Holidaymakers planning trips this year must be aware of a new travel regulation that prohibits the use of a commonly carried item aboard aircraft. With summer now over and children returned to school, many Brits will be seeking to secure holidays in anticipation of reduced flight and accommodation costs. Prior to departure, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with all regulations covering everything from your flight to airport security procedures, as ignorance of the rules could potentially derail your holiday plans.
One traveller recently revealed how her journey was nearly disrupted by an obscure regulation she was unaware of, as it had only recently been implemented.
Passengers told to keep power banks switched off
In footage shared on TikTok, a woman recorded the moment passengers aboard her Jet2 flight were informed they were prohibited from using power banks during the journey, owing to a new regulation.
Passengers were told: "As of the first of August, it is now illegal to use power banks on European aircraft, so if you've got a power bank with you, it should remain switched off, as these are forbidden for use on flights."
The woman appeared visibly surprised, shaking her head and exchanging a bewildered glance with her daughter, clearly unaware the regulation existed. Her video caption made this even more apparent, as she revealed she had been counting on using her power bank to charge her mobile during the flight. She wrote: "My phone's about to die."
Safety rules and viewer reactions
While it is perfectly legal to bring power banks aboard aircraft, current aviation regulations prohibit their use for charging devices or replenishing the banks themselves during flights. This restriction exists due to the fire hazard posed should the internal battery overheat, presenting a genuine danger to passengers — so it is advisable to ensure your device is fully charged before boarding.
Power banks must never be placed in hold luggage, and should exclusively be kept in your carry-on bag. This significantly reduces the risk of fire, as any incident can be swiftly addressed should a battery malfunction occur.
Several viewers commenting on the woman's video expressed their support for the updated regulations on safety grounds, citing alarming accounts of power banks igniting on flights.
One remarked: "I can understand as they get really hot. Should really ensure this is known to people as it's really important."
Another stated: "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 simply declared: "About time!"
What are the rules on power banks on planes?
Updated regulations, which took effect in March this year, are designed to minimise both the likelihood and consequences of power bank-related incidents. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is urging passengers to acquaint themselves with these guidelines, which include:
- 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
