Airlines are facing a growing concern: overheating lithium-ion batteries. These power sources, found in our everyday devices, are causing more trouble on flights than ever before.
Recent data shows a concerning trend. Between 2019 and 2023, incidents of overheating batteries on planes shot up by 28%. While still uncommon, this uptick has caught the attention of airlines and safety experts alike.
E-cigarettes are the main offenders, accounting for about 35% of all reported overheating incidents. Power banks come in second at 16%. Phones, laptops, and other gadgets make up the rest. Most of these incidents happen right next to passengers, turning what should be a routine flight into a potential emergency.
“One of these thermal-runaway incidents at 40,000 feet does present unique risks,” warns David Wroth from UL Standards, a safety science company. His statement cautions the gravity of the situation when you’re miles above the ground with limited options.
These aren’t just hypothetical scenarios. Real incidents have forced evacuations and emergency landings. In July, a smoking laptop led to a plane evacuation in San Francisco. Last year, a Dallas to Orlando flight had to land early due to a battery fire in an overhead bin.
WAKE-UP CALL Lithium ion batteries are anything but "green." They're an environmental nightmare – growing more dangerous b/c of the misguided, politically-driven EV hype. Witness Thursday's battery warehouse fire in Escondido, CA. STAY SMART. STAY STRONG. STAY POSITIVE. #Lithium… pic.twitter.com/nfWTeLBokb
— Dr. Michael Guillén (@DrMGuillen) September 7, 2024
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Passenger behavior is part of the problem. Over a quarter of travelers admit to putting e-cigarettes and portable chargers in checked bags, despite Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules forbidding this practice. The reason for the ban is clear: fires in the cargo hold are harder to detect and extinguish.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is tracking these incidents closely. In the first eight months of 2023, they logged 37 thermal-runaway events. Last year saw 77 reports, a staggering 71% increase from 2019. While these numbers might seem small compared to the thousands of daily flights, each incident poses a significant risk.
This issue is not new. Cargo plane crashes in 2010 and 2011 involving lithium-ion batteries sparked debates about stricter regulations. The United Nations’ aviation body considered tougher rules but ultimately left it to airlines to decide on accepting bulk battery shipments. Some carriers have since opted out of this risky cargo.
For passengers, the message is clear: keep e-cigarettes and power banks in carry-on bags. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about ensuring everyone’s safety in the air.
The challenge now lies with airlines and regulators. They must find ways to manage this growing risk without grounding our tech-dependent lives. As our reliance on lithium-ion powered devices grows, so too does the need for smarter, safer air travel policies.
