The Civil Aviation Authority, which regulates UK planes and airports, has urged passengers to pack rechargeable adult toys in their hand luggage rather than checked-in baggage. The guidance is not for convenience but to reduce the risk of fire from lithium batteries.
Fire risk behind the advice
A CAA insider said that "certain sensitive items are encouraged to be packed in carry-on baggage." They added: "The horror stories that people spread, of airport security pulling a dildo out of a backpack when doing their bag search, is a scenario we consider better than the alternative of a lithium battery-powered object going into your checked-in luggage."
Incorrectly packed lithium batteries are increasingly causing delays and cancellations due to bags having to be off-loaded. If a fire breaks out onboard, flights may have to be rerouted or evacuated.
Millions of devices in the sky
The regulator predicts that 30 million passengers will leave the UK in July and August. With passengers carrying an average of four lithium-powered devices each, more than four million such gadgets travel over the UK on an average day and nearly 30 million each week. Items such as power banks must not be placed in checked-in luggage stowed in the aircraft hold but taken into the cabin as hand luggage, so swift action can be taken if they start to overheat.
Civil Aviation Authority figures show that reports of overheating or malfunctioning passenger devices have nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025. Globally, there are now two lithium battery incidents each week, with two occurring on UK-bound flights in recent weeks.
Specific rules for power banks
Giancarlo Buono, director of aviation safety at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: "The only thing that should be running hot on your summer holiday is the weather, not a power bank in your suitcase. As millions of people prepare to travel this summer, packing your devices correctly is an important part of flying safely." He added: "Power banks, vapes and spare lithium batteries should always be carried in the cabin, not packed in checked baggage. Pack right for a safe flight and help reduce the risk of delays, diversions and safety risks this summer."
Some items come with specific rules. For example, you cannot fly with more than two power banks per person, and these must never be recharged onboard the aircraft as this would increase the risk of a fire. The regulator recommends checking with your airline before you fly, as some have additional restrictions.
