The risk posed by lithium batteries on airplanes is not exactly
new news to this community; but the issue is starting to get wider exposure. Reader Maximum Prophet points out that as usual
xkcd gets it right, and sends in an NY Times article calling the batteries a
fire risk that clears security.
"More than half of the 22 battery fires in the cabin of passenger planes since 1999 have been in the last three years. One air safety expert suggested that these devices might be 'the last unrestricted fire hazard' people can bring on airplanes."