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FAA calls for global ban of laptops in checked bags
The Federal Aviation Administration is urging aviation authorities around the world to ban large electronic devices like laptops from being transported in checked bags.
The issue of overheating rechargeable lithium-ion batteries has long been an area of concern, which was escalated recently with the so-called ‘laptop ban’ on flights from certain Middle Eastern airports.
The FAA wants a complete worldwide ban on laptops in the cargo hold after conducting its own tests.
In a paper published by UN agency the International Civil Aviation Organization, the FAA said a laptop’s lithium-ion battery can explode when placed near to an aerosol spray can, which could disable a plane’s fire suppression system.
That could lead to ‘the loss of the aircraft,’ it said.
Among a series of 10 tests, the FAA placed a heater next to the laptop battery in order to simulate ‘thermal runaway.’
In one test an aerosol can of dry shampoo was strapped to the battery and exploded within 40 seconds.
FAA officials said due to the speed of the fire’s progression, a cargo hold’s fire suppression system would likely be unable to extinguish a fire before an explosion.
Other tests were carried out with batteries placed next to other products which are permitted in checked bags such as nail polish remover, hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol.
They also resulted in large fires.
In the last decade three cargo jets have been destroyed and four pilots were killed by fires which were either ignited by or further impacted by shipments of lithium batteries.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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