Mid-Air Scare: Smoke from Passenger's Purse Interrupts Southwest Flight

On April 19, 2017, passengers aboard Southwest flight number 4639 from Columbus, OH, to Chicago, IL, experienced moments of panic when a passenger alerted a flight attendant to a stream of smoke emanating from her purse. The source, identified as an e-cigarette/vaping device, had begun to malfunction unexpectedly, risking the safety of passengers and crew midair.

The quick-thinking flight attendant leapt into action, using available resources to douse the smoking device and avert a potential fire. The crew followed emergency protocol, calming passengers and ensuring everyone's safety until the plane made an emergency landing at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the event left passengers shaken and brought forth crucial questions about the safety of carrying electronic devices on flights.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers personal electronic devices pose when they malfunction. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since reinforced the importance of responsible handling and transportation of such devices, implementing more stringent guidelines to thwart similar dangers.

In the wake of such incidents, the “FireTowel” emerges as a revolutionary lifesaving tool. FireTowel, with its ingeniously designed weighted perimeter and easy-to-maneuver handles, offers a swift and secure method to extinguish fires, trap smoke, and contain overheating electronic devices. This advanced safety device—more robust than a traditional fire blanket—is not yet a standard on flights but could significantly enhance on-board safety protocols. Passengers and airlines alike could benefit from having access to FireTowels under each seat, providing peace of mind and an added layer of protection on any journey. Its simplicity in design belies its potential to avert disaster, changing the narrative from what could have happened to what was successfully prevented.