A travel agent has issued a warning against packing power banks in checked suitcases, as the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) launches a major awareness campaign following a rise in flight disruptions caused by lithium battery incidents.
Why Power Banks Must Go in Hand Luggage
Power banks, portable chargers for phones, tablets, and laptops, contain lithium batteries that pose a fire risk if damaged or short-circuited in the cargo hold. According to travel agent Jake Cullum-Hollins, who shared the warning on TikTok, many travelers are still unaware of the rules.
"People still aren't following the rules when it comes to packing these correctly," Jake said. "Due to the rising number of cases where flights are having to be delayed, diverted or even to make an emergency landing because of power banks, the CAA is launching a massive awareness campaign."
Official Guidance from the ICAO
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has issued clear guidelines: any item containing a lithium battery, including laptops, tablets, vapes, and power banks, must be carried in carry-on baggage. Spare batteries and power banks must be individually protected to prevent short circuits when not in use.
Recommended protection methods include:
- Keeping them in original retail packaging
- Covering terminals with tape
- Placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch
Power banks must not be recharged on board the aircraft and should not be used to charge other devices during the flight. A maximum of two power banks per person is allowed.
Airlines' Responsibility and Passenger Tips
Jake emphasized the importance of checking individual airline rules, as some now prohibit charging devices during the flight. One TikTok user suggested airlines should provide adequate charging facilities, to which Jake replied that airports typically have plenty of charging points, and airplane mode conserves battery. Long-haul flights often have plugs for charging.
Travelers are urged to follow these rules to avoid delays, confiscations, or worse—ruining their holiday.
