AviationNews – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled a new global safety campaign titled “Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries“. This initiative aims to educate travelers worldwide on how to safely carry personal electronic devices containing lithium batteries to mitigate the growing risk of in-flight fires.
With passengers increasingly carrying devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and power banks, IATA identified a critical knowledge gap. A recent survey showed that while most travelers believe they know the rules, half incorrectly think small lithium devices can be packed in checked luggage, and 45% believe power banks are allowed in the hold. These misconceptions pose significant safety risks, as damaged or improperly packed batteries can overheat and ignite.
The “Travel Smart” campaign distills the complex regulations into seven simple rules for passengers. Key rules emphasize keeping all lithium-powered devices and spare batteries (including power banks) in carry-on baggage only, protecting spare battery terminals from short circuits, and immediately alerting crew if a device becomes hot, damaged, or starts smoking. The campaign also reminds passengers to remove batteries if carry-on bags are checked at the gate.
“Lithium-powered devices are safe when handled properly, but they can pose a risk if damaged or packed incorrectly,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety, and Security. “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.”
The campaign provides multilingual digital resources, including short videos and guides, for airlines, airports, and travel partners to share. IATA hopes this consistent messaging will improve passenger understanding and compliance, ultimately reducing the frequency of potentially catastrophic lithium battery incidents aboard aircraft.
In conclusion, IATA’s proactive “Travel Smart” campaign addresses a crucial safety concern by providing clear, actionable guidance to travelers. By promoting awareness and adherence to simple rules, the initiative aims to make air travel safer for everyone in an era dominated by portable electronic devices.
