Holidaymakers warned as ‘exploding’ everyday gadget is strictly banned from flights

Major UK airlines have introduced strict rules banning certain devices from hold luggage after an easyJet flight was recently diverted to Rome, but many travellers are still unaware

An airlines crackdown is underway on a common electrical item carried by holidaymakers, following an increase in dangerous mid-air incidents. A number of major carriers have now introduced total bans on power banks – the portable chargers used for smartphones and tablets – due to severe safety risks.

As a general rule, the gadgets are only allowed in cabin bags and are strictly forbidden in checked luggage because they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode mid-flight.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has now issued an urgent call for “more awareness,” warning that the portable chargers carry “serious risks” of catching fire.

Jonathan Nicholson from the CAA told BBC News that restrictions such as not putting the devices in checked luggage were not “somebody being pedantic” or “for the sake of it”, with passengers urged “to do the right thing.”

Despite the warnings, fears are growing that passengers are ignoring the rules and packing them anyway. Power banks have skyrocketed in popularity for travel, offering fast, convenient charging on the move to combat phone battery anxiety.

The reality of the danger was laid bare recently when a UK-bound easyJet flight was forced to make an emergency diversion to Rome. A passenger admitted mid-flight that they had accidentally packed a power bank in their hold luggage. The airline confirmed the captain chose to divert “in line with safety regulations.”

The Golden Rules for Power Banks

A CAA survey of 1,000 UK passengers in November 2025 revealed that while over a third knew lithium battery rules existed, they were clueless about the specifics. Over-55s were the most knowledgeable group.

Mr Nicholson outlined the “basic set of international rules” all passengers must follow on power banks, with travellers urged to take them on board the aircraft, not in checked luggage and stick to a maximum of two power banks per passenger.

When on board the aircraft, don’t use them and “absolutely do not charge the power bank itself because that’s when they become really hot and most susceptible to having an issue.”

He added that incidents are “certainly on the rise” alongside vapes, which face the same checked-luggage bans.

Global airlines are tightening the screws. Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Emirates have all banned the batteries from being used. Emirates rules state they must be turned off and stored under the seat, not in the overhead lockers.

According to CAA safety experts, lithium batteries pose a unique danger due to “thermal runaway” – a terrifying phenomenon where a battery undergoes a rapid, uncontrollable spike in temperature, causing explosions, fires and toxic fumes. Here’s what Ryanair, easyJet, and TUI say:

Ryanair

Passengers can bring up to 15 electronic devices, but spare lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in hand luggage only. Terminals must be insulated (taped over or in separate plastic bags) to prevent short circuits.

You can bring up to 20 spare batteries under 100Wh, but they cannot be used to charge devices during taxi, take-off, or landing. They must be kept under the seat in front or on your person, not in overhead lockers. Anything over 100Wh is completely banned.

easyJet

Power banks under 100Wh (approx. 27,000mAh) are allowed in the cabin only. Anything between 100-160Wh requires prior airline approval. If you are flying with “Smart Baggage,” the power bank must be easily removable.

If you have to check the bag into the hold, the battery must be disconnected at Bag Drop and brought into the cabin. If it can’t be removed, the bag will be rejected.

TUI

TUI strictly forbids loose lithium batteries or power banks in checked luggage. They must be stored in hand luggage, capped at 100Wh and have their terminals protected.

Crucially, they cannot be used to charge devices or be recharged themselves while on board the aircraft and should be kept in your seat pocket or under the seat.

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