US bans e-cigarettes from checked bags

The US DoT is to permanently ban passengers and crew members from carrying e-cigarettes in checked baggage or charging the devices onboard aircraft. Transportation secretary Anthony Foxx cited a number of recent incidents that show the devices can catch fire during transport. Passengers may continue to carry e-cigarettes for personal use in carry-on baggage or on their person, but may not use them on flights. "Fire hazards in flight are particularly dangerous," Foxx said. "Banning e-cigarettes from checked bags is a prudent and important safety measure." The rule covers battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices including e-cigarettes, e-cigars and e-pipes, but does not prohibit passengers from transporting other devices containing batteries for personal use such as laptop computers or cell phones. The rule makes a temporary ban instituted in November permanent. <br/>