Recently, a fire erupted on a JetBlue flight due to a lithium-ion battery in a passenger’s backpack. What’s even more shocking is that it’s not the first.
The FAA reports that the nation averages on incidents like this per week. So far, during this particular situation, there have been more than 60 in 2023.
So, with all these incidents, how can you travel safely with your lithium batteries?
HOT TIP
Be sure to read Airtravel is being Ruined by Bad Passengers to make sure you’re not making the same mistakes they are!
What Are Lithium Batteries?
Lithium batteries are a common type of rechargeable battery. They’re energy-dense, last a long time, and are very lightweight. You’ll find them electronic, like laptops, tablets, cell phones, and rechargeable battery banks.
These batteries use positive and negative electrodes with an electrolyte. You’ll find several lithium batteries like lithium-ion (Li-ion), lithium-polymer (LiPo), and Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4). Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, which make them useful in a variety of different applications.
Are Lithium Batteries Dangerous?
While most consumer lithium batteries are safe, there are some inherent risks. One of the biggest concerns with these batteries is the risk of overheating. The electrolyte inside the batteries is flammable.
Some devices have experienced a phenomenon known as thermal runaway when the safety features fail to shut the battery down when it overheats. The heat generated can ignite the electrolyte and cause a fire.
While the risk of these types of situations is rare, they can occur. Many manufacturers include built-in safety features on their batteries to prevent these problems. However, some cut corners, and these safety features can malfunction. As a result, you must be careful when traveling with lithium batteries.
Can You Carry a Lithium Battery on a Plane?
If you travel by plane with a lithium battery, it must go into your carry-on baggage. These fires can occur at any time, so you’ll want to ensure you always have the battery with you. This allows you to address the situation quickly before it becomes more serious.
While you likely won’t have trouble bringing a lithium battery on a plane, there are restrictions. You’ll want to check with the airlines regarding size and quantity restrictions. In addition, verify that your batteries are within the allowable watt-hour rating.
Tips for Traveling with Lithium Batteries
Are you planning to travel with lithium batteries soon? Here are some tips for avoiding any potential issues during your adventures.
Check Regulations
As we mentioned, the most important thing you can do is to check the regulations. TSA may have changed the rules and regulations around these batteries. You don’t want to arrive at the airport and discover that your batteries aren’t fit to fly. If you do, you may have to leave them behind or pay to have them shipped back to your house.
Where you store them, how many you can bring, and the power limits can vary. When in doubt, inquire with the airlines to ensure your batteries will pass the inspection at TSA. It’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’ve ever brought a prohibited item through the security checkpoint, you know it’s not a fun situation.
Carry-On, not Checked Luggage
You should always store your lithium batteries in your carry-on bags. If the security agents discover you’ve placed lithium batteries in your checked baggage, they will likely set your bag aside. Despite the risk being small, a fire erupting in the underbelly of a plane is a serious situation.
If your battery bursts into flames, you want it to occur somewhere easily accessible. Passengers and flight attendants will likely be happy to lend you their water to extinguish the fire.
Keep Batteries in Devices
When possible, store your lithium batteries in the appropriate devices. If you power down the device when you’re not using it, you won’t have to worry about the battery overheating. This will reduce the chances of a dangerous situation occurring during your flight or other travel experience.
Seal Terminals
Engaging the battery terminals can cause the batteries to generate heat. As a result, it’s best to keep these terminals covered to prevent accidents. You can use any non-conductive material to cover the terminals.
Electrical tape is one of the best options as it not only doesn’t conduct electricity but is sticky and flexible. You can quickly and easily cover a variety of surfaces with it. If you travel with spare batteries, you’ll want to store them safely and correctly.
Stay Safe While Traveling with Lithium Batteries
You can never take safety too seriously when you’re traveling. As the FAA statistics show, these situations occur much more frequently than you’d think. You don’t want to be the one responsible for causing a delay in your flight or an emergency landing. Always take the proper steps to protect yourself and your lithium batteries no matter how you travel.
If You Want the Latest Travel News, Join Our Mailing List
Don’t rely on biased RV industry news sources to keep you informed. Stick with Nomadic News. We publish articles and breaking stories that matter to you every weekday.
