I get it. It can be stressful when airport staff rush you through the check-in queue. But that doesn’t excuse you from lying when asked about carrying lithium-ion batteries in your checked baggage. This is a huge risk that shouldn’t be ignored, and if you truly don’t know the answer to this question, it’s still your responsibility. It’s crucial to understand the ins and outs of technology so you can keep yourself and those around you safe.
Where are lithium-ion batteries used?
Any rechargeable technology contains lithium-ion batteries. So if you’re not sure whether your device contains such a battery inside, just consider whether it uses electricity to charge. Some examples of lithium-ion devices include laptops, mobile phones, e-bikes, electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes and chargers.
Why do lithium-ion batteries pose a threat?
They are not. Lithium batteries themselves are not dangerous. It only becomes a threat when it overheats. There could be several reasons behind its rise in temperature, but none obvious enough for us to notice. Therefore, it is best to avoid this risk entirely and not check in devices with lithium batteries inside.
CBS affiliate KDKA did a brief report earlier this week reporting on an increase in air travel incidents involving lithium-ion batteries. Apparently, there has been an unprecedented 28% increase in incidents over the past 5 years, with a total of 37 incidents occurring in 2024 alone.
Worse, most of these incidents are caused by a lack of awareness of the problem. The report highlights that most travelers are unaware of the threat posed by lithium-ion batteries. This brings us back to an incident at the San Francisco Airport in July, when an American Airlines passenger’s laptop started smoking and the fire department ended up having to submerge it in water. She later admitted she had “used it forever” and therefore thought it was safe.
What makes lithium-ion batteries unsafe?
Lithium-ion batteries only become unsafe if they overheat. NBAA explains that when batteries overheat, they enter a state called thermal runaway. It’s a “rapid, uncontrolled chemical reaction” that can lead to one or more consequences across the spectrum. These range from “overheating to smoking, to fire and even explosion – spraying white shards of hot gel in every direction.”
A damaged battery may cause overheating. For example, dropping a laptop charger even once can cause minor internal damage, making the charger a potential threat. Of course, we don’t record all times we lose technology, and we may be completely unaware of other instances where technology has been damaged. Therefore, it is easier and safer to treat all lithium-ion battery powered devices as potential threats.
According to AvSax, batteries that are in good condition can also overheat from getting lost in an airplane seat. The friction it creates with the seat material, especially if you leave it for a while, can cause the seat to overheat, smoke, or even catch fire.
Another reason why a battery could be a threat is that it is purchased from the gray market and does not meet the quality standards of OEM equipment. In this case, it is more likely to heat up even under normal charging conditions.
Educate Yourself on Technology Risks
The report mentioned that the average passenger carries four rechargeable devices on board the aircraft. Multiply that by the number of passengers on the plane to get an idea of how risky each flight you take is. It also outlines rather shocking facts, such as the fact that 44% of Americans claim they have “no idea about these batteries” and 60% are unaware that these batteries power most of the technology they use regularly. Things get worse. Less than a third of passengers said they were not concerned about the risks posed by these batteries.
Your personal technology should be carried in the overhead compartment at all times. This way, if overheating occurs, the crew on board can take action more simply and quickly, rather than if a fire breaks out in checked luggage, which would be obvious after enough damage has been done.
