With schools in England and Wales out for summer, over 550,000 people are expected to fly today, making it the busiest flying day of the year. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a warning that incorrectly packed electrical gadgets, such as vapes and power banks, could cause flight delays. The regulator predicts 30 million passengers will leave the UK in July and August, carrying millions of rechargeable devices.
Lithium batteries in power banks must not be placed in checked luggage stowed in the aircraft hold, as they can overheat and cause fires. Even before peak summer, incorrectly packed batteries have led to delays and cancellations due to bags being off-loaded. In severe cases, fires can force flights to divert or evacuate.
EasyJet diversion incident
Earlier this year, an easyJet flight from Hurghada, Egypt, to London Luton was forced to divert to Rome after a passenger left a charging bank in their suitcase in the hold. The airline stated the captain acted 'in line with safety regulations.' An easyJet spokesperson told Metro: 'The safety of its customers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ guidelines. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by the diversion and subsequent delay.'
Airlines including Singapore Airlines, American Airlines, Lufthansa, and Emirates have cracked down on portable charger use, with some banning them entirely or limiting per passenger. Below are the latest rules for major carriers.
EasyJet rules
Power banks up to 160Wh are allowed in cabin baggage only, not in the hold. They must be individually protected (e.g., original packaging or plastic bag) and stored where visible. Use during flight is prohibited. Limit: two per passenger.
Ryanair rules
Passengers may carry up to 15 personal electronic devices and up to 20 spare lithium batteries or power banks under 100Wh each. They must be in small cabin baggage under the seat. Use is allowed but not during taxi, take-off, or landing. Batteries must be individually wrapped.
Wizz Air rules
Maximum 20 spare batteries including one power bank. Power banks exceeding 100Wh are forbidden. They must be in hand luggage, not in checked baggage, and not placed in overhead compartments—carried on the person for monitoring. Individually protected to avoid short circuits. Use on board is not allowed.
Jet2 rules
Limit of two power banks per passenger, each up to 160Wh. Must be in hand luggage under the seat. Use in-flight is prohibited, especially during taxi, take-off, and landing. Keep individually protected.
British Airways rules
Power banks forbidden in checked baggage; must be in hand luggage under the seat or in seat pocket. Individually protected. If cabin bag is gate-checked, remove power banks and carry them on board. Limit: two, each under 100Wh with visible rating. Charging power banks via aircraft outlets is not allowed; only personal devices may be charged.
Virgin Atlantic rules
Up to five power banks under 100Wh allowed in hand luggage. Use on board is prohibited—cannot charge the power bank or other devices. Must be in good condition, no damage, and fit in Fire Containment Bag (max 37x28x10cm). Individually packed. Not in overhead lockers; must be accessible.
Lufthansa rules
Lufthansa became the first European airline to ban power bank use on board in January. Charging devices from power banks or charging power banks from aircraft power is prohibited. Power banks must not be placed in overhead lockers; kept on person, seat pocket, or under-seat bag. Maximum two per passenger, each under 100Wh. Checked baggage ban remains.
Emirates rules
After a flight to Amsterdam filled with smoke from a power bank ignition, Emirates now allows only one power bank per passenger. It cannot be used to charge electronics or be charged via the seat. Must be under 100Wh with visible rating. Placed in seat pocket or under-seat bag.
