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According to ABC News this morning, Southwest Airlines passengers are receiving a pop-up notification when they check in stating that passengers will no longer be allowed to store their portable charging devices in their bags or overhead bins. Instead, they will be required to keep the chargers in plain sight so if, God forbid, it catches on fire, passengers and crew don’t have to go digging for it (see video embedded below). I like the move and I suspect other airlines will follow. If it continues to happen, don’t be surprised if they eventually get banned.
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If you receive my travel tip newsletter, then you know I’m always recommending portable chargers (aka power banks or power bricks). The reason they’re a staple for travelers is because they keep your phone charged when you’re on the go. This way, if your plane, train, bus, car or ferry doesn’t have a working power outlet, or if you’re out touring all day, you don’t have to worry about your phone battery going dead. They’re also super inexpensive, which is another reason they’re so popular.
The problem with these portable chargers is that they contain lithium ion batteries, and there have been over a dozen incidents of them going up in flames on planes this year. There have been so many incidents that some Asian airlines have banned them from being used in flight.
They’re banned from the cargo hold, and as one of our readers pointed out, when they received it in the mail there was a notice on the box saying: Lithium Ion Batteries – Forbidden For Transport Aboard Passenger Aircraft. The warning may be startling, especially for a product that’s intended to be used while traveling. But back in 2019, the government instituted new rules regarding the shipping of lithium ion batteries. They are banned from being shipped as cargo but can be packed in your carry-on bag.
The FAA says: “Lithium batteries, which power everyday devices, can catch fire if damaged or if battery terminals are short-circuited. Devices containing lithium metal batteries or lithium ion batteries, including but not limited to smartphones, tablets, cameras and laptops, should be kept in carry-on baggage. If these devices are packed in checked baggage, they should be turned completely off, protected from accidental activation and packed so they are protected from damage. Spare (uninstalled) lithium metal batteries and lithium ion batteries, electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are prohibited in checked baggage. They must be carried with the passenger in carry-on baggage. Smoke and fire incidents involving lithium batteries can be mitigated by the cabin crew and passengers inside the aircraft cabin.
“If carry-on baggage is checked at the gate or planeside, spare lithium batteries, electronic cigarettes and vaping devices must be removed from the baggage and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. Even in carry-on baggage, these items should be protected from damage, accidental activation and short circuits. Battery terminals should be protected by manufacturer’s packaging or covered with tape and placed in separate bags to prevent short circuits.
“Damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries must not be carried in carry-on or checked baggage if they are likely to be a safety concern by overheating or catching on fire.”
The last thing airline crew and passengers want is a fire onboard the aircraft, which is why you’ve probably heard the announcement for business class passengers saying that if they drop their phone, tell the flight attendant. Don’t attempt to move your seat because if it gets crushed, it could ignite.
I used to be so afraid of flying that I didn’t get on a plane for three years. Fortunately, I overcame it, though I still get nervous now and then. However, this is just another thing for travelers to worry about so I’m glad airlines are starting to take action.
KEEP READING
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