The regulations related to lithium batteries on board flights are becoming increasingly strict in the United States. This time it has been the turn of Southwest Airlines, which has informed passengers with reduced mobility that they must remove the lithium batteries from electric wheelchairs or scooters during the flight. According to Reuters, the announcement of this new regulation comes after the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States issued an alert about lithium batteries on August 25.
According to the FAA, flight safety can be compromised if a battery overheats due to pressure or temperature, leading to a fire on board. Therefore, the authorities require that materials be located and accessible, so that accessing them in an emergency does not pose a problem. CNN has also reported on this news, quoting the FAA’s statements, in which I listed cell phones, laptops, or portable batteries as other sources of potential danger.
Federal Aviation Administration of the United States
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is part of the Department of Transportation of the United States and is responsible for regulating civil aviation in the country. It establishes and enforces safety standards for civil aviation, issues regulations, certifies aircraft and pilots, and supervises air traffic and airports. It controls the daily air traffic of more than 45,000 flights within U.S. airspace, and its regulations and certifications are required for all companies wanting to operate in U.S. territory.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is one of the most important low-cost airlines in the United States. Founded in 1971 and based in Dallas, Texas, it operates flights to more than 100 destinations in North America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It almost exclusively uses Boeing 737 aircraft, and its mission is to provide affordable and reliable service to its users. It is characterized by offering flexible change and cancellation policies, and by allowing passengers to check two bags for free. Recently, it made an announcement aimed at reinforcing air security that all travelers should take into account.
New security measures
On August 25, the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States made an announcement warning about the dangers of lithium batteries. After establishing a series of restrictive regulations affecting various devices such as hair dryers, curlers, or straighteners that operate on these batteries, Southwest Airlines has joined this type of regulation. According to Reuters, the airline made the announcement of the new regulation on September 12, which will come into effect on September 25.
The announcement states that passengers with reduced mobility who use electric wheelchairs or scooters must remove the batteries, “remove the removable lithium batteries from wheelchairs and electric scooters before boarding, citing fire risks”. In a note that the company sent to its employees and retrieved by Reuters, it can be read: “Lithium batteries have become one of the most common sources of smoke and fire incidents on airplanes. While these events are rare, quick access and visibility are critical to keeping everyone on board safe. By taking proactive measures now, Southwest will be one of the first U.S. airlines to adopt these higher standards”.
What’s the FAA warning about?
The FAA’s safety alert announcement included the following statements, “risks associated with the transport of lithium batteries in the passenger compartments of aircraft. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of identifying all potential hazards and applying appropriate risk mitigation strategies to manage thermal runaway events of lithium batteries, which are self-sustaining and uncontrolled increases in pressure and temperature. “Lithium batteries (including power banks and portable chargers) can act as ignition sources and potentially start fires on board. Lithium batteries stored in passenger overhead compartments or in carry-on luggage can be hidden, difficult to access, or not easily monitored by passengers or crew members.”