Manchester Airport's Hold Baggage Screening team has issued a warning to passengers. The staff are responsible for conducting security screening on bags that have been checked in at the North's hub airport. As vaping rises in popularity, more and more passengers are bringing vapes and e-cigarettes with them when they travel.
Items such as power banks are particularly popular over the school summer holidays when a family might be bringing a number of electronic devices with them that will need to be charged on the go. But these items could pose a significant safety risk if packed or handled incorrectly – and if you put them in your hold luggage, security staff may need to remove them.
Why lithium batteries are banned in hold luggage
Security team leader within the hold baggage screening team at Manchester Airport, Anthony Shaw, said: "Small electronic devices like vapes, power banks and tablets are often powered by lithium batteries. These are very powerful batteries with a long lifespan and fast charging times, which makes them popular for these kinds of devices – but they store a massive amount of energy in a small space. If the battery gets too hot, or is faulty, it can catch fire without warning."
"For that reason, these devices are forbidden within hold luggage and must be carried in your hand luggage – where, in the event of an emergency, the problem will be spotted more quickly and can be more easily dealt with. Batteries for products like power tools are often lithium-based and these are not permitted for the same reasons."
"Our team screens all checked baggage to ensure it complies with security requirements – so if you pack a device containing a lithium battery into your hold luggage, we may have to open your bag and remove it. We don't want to have to do that – so it's really important that passengers acquaint themselves with the rules before packing their bags."
What must go in hold luggage
Although devices powered by lithium batteries are not permitted in checked luggage, there are a range of items which must be packed in your checked bag, not your hand luggage, if you want to take them on your travels this summer.
Anthony added: "The 100ml liquids rule for hand luggage remains in place at Manchester Airport. We have now installed brand new CT scanners in both of our terminals that will ultimately allow the 100ml rule to be lifted, but we are awaiting certification from the Civil Aviation Authority. For the time being, if you wish to bring liquids over 100ml – such as bottles of shampoo, conditioner or sun cream – you need to pack these in your hold luggage."
"Sports equipment like golf clubs, cricket bats and skis must be checked in too, due to their size – but also due to the risk that a bat or club could be used as a weapon."
Anthony's hold baggage travel tips
Review the list of prohibited items before packing
Anthony said: "There are some hazardous items that are not permitted in either hold luggage or hand luggage. These include fireworks and pyrotechnics, non-safety matches, flammable liquids like oil, fuels, paint and thinners, real or replica firearms, as well as ammunition. You can find the full list at www.manchesterairport.co.uk/help/security."
"Many of these don't sound like everyday items, but sometimes we do see people trying to bring common household items and appliances with them that are not compliant with these rules – including party poppers, cleaning products like bleach, cooking oils, which are flammable liquids, or a mini-fridge to keep drinks cool, which are not permitted because they contain compressed gas. So it's important to stop and review these rules when packing."
Keep medication and important documents in your hand luggage
Anthony said: "Essential items like medication and travel documents need to be kept with you. This ensures you can access them promptly if needed, including in the event of a delay or cancellation to your flight. It also guards against you being without your items if your hold luggage is delayed in reaching your destination for any reason. For peace of mind I would also advise on bringing any sentimental items in your hand luggage, too – provided that they are small enough to fit and compliant with the rules."
Securely wrap anything that is breakable
Anthony said: "Everyone involved in handling your hold baggage at Manchester Airport – from my team at hold baggage screening, to the handling agents loading it onto the aircraft – takes pride in handling our passengers' belongings with care. It is still sensible, however, to ensure any delicate items are well protected from any bumps. Using bubble wrap, old newspaper, or even just some of the clothes you're travelling with."
Always stay with your luggage before checking it in
Anthony said: "If you find yourself waiting to check your hold luggage in, keep an eye on your bags at all times and never leave them unattended as this could spark a security incident."
Ensure your bag is distinguishable from other similar bags
Anthony said: "Most suitcases are black, navy blue, or grey – and there are hundreds of them coming off each and every flight. We've all been there – waiting at the carousel to collect our luggage, confidently swooping in when we see the case we believe is ours, and then realising it isn't. Attaching a colourful bag tag, sticker or other identifying item can avoid any mishaps and also make it easier to trace your bag in the event it gets lost. Having a photo of your bag helps with that, too."
Make sure straps are tightly secured
Anthony said: "Before getting to the plane, your hold bag will have to travel some distance on conveyor belts. Our T2 baggage system contains over two miles of conveyor belts – transporting bags from the check-in hall through hold baggage screening to a sortation hall, and then to the aircraft. If a bag gets snagged on a conveyor belt it could break or get stuck, causing delays. To avoid this, make sure all straps are tightly secured, extendable handles are pushed down and old tags are removed."
