Why airlines are warning over lithium-ion batteries is a question that haunts frequent flyers. A tech journalist witnessed first-hand the drama when a passenger's battery pack burst into flames, causing a swift and aggressive landing.

The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) highlights that these batteries now rank among the top three risks for airlines. The US Federal Aviation Administration reports 51 verified incidents in a single year to July 15th. Smart phones, power banks, laptops – even smart glasses and vapes – rely on this technology.

Lithium-ion batteries can reach temperatures over 700 degrees Celsius almost instantaneously due to their organic materials. The risk is not the lithium itself but the rapid overheating that can lead to fires. Strict measures are in place, with passengers advised to keep devices in the cabin and never in checked luggage.

Airbusan's plane incident highlighted the severity, leading IATA to launch a global campaign for passenger safety. The CA is clear: water quickly extinguishes such incidents. But this comes at the cost of inconvenience, as airlines ask us to take on more responsibility for our tech.

The future remains uncertain; while sodium-ion batteries could be an alternative, they are currently too expensive. For now, the key message is awareness and care in handling these potentially dangerous devices.