Britons planning overseas travel this summer have received a cautionary advisory as airlines have reinforced their regulations concerning a popular travel accessory. Power banks, commonly used by millions of travelers to recharge their electronic devices during long airport waits, are now facing restrictions due to safety risks of potential explosion and fire during flights.
Despite the ban on power banks by some airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Emirates, other major budget carriers operating in the UK still allow these devices onboard with certain limitations. Emirates, for instance, permits power banks but strictly prohibits their use inflight. Passengers must ensure the devices are turned off and stored under the seat, not in the overhead compartments.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) safety experts highlight the dangers of lithium batteries on planes, particularly their susceptibility to “thermal runaway,” leading to fire, explosions, and toxic fumes release. Airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and TUI have established rules and restrictions concerning power banks, batteries, and electronic devices onboard.
Passengers are permitted to carry up to 15 personal electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, handheld game consoles, headphones, and power banks, all of which must be protected individually to prevent short circuits. Additionally, a maximum of 20 spare lithium batteries, each not exceeding 100Wh, are allowed in the cabin. Any devices or batteries exceeding 100Wh are restricted from both cabin and hold luggage, except for Electric Wheelchair batteries.
Strict guidelines are in place for the use and transport of power banks and spare batteries, including the prohibition of their use during specific flight phases and the requirement to store them securely under the seat. These items are strictly forbidden in checked luggage for safety reasons.
EasyJet enforces a policy that all lithium-ion batteries, spare batteries, and power banks must be carried in cabin hand luggage, with items under 100Wh permitted without approval. Similar regulations apply to other airlines like TUI, emphasizing the safety measures required for transporting power banks and batteries.
TUI mandates that loose lithium batteries, power banks, or spare batteries must be carried in hand luggage only and should not exceed 100Wh in capacity. These devices are not allowed for recharging during the flight and must be stored securely to prevent short circuits. Specific guidelines apply to smart baggage containing lithium batteries or power banks, ensuring their safe transportation either in the cabin or as checked baggage.