A passenger laptop caught fire aboard an American Airlines flight arriving at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Texas, injuring four to five people and prompting fresh scrutiny over lithium-ion battery safety in commercial aviation, according to the BBC and local reporting outlets.
Flight 2398 Incident Details and Emergency Response
The pilot of American Airlines Flight 2398 radioed air traffic controllers to report a “fire in the back of the cabin” as cabin crew rushed to suppress the flames. The aircraft was traveling from Atlanta, Georgia, carrying 133 passengers when the device ignited.
“About four or five passengers have burns,” the pilot stated to air traffic control, according to the BBC. The flight crew secured the burning laptop near the middle of the aircraft. One passenger received immediate medical evaluation at the scene before being released. According to American Airlines, the aircraft landed safely following a smoke indication from a customer’s device during landing, and emergency services met the plane at the gate as standard procedure.
Regulatory Warnings on Lithium-Ion Batteries in Cabin Luggage
Following the incident, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned that lithium batteries found in laptops and portable chargers can overheat due to damage, water exposure, overcharging, or improper packing. Regulators strictly mandate that these power sources belong in carry-on luggage rather than checked holds.
Data from the FAA shows 58 confirmed in-flight incidents involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat from lithium batteries since the start of the year. Over the past two decades, the agency has tracked 84 laptop-related incidents, alongside numerous cases involving portable power banks. The UK Civil Aviation Authority also emphasized that portable batteries generate escalating hazards on global flights, urging passengers to remain vigilant about thermal runaway risks.
Pro Tip for Air Travelers
Always pack laptops, tablets, and portable power banks in your carry-on baggage. If a device begins to overheat or emit smoke during a flight, notify a flight attendant immediately rather than attempting a complex DIY rescue.
Comparative Data on Portable Power vs. Laptop Incidents
While laptops present clear thermal risks with 84 documented incidents over twenty years according to FAA figures, regulatory agencies emphasize that portable power banks have historically accounted for the highest volume of battery-related safety events in aviation. This distinction led carriers like EasyJet to divert a flight to Rome earlier this year after a power bank began charging inside checked luggage in the cargo hold.
Did You Know?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my laptop in checked baggage?
No. Aviation regulators require passengers to carry laptops and spare lithium batteries in the cabin so flight crews can quickly detect and respond to smoke or fire.
What should I do if my electronic device starts smoking on a plane?
Alert a flight attendant immediately. Cabin crews are specifically trained and equipped with safety gear to handle lithium-ion battery thermal events.
How common are battery fires on commercial flights?
The FAA has logged dozens of confirmed in-flight smoke, fire, and extreme heat incidents tied to lithium batteries each year, making device safety a top priority for global aviation authorities.
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