The UK government has issued a warning for anyone taking power banks or vapes abroad, reminding travellers that these items are subject to restrictions when flying.
In a post on X, the government said that those who pack these items in their hand luggage may face restrictions. The post read: "If you're travelling with power banks or vapes this summer, make sure you know where to pack them. Power banks and vapes must be taken onboard with you into the aircraft cabin. They can't be packed into checked luggage. Always check with the airline you're flying with if you're unsure."
Power Bank Rules and Watt-Hour Limits
Advice issued says you can usually take power banks up to 100Wh without airline approval. However, 100Wh and anything up to 160Wh will need approval from the airline.
As for vapes, advice says that like power banks, vapes should not be put into hold luggage and should be kept in hand luggage due to the risk of fires. It is also encouraged to drain refillable pods or tanks before boarding, as air pressure changes cause leaks.
Onboard Restrictions and Airline Variations
Electrical devices are not to be charged while flying and both vapes and power banks must be switched off before flying. Airlines say you may need to keep your power bank visible in a seat pocket or a bag under the seat rather than in an overhead locker.
Some airlines ask that vape liquid refills must also follow the standard airport security rules, under 100ml containers inside a clear one litre plastic bag.
Ryanair's Specific Guidance
Many airlines have similar rules regarding power banks and vapes but it is worth checking the website of who you fly with to see if the rules vary. For example, Ryanair guidance for power banks says:
- Power banks are limited to a maximum of two per passenger and are included within the overall limit of 20 spare batteries (e.g. two power banks + 18 spare lithium batteries).
- Power banks cannot be recharged at any time when onboard/ during the flight (e.g., one power bank charging another).
- Power banks may be used to charge personal electronic devices, except during taxi, take-off, and landing, or when instructed otherwise by the crew.
- Power banks and spare lithium batteries cannot be placed in cabin baggage stored in the overhead lockers.
- Power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried on the passenger's person or in the under-seat cabin bag stowed under the seat in front.
- Devices or batteries over 100Wh are not permitted, neither in the cabin nor the hold (with the exception of Electric Wheelchair batteries).
- Spare batteries, including power banks, are not permitted in checked baggage.
Ryanair guidance for E-cigarettes says: 100Wh maximum. You may carry electronic cigarettes or vaping devices on board, but use of these devices at any time during the flight is strictly prohibited.
Smart bags in the cabin (with Built-in Lithium Batteries – 100Wh maximum). You may bring a smart bag (a cabin bag with an integrated lithium battery and charging port) as part of your hand luggage providing the below is followed:
- If the battery is removable, placed in small cabin baggage underneath the seat in front or carried on your person. The removed battery must not exceed 100Wh.
- If the battery is non-removeable, it must not exceed 2.7Wh. Smart bags with non-removeable batteries above 2.7Wh are not permitted onboard.
