An EasyJet flight was forced to divert after a passenger left their charging bank inside their suitcase. The EZY2618 flight from Hurghada, Egypt, was due to land in London Luton, but changed course and touched down in Rome, Italy, instead. The low-cost airline said the captain decided to divert 'in line with safety regulations' after a passenger onboard told cabin crew that they had left the portable charger in their suitcase, which was in the hold of the aircraft.
A statement from EasyJet shared with Metro reads: '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.'
From Singapore Airlines and American Airlines to Lufthansa and Emirates, several airlines have been cracking down on the use of portable chargers on planes — either banning them altogether or limiting them per passenger. But if you are in the midst of packing your suitcase for a half-term holiday — or looking ahead to a summer break — you might be getting a little confused about what you can (or cannot) take on your flight with you. Here is a look at the latest rules.
EasyJet
Power banks that do not exceed a Wh rating of 160Wh are allowed on board EasyJet flights. They must be kept in your cabin baggage and cannot go in the hold. However, you cannot actually use them during your flight, and they must be 'individually protected'. EasyJet recommends placing them in the packaging they came in, or in a plastic bag. Ideally, you should also store them where you can see them. Power banks are limited to two per customer.
- Cabin Baggage: Yes.
- Checked luggage: No.
- Used on board: No.
Ryanair
Ryanair is slightly more generous in their rules than other airlines. Passengers may carry up to 15 personal electronic devices on board, including smartphones, tablets, laptops and cameras. You can also carry up to 20 spare lithium batteries or power banks, as long as they do not exceed 100Wh each. They must be in your small cabin baggage, placed under the seat in front of you, and while you can use them on board, they must not be used to charge devices during taxi, take-off or landing. Again, power banks should be individually wrapped.
- Cabin Baggage: Yes.
- Checked luggage: No.
- Used on board: Yes.
Wizz Air
According to Wizz Air's website: 'Each person is limited to a maximum of 20 spare batteries, including maximum one power bank.' They cannot actually be used on the flight, and power banks exceeding 100Wh are forbidden. The airline also firmly states that power banks need to stay in your hand luggage: 'Don't put spare batteries in your checked-in baggage!' The website also states that the chargers cannot be placed in overhead compartments, instead stating they 'should be carried where they can be monitored i.e. on the person'. Again, the airline says the devices need to be individually protected to avoid any short circuits.
- Cabin Baggage: Yes.
- Checked luggage: No.
- Used on board: No.
Jet2
Travellers are limited to 2 power banks each on a Jet2 flight, and they cannot exceed more than 160Wh. They must be carried in hand luggage, which is placed under the seat. The Jet2 website states that power banks 'should not be used in-flight', while also stating power banks 'must not be used to charge or power any portable electronic devices during taxi, take off, and landing.' So to be on the safe side, it might be better to keep them firmly in your hand luggage (individually protected) until you disembark.
- Cabin Baggage: Yes.
- Checked luggage: No.
- Used on board: No.
British Airways
Power banks are 'forbidden' in checked baggage and must be carried in hand luggage. When you board, they need to go in a bag under the seat in front of you, or in your seat pocket. Like other airlines, they also need to be 'individually protected'. BA also warns that if your cabin bag is checked in or removed at the gate for whatever reason, and then placed in the hold, you need to make sure you remove your power banks and carry them with you onto the plane. There is a two power bank limit in place, and each bank needs to display the Wh rating (they cannot exceed more than 100Wh). The airline also warns that you cannot charge your power bank on board using the outlets on the plane. You can only charge personal devices, such as your phone or headphones.
- Cabin Baggage: Yes.
- Checked luggage: No.
- Used on board: Yes.
Virgin Atlantic
Richard Branson's Virgin allows you to take five power banks on board your flight, under 100Wh. They must be in your hand luggage, and you cannot use them at any time on board — whether that is to charge the power bank itself, or to top up other devices. This also means you cannot use the in-seat power supply to do so. Virgin also has some rules about the power bank itself. They must be 'in good condition with no signs of damage', and need to be able to fit into their onboard Fire Containment Bag in the event of an emergency — the measurements must not exceed 37 x 28 x 10cm. They also need to be individually packed to avoid short circuits. They cannot be placed in the overhead locker, and need to be accessible throughout the flight.
- Cabin Baggage: Yes.
- Checked luggage: No.
- Used on board: No.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa became the first European airline to ban the use of power banks on board its aircraft in January. Passengers are prohibited from charging their electronic devices, such as mobile phones or tablets, from a power bank during a flight. This includes charging the power bank itself from the aircraft's electrical power supply. Power banks may also not be placed in the overhead lockers. Instead, they must be kept on the passenger's person or stowed in the seat pocket or in their carry-on baggage under the seat in front. Power banks remain prohibited in checked baggage. Lufthansa has also stated that a maximum of two power banks may be brought aboard per passenger – with the maximum battery power permitted being 100 watt-hours.
- Cabin Baggage: Yes.
- Checked luggage: No.
- Used on board: No.
Emirates
After a flight bound for Amsterdam filled with smoke when a power bank ignited, Emirates cracked down on their power bank rules. All Emirates customers may now carry only one power bank onboard, which cannot be used to charge any electronics during the journey, and cannot be charged themselves using the power source from the seat. The charger must be under 100Wh (and the rating must be clearly visible on the bank), and it must go in the seat pocket in front of you, or in your bag under the seat.
- Cabin Baggage: Yes.
- Checked luggage: No.
- Used on board: No.
