Lithium-ion battery safety on flights

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports the number of lithium-ion battery incidents involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat on flights doubled from 2019 to 2024.

The majority of these incidents were caused by battery packs or vapes/e-cigarette devices. If your device has a swollen battery, gives off odd odors or sounds, or emits excessive heat, this is an indication that it is not safe to use or fly with. Any device that’s rechargeable should be inspected for these warning signs.

Lithium-ion batteries can be found in cellphones, tablets, laptops, electric bikes and scooters, toothbrushes, and backup batteries, along with other regularly used devices. Damaged or defective batteries can cause fires.

Signs of a battery problem

• Change in the battery color.

• Sweet electrical burning odor emitted from the battery.

• Noises or leaking coming from the battery.

•  Change in the battery or device shape.

• Smoke coming from the battery.

•  If safe to do so, move suspected damaged or defective batteries or devices to an area away from the structure or into fireproof containers.

What to do if a battery fire occurs

• A damaged battery may release toxic gas that may not be visible and can be deadly even in small amounts.

•  Evacuate the area as batteries can explode.

• Alert others of battery fire.

• Call 911 and notify them of the battery fire.

What to do with a damaged battery

• Batteries should only be recycled at approved battery recycling drop-off locations. Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries require special attention. Visit call2recycle.org.

• Damaged batteries should be handled with care.

• Never place batteries in regular waste and recycling bins, they will likely catch fire. Courtesy: Electrical Safety Foundation International

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