In a significant move to bolster aviation safety, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has announced a ban on seven categories of lithium battery-powered items from being placed in checked baggage on all flights within and from the United States. This directive, effective immediately, aims to mitigate the risk of fires associated with lithium batteries in aircraft cargo holds.
Items Prohibited in Checked Baggage
The newly banned items, which must now be carried in hand luggage, include:
- Power banks
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Phone charging cases
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Spare lithium-ion batteries
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Spare lithium-metal batteries
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Phone batteries
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Laptop batteries
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External battery packs or portable chargers
These items are commonly used to power personal electronic devices and are prevalent among travelers. However, due to their lithium content, they pose a potential fire hazard if damaged, improperly packed, overcharged, or exposed to high temperatures.
Understanding the Risks
Lithium batteries are susceptible to a phenomenon known as “thermal runaway,” where an increase in temperature can lead to a self-sustaining fire. Such incidents are particularly dangerous in the aircraft’s cargo hold, where fires are harder to detect and extinguish. The FAA has reported multiple instances where lithium batteries have caused fires on flights, prompting this precautionary measure.
In a statement, the FAA emphasized, “When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at planeside, all spare lithium batteries and power banks must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. The battery terminals must be protected from short circuit.”
Cybersecurity Advisory for Travelers
In addition to the new baggage regulations, the TSA has issued cybersecurity tips for travelers. Passengers are advised to avoid using public USB charging ports at airports, a practice known as “juice jacking,” which can expose devices to malware. Instead, travelers should use TSA-compliant power bricks or battery packs. Furthermore, the TSA recommends refraining from using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, especially when conducting sensitive transactions, to prevent potential cyber threats.
Implications for Travelers
These changes underscore the importance of passengers staying informed about current TSA and FAA regulations to ensure compliance and safety. Travelers are encouraged to review the list of prohibited items and adjust their packing accordingly to avoid delays and ensure a secure flying experience.
For more detailed information on the updated regulations, travelers can visit the official TSA website or consult the FAA’s PackSafe guidelines.
