Laptop Fire Highlights Lithium Battery Risks in Air Travel
A laptop fire aboard an American Airlines flight has provided another reminder of the risks presented by lithium-ion batteries during air travel.
The device reportedly caught fire shortly before the flight from Atlanta landed in Dallas on 21 August. Cabin crew contained it using a thermal containment bag, while one passenger was treated and released at the scene. Air traffic control recordings suggested several passengers may have suffered burns while attempting to help.
Lithium-ion batteries are found in laptops, phones, power banks and countless other rechargeable products. If damaged, defective, overheated, overcharged or improperly packed, a battery can enter “thermal runaway” – an uncontrollable rise in temperature capable of producing fire, toxic gases and enough heat to ignite neighbouring cells.
For businesses shipping lithium battery products by air, the requirements depend on factors including battery type, watt-hour rating and whether batteries are transported separately, packed with equipment or contained within it. Appropriate classification, packaging, marking, documentation and employee training are all required. Damaged or defective batteries capable of generating heat, fire or short-circuiting are generally prohibited from air transport.
Passenger baggage rules are equally important. Power banks are treated as spare lithium batteries and must be carried in hand luggage, not checked baggage. The UK Civil Aviation Authority currently limits passengers to two power banks, each not exceeding 100Wh, which must be protected when not in use. Devices such as laptops should preferably remain in the cabin; when permitted in checked baggage, they must be completely switched off and protected against damage or accidental activation.
The reason is accessibility. Cabin crew can identify and contain a smoking device, whereas a fire developing inside checked luggage may remain unseen and be considerably harder to reach.
With lithium batteries now present throughout everyday life and global supply chains, familiarity must never be mistaken for an absence of danger. Correct classification, preparation and training remain essential to safe air transport.
Evolution specialises in dangerous goods packing and logistics, training, consultancy, compliance and DGSA services, including expert support for the safe and compliant transport of lithium batteries. Whether you need help classifying a shipment, preparing it for transport or ensuring your team understands its responsibilities, our specialist team are here to help.
