A Simple Step for a Safer Flight

We’ve all met them. The seat kickers. The armrest hogs. The screen peepers. The smelly food eaters. But there’s one kind of passenger nobody wants to be—the one who causes delays or danger.

Lithium-ion batteries power many of the rechargeable devices we fly with. These batteries can pose serious fire risks. Laptops, tablets, vapes, and other rechargeable devices belong in the cabin, within arm’s reach — and never in checked luggage. 

Keeping them in sight is a simple step that helps protect everyone on board — even the chatterbox in 18B.

You Can Help

Keep rechargeable devices within arm’s reach – never in checked luggage – to help stop in-flight smoke and fires. Follow these three tips to travel more safely with rechargeable devices.

Know the Risk

Rechargeable batteries in everyday devices can overheat or catch fire when damaged or poorly made.

Recognize the Signs

Watch for warning signs — overheating, swelling, bulging, or smoking.

Contact Cabin Crew

If a device shows these signs, alert a crew member immediately to help prevent a fire.

A woman with curly hair sits on an airplane next to a blue, furry animated creature with a big smile and wide eyes, both unaware of the aviation risks like a lithium-ion battery fire on plane journeys.

Nearly 1 in 5 device incidents result in significant flight disruption.*

*(i.e., diverted landing, delays, return to gate).

Two green trays on a conveyor belt display aviation safety messages: “Keep your rechargeable devices within arm’s reach to help stop in-flight smoke and fire,” with icons of electronic devices, a safety badge, and reminders about lithium-ion battery fire on planes.

Keep rechargeable devices nearby and help the plane land safely and on time.

What’s in Your Bag?

Lithium-ion batteries power more than you think. Many of your favorite rechargeable devices rely on these batteries. In addition to your phone and laptop, don’t forget to keep these other common rechargeable items within arm’s reach in the cabin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Education can be one of our greatest assets in stopping in-flight smoke and fires. Continue reading to find answers to common questions and how to reduce risk.

most commonly asked

Why do airlines ask me about lithium-ion batteries?

Airlines ask passengers about lithium-ion batteries in luggage due to the potential fire hazards they pose. To reduce the risk, keep rechargeable devices with lithium-ion batteries in the cabin and within arm’s reach — never in checked luggage — to ensure quick access should they overheat.

What are lithium-ion batteries and what devices have them?

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries widely used in popular devices including: smartphones, tablets, e-readers, power banks and portable chargers, vapes, cameras, laptops, smartwatches and other fitness trackers, drones, electric toothbrushes, and portable game consoles.

How can rechargeable devices cause smoke or fire?

In very rare cases, the batteries used in rechargeable devices can overheat when damaged, malfunctioning, modified, counterfeit, or otherwise substandard. This can lead to smoke and fire. These incidents, while uncommon, can be especially dangerous at 30,000 feet.

Can I pack my laptop, phone, or tablet in checked luggage?

All rechargeable devices like these containing lithium-ion batteries should never be packed in checked luggage. Devices that overheat in checked baggage cannot be accessed by crew while in-flight, and fires may not be detected as quickly in the cargo hold as they would be in the cabin.

What are warning signs and when should I notify cabin crew?

Alert cabin crew as soon as possible if you notice signs of swelling, overheating, or bulging, or if you drop your device. Cabin crew are trained to respond to battery incidents.

Why do airlines ask me to notify a flight attendant if I drop my phone or device?

Trying to retrieve the device yourself may lead to unintentionally damaging, crushing, or puncturing the battery, which can lead to fire. Flight attendants are trained to safely retrieve devices from tricky places, like under, beneath, or between seats. Never feel shy about asking for help.

Downloadable Resources

Get involved and help spread the word using key messages, shareable content, and icons to help promote safer skies.

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Explore our campaign toolkit for an inside look at goals, findings, and key messages shaping the effort to educate passengers.

Download Toolkit

Explore ready-to-use graphics and posts to spread the word about passenger safety.

Share on Social Media

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Access standardized icons designed to help passengers quickly recognize lithium-ion battery devices.