With the anxiety of in-flight fire when growing, airline carriers worldwide are changing the policies around portable batteries and chargers.
In the United States, the South -West Airlines is the first of the four largest American carriers to introduce new sanctions. Starting today (29 May), the airline will require you to appear portable charger at all times when using.
Southwest spokesperson told Tom’s guide that in the new policy, “customers are required to see portable charging devices while in use during flight”.
He said, “Portable charging devices will not be allowed to use when storing in bags or overhead bin.”
The spokesperson cited recent fire events worldwide.
American carriers are running at the footsteps of Airlines from South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. A fire destroys an air busan aircraft In January this in South Korea.
Investigators have convicted a power bank for that fire.
Various policies for various airlines
The incidents associated with lithium-ion batteries (which make up most portable charger) on the aircraft have increased.
Federal aviation agency data Cited 89 reports for 2024 and at least 22 through the month of May this year, almost doubled from previous years.
Currently, the FAA only requires that the lithium-ion devices be kept in carry-on baggage. There are similar rules as the European Union.
However, policies occur between the airlines. The southwest lets you keep your battery until it appears.
Southwest spokesperson said, “A lithium battery overheat or fire holds in a rare incident, quick access is important.” “Power banks in plain vision allow rapid intervention and helps protect everyone on the ship.”
Comparatively, low -cost Irish airline, Ryanyar requires passengers to remove batteries before removing the bats.
After the air of Air Busan, South Korea introduced A law that gives mandate to passengers keeps the hand access and a portable charger out of the compartment. Many other Asian Airlines introduced similar rules or have local governments like Hong Kong.
Problem with lithium-ion battery
After the United Nations’ International Aviation Organization Organization organization has been introduced, since 2016, lithium-ion batteries have been banned from cargo hold of passenger schemes.
The battery can overheat or expand that the fire can begin, especially if the battery is damaged or inappropriately preserved.
“The flight crew is trained to identify and respond to the lithium-ion battery fire in the cabin,” FAA reads resources. “Passengers should immediately inform the flight crew if their lithium-ion battery or portable electronic device is overheating, expanding, smoking, or burning.”
Tom’s guide has reached other Big Airlines (American, Delta and United) to see if they are considering implementing a similar policy. If they answer, we will update this story.
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