Overview

• SAFO 25002 warns that devices and power banks stowed in overhead bins or carry‑ons can be hard to spot and reach, delaying detection and response.
• The alert stresses that Halon can briefly knock down flames but cannot stop thermal runaway, with large amounts of water required to cool the battery.
• FAA data show about 50 verified smoke, overheating or fire events in 2025 through early September and 648 incidents since 2006 across phones, chargers, vapes and other devices.
• Recent cases include an American Airlines Dallas–Madrid flight where a phone overheated and injured a passenger, and a Chicago–Portland flight diverted to Casper after a laptop emitted smoke.
• The guidance is advisory rather than a new rule, as some carriers tighten policies—Southwest requires power banks in plain sight, and Emirates plans stricter storage and charging limits—while FAA pursues related enforcement actions.