Electronic devices pose serious risks to flight if… – IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) yesterday said electronic devices pose serious risk to flight if not properly handled. To this end, IATA launched what it called ‘Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries’, a global safety campaign that gives travelers seven simple rules for carrying mobile phones, laptops, power banks, and other lithium-powered devices safely when […]

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) yesterday said electronic devices pose serious risk to flight if not properly handled.

To this end, IATA launched what it called ‘Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries’, a global safety campaign that gives travelers seven simple rules for carrying mobile phones, laptops, power banks, and other lithium-powered devices safely when they fly.

The campaign will run on IATA’s website and social channels and is available as white-label assets for airlines, airports, and other partners across the travel ecosystem, the association representing global airlines said in a statement yesterday.

IATA’s Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security, Nick Careen said, “Lithium-powered devices are safe when handled properly, but they can pose a risk if damaged or packed incorrectly.

“As more travelers fly with these devices, our Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries campaign will help airlines educate their passengers on the simple rules they must keep in mind when traveling with the electronic devices that have become an essential part of their daily lives.”

IATA pointed out that many travelers are carrying more devices but with incomplete knowledge.

The statement revealed that a recent IATA passenger survey found that most travelers fly with lithium-powered devices.

The survey showed that 83% of travelers carry a phone; 60% carry a laptop; 44% carry a power bank.

 

“While 93% of travelers consider themselves knowledgeable on the rules for carrying lithium-powered devices (including 57% rating themselves as very familiar with the rules), critical misconceptions persist:

 

•   50% incorrectly believe it’s OK to pack small lithium-powered devices in checked luggage
•   45% incorrectly believe it’s OK to pack power banks in checked luggage
•   33% incorrectly believe that there are no power limits on power banks or spare batteries.”

 

The IATA said the campaign assets highlight seven simple rules every traveler should follow which include Pack light: Only bring the devices and batteries you really need; Stay alert: If a device is hot, smoking, or damaged, tell the crew (or airport staff) immediately; Keep devices with you: Always carry phones, laptops, cameras, vapes (if allowed) and other battery-powered items in your hand baggage, not in checked baggage.

 

 

 

The association also advised that passengers should protect loose batteries by keeping spare batteries and power banks in their original packaging, or cover the terminals with tape to prevent short-circuits.

 

Other rules are Gate check reminder which implies that if a hand baggage is taken at the gate to go in the aircraft baggage hold, passenger should remove all lithium batteries and devices first.

 

They were also advised to check battery size especially for larger batteries (over 100 watt-hours, such as those used in larger cameras, drones, or power tools) while they should check with the airline as approval may be required.

 

“Check airline rules: Always confirm your airline’s policies, as requirements may differ in compliance with local regulations,” it said.