Overheating events involving laptop computers, cell phones, e-cigarettes, portable chargers, and other devices are happening more often on commercial flights, according to a worldwide standards development organization’s new data on flights in U.S. airspace.
The data, released in September by UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), formerly Underwriters Laboratories, said overheating events rose 28 percent from 2019 to 2023. However, the increase doesn’t mean there is great danger from lithium-ion powered devices on every flight. The report notes that ULSE’s Thermal Runaway Incident Program receives an average of two reports every week. But the report adds that with 180,000 flights in U.S. airspace each week, the frequency of incidents remains low.
Other points noted in the ULSE report include:
- The average passenge…
