Brits going on holiday this autumn have been urged to check their luggage for an item that can no longer be used on planes. Since 1 August, it is illegal to use power banks on European aircraft, and passengers must keep them switched off during flights.
The rule came to light after a woman shared a TikTok video showing passengers on a Jet2 flight being told about the ban. In the clip, she shook her head and exchanged a confused look with her daughter, admitting in the caption that she had hoped to charge her phone during the flight. She wrote: "My phone's about to die."
What the new rules say
It is not illegal to bring power banks on planes, but current aviation rules ban using them to charge devices or recharging the banks themselves during flights. This is because they carry a fire risk if the battery inside overheats, which can be dangerous to passengers on board.
Power banks must never be stored in hold luggage and should instead go in hand luggage. This helps reduce the risk of fire, as it can be quickly dealt with if something goes wrong and the battery overheats.
Safety concerns from passengers
Several commenters on the woman's video said they agreed with the new rules for safety reasons, citing horror stories of power banks catching fire on flights. One person said: "I can understand as they get really hot. Should really ensure this is known to people as it's really important."
Another added: "I brought a new power bank on a plane last year, and when I got off the plane, it had split the casing and was very hot." A third wrote: "About time!"
Rules from the Civil Aviation Authority
New rules, which came into force in March this year, aim to reduce the likelihood and impact of incidents involving power banks. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is asking travellers to familiarise themselves with the rules, which are:
- Power banks must be carried in hand luggage only
- Each power bank must be individually protected when not in use, using a pouch, its original packaging or a separate bag to prevent short circuiting
- You can take a maximum of two power banks per person
- Power banks must not be recharged on board, including from an in-seat power outlet
- Power banks up to 100Wh are permitted, while those between 100Wh and up to 160Wh need approval from the airline
Whether you can use your power bank to charge your phone on an aircraft depends on the airline. While you cannot charge the power bank itself on any flight, some airlines may allow it to be used as a portable charger. Ryanair allows them to be used, except during taxi, take-off, and landing, while easyJet, Jet2, Emirates, and Virgin Atlantic do not allow power banks to be used on board at all.
