The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is announcing that it’s banning electronic cigarettes in checked luggage on commercial flights.
The measure is being taken to prevent potential fires during flights caused by the electronic cigarettes or other battery-operated electronic smoking devices, according to TravelPulse.
Passengers can still bring the devices on the plane in carry-on bags, but they cannot recharge or use them on the aircraft.
The DOT claims that there have been at least 26 incidents since 2009 in which e-cigarettes have set off explosions or fires – typically caused when they’re left on for periods of time and short circuit.
