UK passengers have been warned over a ‘risk’
Airport bosses issued an alert on Friday(Image: Getty)
Airport bosses at London Gatwick have issued an alert to those taking checked baggage with them while travelling. The UK’s second busiest airport, which handles around 43 million passengers each year, is urging holidaymakers and other travellers to “pack right [for a] safe flight”.
In a new post on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday airport chiefs said: “Power banks, spare batteries and vapes should always travel in your hand luggage, not in checked baggage. If damaged or overheated in the hold, they can pose a fire risk.”
Before flying travellers should: “Carry power banks and vapes in your hand luggage, keep spare batteries protected from short circuits, and check your airline’s rules before travelling”. The alert added: “A safer journey starts with careful packing.”
Further information found on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website explains that vapes and power banks can overheat and cause a fire. It adds that you can only take two power banks per person, and that these should never be re-charged onboard the aircraft.
“You may be asked to put power banks in your seat back pocket rather than in an overhead locker. Phones, tablets and laptops should normally be taken with you in the cabin unless they are completely turned off and protected from damage.”
Travellers should also pack their own bags, avoiding any restricted or banned items, and keep essentials such as medicine in hand luggage.