A travel agent has issued a warning to air travellers about packing one common item in their hold luggage that can lead to flight delays and even emergency landings. Jake Cullum-Hollins, a travel agent with a following on TikTok, has advised his 50,000 followers that power banks are "ruining" people's holidays when packed incorrectly.
Power Banks Must Be in Hand Luggage
Power banks are portable batteries used to recharge mobile phones, tablets, and laptop computers without needing a mains socket. According to Jake, many people are still not following the rules for packing these devices. He explained that due to a rising number of cases where flights have been delayed, diverted, or forced to make emergency landings because of power banks, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is launching a major awareness campaign.
The guidance is simple: any item containing a lithium battery, including laptops, tablets, vapes, and power banks, must be kept in hand luggage. Jake stressed the importance of checking individual airline rules, as some airlines now prohibit charging devices on board.
ICAO Guidelines for Power Banks
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) published an addendum to its Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, outlining strict rules for lithium batteries and power banks. These include:
- Power banks must be carried in carry-on baggage only.
- They must be individually protected to prevent short circuits when not in use, such as keeping them in original retail packaging, covering terminals with tape, or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch.
- Power banks must not be recharged on board the aircraft.
- They should not be used to charge other portable electronic devices on the aircraft.
- A maximum of two power banks per person is allowed.
The ICAO also advised that operators must include the conditions for carriage and use of these devices in their operations manuals so that crew members can carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Passenger Reactions and Advice
In response to Jake's video, one TikTok user pointed out that airlines should provide better charging facilities on planes, as existing ports are often outdated or lack sufficient current. Jake clarified that passengers can charge their devices at airports before boarding, as there are usually plenty of charging points. He also noted that once devices are in airplane mode, they use very little battery, and most long-haul flights have plugs for charging phones and laptops.
The travel agent's advice comes as part of a broader effort to ensure passenger safety and avoid disruptions caused by improperly packed lithium batteries.
