A FRESH warning has been issued over a major travel item that many of us now use, that actually poses a huge threat when flying.
Over the past couple of years, power banks have caused several issues across a number of flights.
In response, airlines have introduced new measures that specify the type of power bank you can or cannot take onboard.
As the school summer holidays approach, travellers are now being reminded to carry these items in their hand luggage.
Power banks contain lithium batteries, which according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), pose a huge risk to aircraft, with more and more devices being found in hold luggage over the past year.
The aviation body also said that the average person now takes four different lithium-powered devices on a flight.
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However, they are prone to overheating, especially if they are defective and this can cause a fire.
The CAA states: “Passenger awareness remains low – over a third (36 per cent) of travellers are unaware of the dangers of packing batteries in checked baggage, even though 92 per cent fly with a mobile phone, 55 per cent with a laptop and 49 per cent with a power bank – suggesting hundreds of batteries could be incorrectly packed on a typical flight.”
While some airlines have responded to the increased use of lithium batteries by carrying containment bags – such as Virgin Atlantic and Wizz Air – they still pose the biggest risk of fire to flights.
And it’s not just power banks that have lithium batteries though and they aren’t anything new – you’ll also find them in your laptop, mobile and smart watch.
When an incident regarding a lithium battery occurs in the cabin, cabin crew can handle it more easily.
However, if the issue is in the hold it is a trickier problem to solve.
According to the CAA, there are around two lithium battery incidents every week.
And these incidents can cause delays as well as the plane diverting.
The rules to be aware of include taking items such as your mobile phone, vapes and power banks on board in the cabin.
If you are taking power banks, you are allowed a maximum of two and you cannot charge them during the flight.
Laptops must be switched off if they are in hold bags.
As part of its new campaign ‘Pack right, Safe flight’, the CAA added that travellers should “choose reputable suppliers and brands when buying devices and spare batteries” and that “batteries that show signs of damage, overheating, or swelling should not be used and should never be carried on an aircraft”.
Giancarlo Buono, Director of Aviation Safety at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: “Flying is by far the safest way to travel, and we want to keep it that way.
“Pack right for a safe flight, and that means don’t put your batteries in your checked bag. Take them into the cabin with you.
“This simple tip will make your flight safer for you, and the other passengers you’re flying with.”
Here are the rules on batteries for some of the major airlines:
British Airways
You can take up to 15 battery-operated Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) that contain lithium batteries such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, cameras, music players, smart baggage tags (e.g. Apple AirTag) onboard.
If in hand luggage, they must be switched off or placed in flight safe mode.
If in checked luggage, they must be completely switched off – not in sleep or hibernation mode.
You can only carry up to two power banks per person and they must be in the cabin in either the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you and they cannot exceed 100Wh.
Ryanair
Electronic devices and spare lithium batteries must be carried in the cabin only.
Each passenger can carry up to 15 electronic devices for personal use in the cabin “including but not limited to: smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, handheld gaming consoles, headphones”.
Each passenger can only carry up to two power banks and these are included in the overall limit of 20 spare lithium batteries – which cannot exceed 100Wh.
Ryanair adds: “Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be carried on the passenger’s person or in the under-seat cabin bag stowed under the seat in front.
“Power banks and spare lithium batteries must not be placed in cabin baggage stored in the overhead lockers.“
Power banks cannot be recharged when onboard or during the flight.
EasyJet
EasyJet has a limit of 15 electronic devices per passenger, which must be 12V or less and 100Wh or less.
When it comes to power banks, Wh ratings cannot exceed 160Wh for lithium batteries, and only two can be carried per passenger.
EasyJet states: “Power banks are prohibited from use on easyJet aircraft and must not be used to charge other devices.
“Power banks must be carried in carry-on baggage only, and it is recommended that power banks are carried where they can be monitore, d i.e. on your person.”
Virgin Atlantic
For Virgin Atlantic, you can travel with up to five spare batteries and/or power banks, depending on their watt-hour (Wh) rating.
All batteries and power banks must be able to fit inside the airline’s onboard Fire Containment Bag, which measures 37×28×10cm.
The airline states: “Please keep them in an accessible place during your flight — not in the overhead locker.
“Power banks cannot be plugged into your seat’s power supply at any time.
“Power banks cannot be used to charge other devices while onboard.
“Batteries and power banks must be under 100Wh.”
Wizz Air
For Wizz Air, power banks cannot be used during any phase of the flight, and they are not allowed in checked luggage.
Each traveller is limited to a maximum of 20 spare batteries, including a maximum of one power bank, which cannot exceed 100Wh.
The airline states: “Power banks and e-cigarettes should be carried where they can be monitored, i.e. on the person.”