Eoehro Passport and Vaccine Card Holder Combo, Faux Leather, Compact, Lightweight, Waterproof, AA-Black
$5.99 (as of December 20, 2024 21:41 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Are You Unwittingly Putting Your Fellow Flight Passengers at Risk?
We’ve all been there – rushing to pack our carry-on bags, tossing in our laptops, phones, and other essentials, and hoping for the best. But have you ever stopped to think about the potential risks of packing certain items in your luggage, particularly when it comes to lithium battery-powered electronics? The answer might surprise you.
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What’s the Big Deal About Lithium Batteries?
Lithium batteries power most of our everyday devices, from smartphones to laptops to e-cigarettes. They’re a necessary part of our lives, but they also come with a caveat: they can overheat and catch fire. It’s a rare occurrence, but when it happens, it can have catastrophic consequences, especially in an enclosed space like an airplane.
The Alarming Statistics
- In-flight overheating incidents increased by 28% between 2019 and 2023, according to a UL Standards & Engagement report.
- On average, two incidents occur in the U.S. each week.
- 35% of reported overheating episodes involved an e-cigarette, while 27% of passengers admitted to packing their vaping devices in their checked luggage.
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Why Electronics Don’t Belong in Checked Luggage
While it might seem convenient to toss your electronics into your checked bag, it’s a move that could put your fellow passengers at risk. Why? For one, passengers and flight crew aren’t able to monitor overheating incidents that take place in the luggage hold. If a fire breaks out, there’s no easy way to extinguish it, and the consequences can be dire.
The Difference Between Checked and Carry-On
| Checked Luggage | Carry-On Bag | |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Out of reach, in cargo hold | Easily accessible in the cabin |
| Monitoring | No way to monitor overheating incidents | Flight attendants and passengers can monitor devices |
| Extinction | Difficult to extinguish a fire | Easier to extinguish a fire with access to fire extinguishers |
When electronics are stowed in the cargo hold, the outcome can be disastrous. The lack of monitoring and accessibility makes it difficult to prevent fires, and the consequences can be severe.
The Risks of Damaged Electronics
If the airline damages your checked luggage, along with the electronics inside, those gadgets can release flammable volatile compounds. This is exactly what happened with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, which were found to have a physical defect that triggered fires. The U.S. Department of Transportation ultimately banned the devices.
Keeping Your Devices Safe
So, what can you do to prevent overheating incidents and keep your fellow passengers safe? The answer is simple: keep your lithium battery-powered devices in your carry-on bag. This reduces the risk of damage and, therefore, the risk of fires. If your gadget starts overheating in the air, having it within reach means you can alert a flight attendant, who can deal with the hazard before it has a chance to endanger those on board.
What Can Happen if You Don’t Follow the Rules
There have been numerous incidents of overheating electronics on flights, and they often involve devices that are easily accessible from within the cabin. However, when these incidents occur in the cargo hold, the outcome can be dire.
Recent Incidents
- In July 2024, an American Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency evacuation after an electronic device burst into flames.
- In March 2024, a Breeze Airways flight was diverted after a portable battery charger began emitting smoke, injuring one passenger.
These incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of following the rules and keeping your electronics safe.
Conclusion
While overheating incidents are rare, they can have catastrophic consequences. By keeping your lithium battery-powered devices in your carry-on bag, you can reduce the risk of damage and, therefore, the risk of fires. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in ensuring the safety of your fellow passengers.
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