Lithium batteries are found in a wide array of electronic devices, but they pose a fire and explosion risk, especially on planes. As airport staff and a member of our community, you play a vital role in preventing incidents on board. To keep everyone safe, pass on the key messages to our passengers.
Wh
ich devices contain lithium batteries?
Lithium batteries power smartphones, smartwatches, power banks, PCs, cameras, headphones, electronic cigarettes etc. Each passenger now takes four to five such items with them on a flight.
Why keep them in the cabin?
Lithium batteries present a safety risk if, for example, they malfunction, short circuit, or are exposed to heat. The substances contained in the battery then react in an uncontrolled way, rather than gradually releasing their chemical energy in form of current, which is the expected behaviour of a battery. Lithium batteries can overheat, catch fire, and/or release toxic smoke. E-cigarettes and power banks are seen as particularly dangerous.
A European awareness campaign
Lithium batteries are considered as dangerous goods. To raise awareness among passengers and airport staff about the dangers of lithium batteries, EASA, the European Aviation Safety Agency, recently launched a new campaign.
A summary of the recommendations
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Carry portable electronic devices in your hand baggage
Carry e-cigarettes, power banks and spare batteries in your hand luggage instead of your checked luggage and protect batteries form short-circuiting (e.g. by taping the terminals) -
Keep e-cigarettes and power banks where they can be monitored
Do not put e-cigarettes and power banks in the overhead baggage compartments, but put them e.g. in the pouch of the seat in front of you. Should anything happen, the cabin crew can intervene immediately. -
Never charge e-cigarettes or power banks during the flight
E-cigarettes, vapes and power banks are seen as particularly dangerous. That's why you should never charge them on board. - Use the power supply at your seat to charge your devices
Because of the safety risk, you should never use a power bank on board. -
Always comply with your airline's rules
Always check the rules of your airline: some airlines have specific restrictions as per the maximum number of devices allowed and their watt–hour rating.
Make sure your devices’ batteries are below 100Wh (examples of compliant devices are normal cell phones, laptops, and tablets).
For devices with batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh different rules apply: check them with your airline and request appropriate approvals
Batteries with a capacity of over 160Wh are not allowed on passenger flight. This is the case for hover boards and e-scooters.