Why Am I Asked if I Am Carrying a Lithium-Ion Battery on a Plane?

Once you enter the airport, you will immediately notice signs asking if you are checking any device which may have a lithium-ion battery. The real question is, why are they asking?

Incidents related to the failure of hazardous products or materials happen more than we like to believe. By way of example, following a lithium-ion related incident on a plane in Colorado, a study was commissioned that identify approximately 15% of all hazardous material reported events in Colorado involved overheating of lithium-ion batteries powering laptops, cell phones, and vape pens. Each of these incidents involved some level of overheating, smoke, and even fire.

Luckily for the aviation industry, the FAA often acts fast to provide solutions and remedies to specific problems. Most airlines do not allow any lithium-ion powered device to be checked in luggage. At the same time, many airlines have fire containment bags which are specialized and can immediately contain and put out a lithium-ion battery fire. These bags are prohibitively expensive and to date, are not required for aviation. Airlines have also taken steps to train their crews on how to properly handle lithium-ion battery fires.

Contact an Exploding Battery Attorney

If you are injured as a result of your laptop battery overheating, catching fire or exploding, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical attention and experienced legal counsel.