones. In the case of a fire or overheating, this enables cabin personnel to act swiftly.
Additionally, travelers are advised to keep an eye on their electronic devices while in flight and notify the crew right away if they see any symptoms of battery damage, such as bulging, discoloration, or extreme heat.
Devices containing lithium batteries should be carried in the cabin, the FAA has warned travelers, with extra care taken to secure the batteries and prevent damage while in transit.
Nevertheless, according to a UL Standards & Engagement survey, 27% of travelers reported checking portable chargers, and another 27% said they checked e-cigarettes.
The FAA in October issued a safety alert for operators (SAFO) to airlines, advising that more devices, many of which include lithium batteries, would probably be transported over the forthcoming holiday season.
Operators have been urged by the government to assess their safety procedures, particularly with regard to handling dangerous goods like batteries.
In order to make sure that flight crews are properly educated to handle such events, airlines are encouraged to evaluate their processes for detecting and controlling smoke, fire, and odor dangers.
Crew training remains a critical element in preventing or managing lithium battery fires.
While incidents involving batteries are still relatively rare compared to the millions of flights conducted each year, the FAA warns that the increasing frequency of such events is concerning.
A 2024 report by UL Standards found that battery-related incidents had risen by 28% over the past five years, with a notable uptick in incidents involving e-cigarettes, power banks, and laptops.
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA has also called for the FAA to require that occurrences involving smoke, fumes, or vapor be reported while in flight.
The FAA has responded by stating that such incidents should be reported when there is any indication of risk in addition to a proven malfunction.
As the holiday travel rush approaches, both airlines and passengers must remain vigilant. With lithium-ion battery-related incidents on the rise, the FAA's warning is clear: greater awareness and adherence to safety protocols are needed to keep travelers safe at 30,000 feet.
