Mon Sep 09 15:10:22 UTC 2024: ## Lithium-Ion Battery Fires on Planes on the Rise, Despite Regulations

**SAN FRANCISCO -** A new report from UL Standards & Engagement reveals a concerning trend: incidents of lithium-ion battery overheating on airplanes are rising. The number of thermal runaway events, where batteries overheat and potentially catch fire, increased by 28% from 2019 to 2023, with e-cigarettes topping the list of problematic devices.

While such incidents remain relatively rare compared to the number of flights, the risk remains significant. The report highlights the dangers of lithium-ion batteries overheating in the cargo hold, where fires are harder to detect and extinguish. In fact, over 60% of overheating incidents happened near passengers, while a quarter of surveyed passengers admitted to placing e-cigarettes and portable chargers in checked bags, a clear violation of federal regulations.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) strictly prohibits e-cigarettes, chargers, and power banks containing lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage. The rationale behind this rule is the difficulty in containing fires within the cargo hold.

The report, compiled from data from 35 airlines, including the top 10 U.S. carriers, echoes the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) own reports, which recorded 37 thermal runaway incidents on planes this year. Last year, the number reached 77, a 71% increase since 2019.

Although lithium-ion batteries can overheat anywhere, the potential for disaster is magnified at 40,000 feet. The issue is not new; after cargo planes carrying lithium-ion batteries crashed in 2010 and 2011, the United Nations’ aviation organization considered stricter regulations, but ultimately chose to leave the decision to airlines.

While incidents remain relatively uncommon, the report serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries. The report underscores the importance of following TSA guidelines and keeping such devices in carry-on baggage. With the growing reliance on lithium-ion batteries for everyday devices, ensuring safe handling of these batteries during air travel is crucial.

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