A travel agent has warned holidaymakers never to pack power banks in checked luggage, as they can cause flight delays, diversions, or emergency landings. The warning follows a new awareness campaign by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) after a rise in incidents involving lithium batteries.
Why Power Banks Must Be in Hand Luggage
Jake Cullum-Hollins, a travel agent, took to TikTok to alert his 50,000 followers about the common mistake of packing power banks in suitcases. He explained that any item containing a lithium battery—including laptops, tablets, vapes, and power banks—must be carried in hand luggage. The CAA campaign aims to educate travelers after numerous flights were disrupted due to improperly packed power banks.
Rules for Power Banks on Flights
According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), power banks must:
- Be carried in carry-on baggage only
- Be individually protected to prevent short circuits (e.g., in original packaging, terminals taped, or in separate plastic bags)
- Not be recharged on board the aircraft
- Not be used to charge other devices on the plane
- Be limited to a maximum of two per person
Jake emphasized that travelers should check their airline's specific rules, as some now prohibit charging devices during flights.
Public Reaction
One TikTok user commented that airlines should provide better charging facilities on planes, noting that existing ports are often outdated or lack sufficient power. Jake responded that airports typically have charging points, and devices in airplane mode use minimal battery. Long-haul flights also often have plugs for charging.
The CAA campaign underscores the importance of following these rules to avoid travel disruptions and ensure safety.
