NEWS FAA Warning Flyers Not to Pack Lithium Batteries in Checked Bags

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a safety warning about spare lithium batteries and wants airlines to prohibit passengers from leaving them in checked luggage.

The batteries “present a risk of both igniting and fueling fires in aircraft cargo/baggage compartments,” the agency said in a statement.

The FAA also wants airlines to prohibit the batteries from checked bags and to remind passengers at the time of ticket purchase and again at check-in time not to pack them.

Passengers who need extra lithium batteries may however bring them in their carry-on bags.