The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) produced a policy update on August 20, 2019. Although most of the information is already in the public domain, this is a useful opportunity for a review. The press release addresses the risk of lithium Li batteries catching fire if damage causes their terminals to short circuit. Any device-specific decision – e.g. Apple MacBook Pros – overrides these general policies.
Federal Aviation Administration Policy for Lithium Metal Devices
Passengers with devices containing lithium metal, or lithium-ion batteries should therefore retain them as kept luggage. These include smartphones, tablets, cameras, laptops etc. If a passenger chooses to check them in then they must turn them off first. They must also protect them from damage or accidentally switching on.
We suggest passengers declare these devices at the check-in counter just in case there’s a change in rules. That’s because air travel safety is in everybody’s interests. Besides, violating Federal Aviation Administration rules – even accidentally – can create disruptions that could cause you to miss the flight. We don’t want a simple oversight to spoil your holiday.
FAA restrictions on These Broad Rules Above
The FAA has banned uninstalled lithium metal, and lithium-ion batteries in holds outright. This ban extends to electronic cigarettes. Accordingly, vaping devices are only allowed on aircraft as kept baggage. Furthermore, we suggest removing, and taping over the batteries before boarding.
Many aircraft fire-suppression systems are unable to extinguish lithium fires in holds. However, crew and passengers can mitigate them in cabins. Passengers must pack loose batteries and vapers in hand luggage securely to prevent damage, accidental activation and short circuits. Battery terminals should also have tape over them as an added precaution.
There is a complete ban on damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries anywhere on an aircraft. If in doubt leave it out, the Federal Aviation Administration says. As your potential fellow-passengers we say yes, please do that.
Related
Apple MacBook Pros under FAA Lock Down
DOT Bans Lithium Batteries in Baggage Holds
Preview Image: Flights Handled by the Federal Aviation Administration Annually
