Fly safe: How to pack and travel with lithium-ion batteries

Why do airlines ask if I have lithium-ion batteries in my luggage?

Airlines ask passengers about lithium-ion batteries in luggage due to the potential fire hazards they pose. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in many rechargeable, portable devices like laptops, tablets, and cell phones.

In rare cases, if lithium-ion batteries are damaged, malfunctioning, overheating, modified, counterfeit, or otherwise substandard, they may enter thermal runaway, an uncontrollable, self-heating state that can lead to smoke, fire, toxic off-gassing, or explosion. Thermal runaway incidents, while uncommon, can be especially dangerous at 35,000 feet.

Aviation authorities have safety rules and regulations around lithium-ion batteries to reduce fire risk. These recommendations include always keeping devices with lithium-ion batteries in carry-on luggage—never in checked luggage—to ensure easy access in the event of a thermal runaway incident.

What are lithium-ion batteries, and which devices use them?

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries used in many popular, portable devices. These include:

• Smartphones
• Tablets, iPads, and e-readers like Kindles
• Laptops
• Smartwatches and fitness trackers
• Power banks and portable chargers
• Drones
• Cameras
• Vapes and e-cigarettes
• Electric toothbrushes
• Portable game consoles

For safety, always pack these devices in your carry-on luggage and avoid placing them in checked baggage. Always inspect these devices for signs of damage, swelling, or overheating before packing.

How can you travel or fly safely with lithium-ion batteries?

To travel safely with lithium-ion batteries, follow these tips:

• Inspect devices and batteries for damage before packing: Never bring any devices or lithium-ion batteries exhibiting signs of damage, swelling, or overheating on board an airplane.
• Keep batteries in your carry-on luggage: Always pack lithium-ion batteries and devices powered by these batteries in carry-on luggage, and never in your checked luggage.
• Power devices off during takeoff and landing: If stowing a device in the overhead compartment, ensure the device is fully turned off during the duration of the flight.
• Keep devices in sight at all times: Never leave a charging device in the overhead compartments. Avoid charging e-cigarettes or vapes while on board the aircraft, as these devices are frequently a source of thermal runaway incidents.
• Alert a flight attendant as soon as possible: Cabin crew are trained to safely handle thermal runaway incidents. Notify them immediately if you notice any signs of thermal runaway, which can include overheating, swelling, smoke, off-gassing, strange smells, or fire.
• If you drop a device, ask for assistance: Alert cabin crew if you drop a phone or other device with a lithium-ion battery. Cabin crew are trained to safely retrieve items that have fallen behind, under, or between seats. Devices that are unintentionally crushed, punctured, or damaged by adjusting seats can pose a fire risk.

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

While it might seem strange, it’s to help reduce fire risk. Trying to retrieve a phone, tablet, e-reader, or other electronic device yourself may lead to unintentionally damaging, crushing, or puncturing the lithium-ion battery in these devices, which can lead to fire.

Cabin crew are trained to safely and quickly retrieve portable devices from tricky places, like under, beneath, or between seats or other parts of the airplane. Never feel shy about asking for help, cabin crew are always happy to assist and are most familiar with the seats and aircraft. Avoid adjusting your seat while trying to retrieve devices, to prevent your seat mechanism from damaging a device that’s lodged inside.

By following these guidelines, you can reduce the risks associated with flying with lithium-ion batteries and help keep passengers, crew, and the aircraft safe.