As laptop catches fire mid-air; read FAA's advisory to passengers

Last week, a laptop caught fire mid-air on an American Airlines flight. CBS reported that the flight, originating in Atlanta, carried 133 passengers. The pilot acknowledged the fire in the back of the aircraft, mentioning that four to five passengers suffered burns from the incident. He assured the audience that efforts were underway to contain the fire.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory regarding the potential hazards posed by lithium batteries in devices such as laptops and cellphones. These batteries can overheat and undergo a process known as thermal runaway, which can occur without warning due to factors like damage, overheating, water exposure, overcharging, or improper packing.

The FAA emphasizes that all lithium ion batteries are susceptible to such risks. Flight crews are trained to identify and respond to lithium battery fires in the cabin, and passengers are advised to inform the flight crew immediately if they notice their device becoming overheated, swollen, smoking, or burning. Spare lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone charging cases, are required to be carried in carry-on baggage.

When checked, these spare batteries must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. Battery terminals must be protected from short circuits. Airlines may impose size and quantity limits for lithium batteries, typically limiting them to 2 grams of lithium content for lithium metal batteries and 100 Wh for lithium ion batteries.

These limits accommodate the majority of consumer electronic devices but do not permit the transport of larger batteries for commercial purposes. Passengers are cautioned against carrying batteries intended for resale or distribution. Specifically protected are damaged or recalled batteries, which must be rendered safe before being carried on an aircraft.