.png){kind=logo}
A passenger’s laptop caught fire on American Airlines Flight 2398 from Atlanta to Dallas on August 21. The aircraft landed safely, and one passenger received medical care at the airport.
The fire drew attention to lithium batteries in laptops, smartphones and power banks. FAA guidance explains why they can ignite and how passengers must carry them.
Flight 2398 carried 133 people from Atlanta to Dallas. The device began smoking while the Airbus A321 was landing, officials said.
Air traffic control audio captured the pilot reporting a “cabin fire.” The pilot said flight attendants contained it, but several passengers may have suffered burns. Authorities have confirmed only one person received treatment.
Flight attendants placed the burning laptop in a thermal containment bag before the aircraft landed around 6:55 p.m. The plane taxied to its gate, where emergency teams met it.
American Airlines thanked the crew for its response. Meanwhile, the FAA opened an investigation. Officials have not identified the laptop model, battery maker or cause.
Laptops, smartphones and power banks commonly use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The FAA says every lithium-ion battery can overheat and enter thermal runaway. This process produces extreme heat, smoke and fire.
Thermal runaway may begin without warning. Battery damage, excessive heat, water exposure, overcharging and poor packing can trigger the process. A manufacturing defect can also cause a battery to fail without an outside trigger.
Physical damage may affect cells inside a battery, while exposed terminals can touch metal objects and create a short circuit. Proper packing therefore reduces contact and shields batteries from crushing or punctures during travel.
Passengers should alert cabin crew immediately when a device becomes unusually hot, expands, smokes or burns. Flight crews receive training to identify and manage lithium battery fires inside aircraft cabins.
The FAA has logged 58 verified lithium battery events involving smoke, fire or extreme heat during 2026. Its record covers known cases and does not represent every incident that may have occurred.
The FAA requires passengers to place spare lithium batteries, power banks and battery charging cases in carry-on baggage. These items cannot travel in checked luggage. If an airline checks a cabin bag at the gate, passengers must remove them.
Standard rechargeable lithium-ion batteries may carry ratings up to 100 watt-hours each. Batteries rated from 101 to 160 watt-hours need airline approval. Each passenger may carry only two spares in that range. Airlines generally bar batteries above 160 watt-hours from passenger aircraft.
Non-rechargeable lithium-metal batteries may contain up to two grams of lithium. Airline approval permits up to two larger spares containing between two and eight grams.
Passengers must protect battery terminals from contact with metal. FAA-approved methods include original retail packaging, terminal tape, battery cases, sleeves or separate protective pouches.
Most smaller personal-use batteries have no federal quantity limit. Nevertheless, individual airlines may impose tighter rules, including limits on power banks. Batteries intended for sale or distribution cannot travel under the personal-use allowance.
Damaged or recalled batteries that may spark or overheat cannot board an aircraft. Airlines may provide guidance for recalled products. Travelers should review their airline’s current restrictions before departure.
