Front page news of USA Today:
A rash of fires on planes has spurred the government to plan new restrictions on how airline passengers may carry lithium batteries used to power laptop computers and cellphones.
Fire safety officials, airline pilots and consumer groups are pushing for new rules on the batteries. At least nine fires involving lithium batteries have happened on airplanes or in cargo destined for planes since 2005, according to federal safety records reviewed by USA TODAY. None of the fires caused serious injuries.
At first glance, this doesn’t look positive for business travelers. It would be very difficult for me to give up my extended lithium-ion battery, much less function as a consultant. Upon closer review, it appears batteries within carry-on luggage may be preferred over check-in luggage, so that is positive news.
We’ll see how it shakes out, but hopefully the airlines (and TSA) doesn’t impose additional restrictions on their best customers, namely the business travelers.