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Malaysia Airlines bans e-cigarettes from check-in luggage

February 9, 2015 Comments Off on Malaysia Airlines bans e-cigarettes from check-in luggage 474 Views

Last month the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Safety Alert For Operators (SAFO) advising airlines about potential fire risks from e-cigarettes which use lithium batteries to heat nicotine in to a vapour inhaled by users. The SAFO issued after two instances of fire caused by e-cigarettes, called for banning of these popular devices from checked-in baggage.

Though voluntary, most airlines follow the SAFO, and Malaysia Airlines has announced that all its passengers will be required to carry electronic cigarettes in their carry-on baggage only. Many airlines including Malaysia Airlines, ban the use of e-cigarettes on board flights and this will continue. The FAA will be taking a final decision on whether to ban e-cigarettes all together by the end of April.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation, the United Nations of aviation, too issued a warning in December 2014, and its dangerous goods panel is considering potential action which may include a complete ban.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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