The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a stark warning to passengers this summer: never pack rechargeable lithium batteries in checked luggage. These batteries, found in power banks, vapes, mobile phones, and laptops, pose a serious fire risk that could be uncontrollable if ignited in the aircraft hold, leading to flight delays or even catastrophic fires.
Over 60 million passengers at risk
With more than 60 million people expected to fly this summer, the CAA has launched a campaign titled “Pack right for a safe flight” to educate travellers. The campaign urges passengers to take all battery-powered devices into the cabin instead of checking them in. Giancarlo Buono, Director of Aviation Safety at the CAA, stated: “Flying is by far the safest way to travel and we want to keep it that way. Pack right for a safe flight, and that means don’t put your batteries in your checked bag. Take them into the cabin with you.”
Rising incidents and low awareness
New data reveals the scale of the risk: lithium battery incidents now occur at around two per week. CAA figures show reports of overheating or malfunctioning passenger devices nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025, following a 98% year-on-year increase. Cases of lithium battery-powered devices being incorrectly packed in checked baggage also rose by 91% in 2025. Despite this, over a third (36%) of travellers are unaware of the dangers, even though 92% fly with a mobile phone, 55% with a laptop, and 49% with a power bank. This suggests hundreds of batteries could be incorrectly packed on a typical flight.
Specific advice for passengers
The CAA advises passengers to: take items like mobile phones, vapes, and power banks on board; never charge a power bank on a flight; and turn off laptops completely if they must be placed in checked bags. Power banks and vapes are among the highest-risk items and must always be carried in the cabin. Passengers cannot fly with more than two power banks, and charging them on board is prohibited, though charging other devices via a power bank may be allowed – passengers should check with their airline for exact rules.
Industry support and call to action
Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said: “UK airlines support this important campaign. Flying is the safest form of travel but as the number of electronic devices we use increases, the risk of lithium battery incidents is a growing challenge. Whilst pilots and cabin crew are trained to deal with any situation the best outcome is always prevention, which starts when passengers pack their bags. Electronic devices like tablets, power banks and vapes belong in your hand luggage, not the hold. We'd urge every passenger heading away this summer to take a moment to check before they zip up their bag.”
The average person now takes four different lithium-powered devices on trips, meaning over 2,000 such devices could be present on a busy Airbus A380 flight. According to the CAA, the fire risk from lithium batteries is now the number one safety risk to aircraft. Passengers are reminded that failure to follow the advice could result in bags being removed from the flight, causing significant delays, or even a fire that could be impossible to contain.
