With travel documents becoming increasingly digitised, ensuring your phone has sufficient charge from check-in through customs is essential for travellers. Although portable chargers are vital for a smooth journey, the lithium-ion batteries inside them pose a fire risk to aircraft and confined cabin spaces if damaged.
Recent incidents and regulatory changes
On 19 May, an easyJet flight from Hurghada, Egypt to Luton was diverted to Rome after a passenger revealed they had a power bank in their hold baggage that was charging a mobile phone. The captain took the decision to divert as a precaution in line with safety regulations, and due to restrictions on crew hours, the plane was delayed overnight in Italy.
Earlier, on 27 March, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued updated restrictions based on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) instructions, limiting the number of power banks to two per person and insisting they must be carried in carry-on baggage. Several carriers have already introduced a ban on chargers in overhead storage to allow crew members to respond faster to lithium batteries overheating or catching fire.
Can I take my portable charger on a flight?
Yes, portable chargers and power banks are usually allowed on flights, but there are restrictions on where they can be packed. Most airlines permit portable chargers in carry-on luggage but not in checked luggage or bags that go in the hold. Generally, power banks with a capacity of 100Wh or less are allowed in the cabin without requiring airline approval, provided they are not connected to a power supply or a device. Some airlines also insist they be stowed on a passenger's person, in the seat pocket, or in under-seat carry-on baggage.
What do the UK authorities say?
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) states that portable chargers must not be recharged on board the aircraft and should not be used to charge other portable electronic devices on board. No more than two individually protected spare batteries per person may be carried. Each lithium-ion cell or battery must be individually protected to prevent short circuits. Spare batteries are not permitted in checked baggage. Glenn Bradley, head of flight operations at the CAA, said: "Lithium batteries power everything from vapes and mobile phones to cameras and power banks. If they become faulty or damaged, they can cause an intense fire that is difficult to extinguish. Correct handling reduces risk. Lithium batteries should be carried in your carry-on baggage. Power banks and spare batteries should also be in a cabin bag and should be completely turned off and not in standby mode." The Foreign Office (FCDO) travel advice recommends checking restrictions on certain types of batteries with your airline if unsure.
What are the portable charger rules in other countries?
Alongside airlines in Australia and Switzerland, carriers in the US, China, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea and Singapore have implemented new power bank regulations following safety concerns.
- Japan: Considering a blanket ban on using power banks on domestic flights from April, with a limit of two portable chargers per person, not exceeding 160Wh, in carry-on luggage.
- Emirates: From 1 October, passengers are banned from using phone power banks due to concerns over fires, explosions and toxic gases. One power bank is allowed onboard with capacity rating information, stored in the seat pocket or under the seat, not in overhead storage.
- Australia (Virgin Australia, Qantas, Jetstar): As of December, using power banks onboard is prohibited due to safety risks. Charging power banks, including via in-seat power ports, is also forbidden.
- Hong Kong: On 7 April, the Civil Aviation Department banned using power banks on flights after a fire on a Hong Kong Airlines flight. Passengers can still carry them in carry-on luggage but must keep devices under seats or in seat pockets, not in overhead compartments.
- Taiwan (EVA Airways): Bans the use and charging of power banks and spare lithium batteries on flights. They can be carried in hand luggage if properly stored to prevent compression or damage.
- Singapore Airlines: From 1 April 2025, customers are not allowed to charge portable power banks via onboard USB ports or use power banks to charge personal devices throughout the flight.
- South Korea: From 1 March, stricter rules apply: a passenger can carry a maximum of five portable batteries, each up to 100 watt-hours. Batteries exceeding 160 watt-hours are strictly prohibited.
These measures reflect growing concerns over lithium battery fires in aircraft cabins, and travellers are advised to check with their airline before flying.
