FAA Travel Advisory: Lithium Battery Safety for Holiday Flights

Lithium Battery Fire Risks

• ⚠️ Lithium batteries pose a significant fire risk, as demonstrated by the fires caused by these devices.
• 💡 These batteries are common in everyday electronics like cell phones, tablets, vape devices, and spare camera batteries.

Holiday Travel Packing Guidelines

• ✈️ The FAA and TSA are urging travelers to check their lists twice for lithium batteries and battery-powered gifts this holiday season.
• 🧳 Items containing lithium batteries, such as kids' toys, power tools, video game controllers, and laptops, should be packed in carry-on luggage.
• 🔥 This is because flight crews are trained to handle potential lithium battery fires or heat events in the cabin.

Restrictions on Larger Batteries

• 🚫 Passengers cannot travel with lithium batteries exceeding 160 Watt-hours (Wh).
• 📈 This includes large power banks, power stations, and generators, which the FAA has seen an increase in confiscations of.
• ⚖️ Attempting to travel with these prohibited items will result in confiscation and potential civil and criminal penalties.

Checking Battery Wattage

• 💻 Travelers can check the watt-hour capacity of their batteries using online calculators, such as the one available on Packs Safe.
• 📝 The TSA also provides a checklist on their website to clarify what items belong in checked luggage versus carry-on bags.