US FAA issues safety alert on risks posed by passenger lithium batteries on planes
September 16, 2025
If you’ve ever panicked over your phone heating up mid-flight, you're not alone—and now the U.S. FAA has issued a safety alert about it. The warning? Passenger devices with lithium batteries are catching fire more often, and it’s becoming a real problem.
The alert doesn’t mean your next flight is dangerous, but it does mean we all need to be a bit more aware of what’s in our bags—and how we’re using it 35,000 feet in the air.
Let’s break it down, candidly.
So, What’s Going On?
Lithium batteries power everything from phones to laptops to electric toothbrushes. And while they’re usually safe, they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode—especially if they’re damaged, cheaply made, or packed the wrong way.
Talking about why the FAA has issued a safety alert, there have already been 50 battery-related incidents on U.S. flights this year alone. That’s a lot. And in several cases, flights had to divert because someone’s device caught fire midair.
Think that sounds dramatic? Here are two real examples from just the past couple of months:
- An American Airlines flight from Dallas to Madrid had to deal with a phone overheating and smoking. A passenger was injured, and the cabin floor got scorched.
- A Chicago-to-Portland flight turned around after a laptop started smoking in the cabin.
Yeah, not ideal.
Why Lithium Batteries Are a Problem
The FAA isn’t trying to scare anyone. But they are being honest: lithium batteries can go into something called thermal runaway. That’s a fancy way of saying they get so hot, so fast, that they basically set themselves on fire—and can’t be easily stopped.
Here’s why the FAA has issued a safety alert,:
- Overheating happens fast—and sometimes without warning.
- Smoke or fire in the cabin is a big deal, even if it’s “just” a phone.
- Not everyone knows how to handle it, especially if the battery is hidden deep in a carry-on.
Most airlines have protocols, and flight attendants are trained for this. But if you’re asleep in business class with a power bank smoldering under your seat? That’s a nightmare scenario.
What You Can Do (and Should Know)
Talking about why the FAA has issued a safety alert, we're not saying stop bringing your phone or laptop on board. But it’s time to be smarter about it. Here's what both the FAA and airlines are asking:
- Don’t check bags with lithium batteries inside. Always carry them on.
- Keep spare batteries or power banks visible, not buried at the bottom of your bag.
- If something feels hot—tell the crew. Seriously. It’s better to feel a little awkward than be the reason a plane diverts.
- Buy quality batteries and chargers. Knockoff electronics are cheap for a reason.
Pro tip: If your device’s battery is swollen, cracked, or behaving oddly—don’t fly with it.
For Business Travelers: Heads-Up
If you fly often—especially in business class—you’ve likely got a few gadgets on you: phone, laptop, tablet, power bank, maybe even a second phone. That’s a lot of lithium batteries.
Airlines are starting to tighten rules, especially internationally. Some are limiting battery watt-hours, restricting devices in checked luggage, and even requiring certain devices to be powered off completely.
Flying business class helps—you get more space, better service, and you’re often among the first informed when policies change. But even so, the risks apply to everyone, regardless of the seat.
Safety First—But Comfort Matters Too
Safety alerts are serious, but they don’t mean we should all panic. It’s about being aware and proactive—so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
If you’re booking a trip soon and want to make sure you’re flying safely and comfortably, we can help. Whether it’s choosing the best business class cabin, understanding the latest airline policies, or finding
business class flight deals, we’ve got the know-how.
Our Experts Consultation
Need help booking a smart, stress-free trip? Whether it’s finding hidden business class flight deals, knowing what batteries are allowed, or just getting the most legroom for your buck,
contact us with our experts.
We’ll walk you through it—no pressure, just real advice from people who get it.
Final Thoughts
Talking about why the FAA has issued a safety alert, lithium battery fires sound scary—and they are. But with a little common sense and a few precautions, you can travel safely and comfortably. The FAA is doing its part by issuing safety alerts, and we can all do ours by staying informed and packed smart.
The skies are still safe. Just maybe leave that old, overheating power bank at home next time.
Have a look at
our website to know more.
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