why loose lithium batteries aren’t allowed in hold luggage, but electronics containing lithium batteries are allowed

Question

why loose lithium batteries aren’t allowed in hold luggage, but electronics containing lithium batteries are allowed

In: 1061

Answer 1

Basically, no one is riding in the luggage hold if something suddenly starts smoking or starts a fire. By the time it was noticed, it would already be out of control at 60,000 feet, and there isn’t anywhere to run, and it’s a long way down.

In the cabin, there is a good chance that someone might notice something if one starts smoking or catches fire. There is a chance to react to it and isolate the battery fire. Plus a battery will usually stop working before it ever catches fire, so the owner might put the device away which may help take strain off the battery.