Lithium battery fires on U.S. flights now occur nearly twice a week, according to new FAA data

As millions prepare to fly for the holidays, the Federal Aviation Administration is warning travelers about a hidden danger in their luggage: lithium-ion batteries. Found in everyday devices like laptops, tablets and even electric toothbrushes, these batteries can catch fire if they overheat or are damaged. Last July, panic erupted on an American Airlines flight from San Francisco to Miami after a laptop battery in a carry-on bag ignited. "It was absolute chaos. It truly felt like every man for themselves. And it was terrifying," said Shilpa Patel, a passenger on the flight. "I don't know if we're going to explode. All I know is I need to get out and I need to survive." FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week. "Any fire at 30,000 feet is unacceptable," said David Wroth of UL Standards & Engagement, a safety research organization. A survey of more than 800 flight attendants conducted by UL found that 87% are concerned about lithium battery risks on airplanes, and more than a third believe airlines should do more to ensure passenger safety. While the FAA requires airlines to include general safety information in preflight announcements, those warnings often don't address the specific risk of battery fires.<br/>