New aviation regulations now prohibit the use of power banks on European flights, and travellers are being urged to check the rules before heading to the airport. The restrictions, which came into force on 1 August, mean passengers must keep power banks switched off for the duration of their journey.
The warning follows a viral TikTok clip in which a woman filmed passengers aboard her Jet2 flight being told about the new rule. In the video, passengers were informed: "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 look with her daughter. Her caption revealed she had intended to charge her phone during the flight, writing: "My phone's about to die."
Why power banks are banned during flights
While it is not illegal to carry power banks on planes, current regulations prohibit using them to charge devices or recharging the banks themselves during flights. This is due to the fire risk posed if the battery overheats, which could endanger passengers on board.
Travellers are advised to charge their devices before boarding. Power banks must never be placed in hold luggage and should be kept in hand luggage instead, helping to minimise fire risk and allowing any incident to be dealt with quickly if a battery overheats.
Passengers react to the new rules
Several commenters on the woman's video expressed support for the regulations on safety grounds, citing reports 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!"
Official rules for carrying power banks
New regulations that came into effect in March are designed to reduce the likelihood and severity of incidents involving power banks. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is urging passengers to familiarise themselves with the rules, which state that power banks must be carried in hand luggage only and each must be individually protected when not in use, using a pouch, its original packaging or a separate bag to prevent short circuiting.
Passengers 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 require approval from the airline.
