Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards classify lithium-ion batteries as ‘dangerous goods’ per an item in NBC News. Accordingly, passengers may not check them in as baggage in the hold. Although they may take back-up / spare batteries etc. on flights for own use. A lithium battery cabin fire on an aircraft proved the sense of this policy on February 8, 2023.
More FAA Precautions to Prevent Lithium Battery Cabin Fires
United Airlines flight from San Diego International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport departed normally. However, that was to change when a lithium battery cabin fire broke out scarcely seconds later.
Under FAA policy, back up / spare lithium batteries accompanying passengers must have terminals taped over. Although packaging / other materials may also shield them. Furthermore they must also be in carry-on bags throughout flight.
This incident is far too recent to speculate what caused the fire to break out. Meanwhile, NBC News confirms Federal Aviation Administration is investigating alongside the National Transportation Safety Board.
A Quick, Effective Response Limited Injuries
The United Airlines flight returned promptly to a safe landing at San Diego Airport. Meanwhile, we understand crew members contained the spread of the lithium battery pack fire successfully using a fire bag.
Things have largely returned to normal at United Airlines San Diego since then. Although, as might be expected the caustic battery chemicals did cause some smoke inhalation harm. NBC News advises this included cabin crew responders.
The FAA rules are quite clear on this one. Uninstalled spare batteries and power banks must accompany passengers in cabins. Measures must be taken to protect the battery terminals from short-circuit, and they must be in carry bags.
This regulation includes “power banks, cell phone battery charging cases, rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium batteries, cell phone batteries, laptop batteries, power banks, external batteries, and portable rechargers”.
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