An air traffic controller at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in Alabama just answered one of the most common questions he gets: What’s the big deal with lithium batteries?
In a trending video that got over 109,000 views, TikTok creator Ben (@ben_in_bhm) explains why these batteries matter and how easily they end up in people’s checked luggage.
What Kind of Lithium Battery Does He Think Causes the Most Problems?
“If you’re checking a bag in for a flight,” Ben starts, “you’re gonna get asked probably multiple times if you have any lithium batteries inside.” But he says people either “don’t know, don’t care, or both,” and often just say no.
The reason it matters? “Lithium batteries can catch on fire by a process known as thermal runaway,” he explains. “If it catches on fire in the cargo hold, it can spread quickly before it’s detected and be much harder to extinguish.”
That’s different from carry-on bags, where a fire from a battery-powered device could be seen and put out quickly.
So What Should Travelers Be Watching For?
“If you can plug in a device and recharge it,” Ben says, “assume it’s lithium.” That includes your phone, your vape, and your laptop. But the most commonly forgotten item, according to him, is the rechargeable power bank.
“These battery packs right here,” he says, holding one up, “are the biggest problem.”
They’re often sewn into carry-on suitcases or stashed in bags people don’t open before flying. And when they’re checked, they can turn into a real danger.
“Make sure your checked bag doesn’t have any lithium batteries,” he adds in the caption. “The most common type of lithium battery left in bags is recharging power banks.”
Is This True?
According to WIRED, yes. Power banks absolutely fall under lithium battery regulations, and are known as one of the most highly regulated devices for passengers.
They’re not allowed in checked luggage and must be brought in your carry-on.
There’s also a size limit: They can’t exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh), which is about 27,000mAh.
Multiple aviation authorities support these rules, though private airlines may have their own.
As for laptops and smartphones, they can sometimes go in your checked bag, but only if they’re powered off and properly protected, according to FAA guidelines.
So, technically, there’s a difference between what should be in carry-on versus what’s permitted in a checked bag. But in general, bringing your rechargeable electronics onboard is the safest move.
Viewers Weigh In With Their Own Flight Habits
Some commenters praised Ben for how clearly he explained the risks.
“Why don’t the bag check people simply ask ‘do you have any rechargeable batteries?’” one person said. “That would be more clear instead of risking a fire on an airplane.”
@ben_in_bhm Make sure your checked bag doesn’t have any lithium batteries. That’s just about any device that be plugged in and recharged. Laptops, vapes, phones, etc. The most common type of lithium battery left in bags is recharging power banks. Lithium batteries can cause fires, and they’re much more difficult to detect and extinguish if they’re in the cargo hold. #Airline #Bag #Flight #Travel #PSA ♬ original sound – BEN in BHM
“From a retired flight attendant,” another added, “you’re doing the lord’s work.”
Others admitted they hadn’t really thought about it. “Thanks cause I’ve just been saying no lol,” someone wrote, “but thankfully I’ve never actually had lithium batteries in my checked bag.”
The Mary Sue has reached out to Ben for further comment.
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