UK aviation regulator advises against power banks in hold luggage

The Civil Aviation Authority has issued a reminder to passengers not to place power banks, vapes, or other lithium battery devices in checked luggage during the summer travel season. The regulator reported that 643 devices with lithium batteries were found in hold bags in 2025, up from 316 the previous year.

Reports of devices overheating or malfunctioning also rose from 123 to 206 over the same period.

Fire risk and prevention rules Lithium batteries can store large amounts of energy in small spaces and are used in phones, laptops, smart watches, and power banks. If the batteries overheat or are defective, fires can spread quickly and are difficult to control.

The authority states that around two lithium battery incidents occur each week. Most have happened in the cabin, where crew can respond, but incidents in the hold may go undetected until they become severe. Passengers are advised to carry such items in the cabin, limit power banks to two per person, and ensure laptops placed in checked bags are turned off completely.

Only two power banks per person are permitted on flights, and they cannot be charged on board.

Industry and safety group statements Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said the risk of lithium battery incidents was a growing challenge as the number of electronic devices increases. He added that prevention begins when passengers pack their bags.

Giuseppe Capanna, a product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, said substandard versions bought through third-party sellers are usually responsible for problems. He noted that when devices are packed in baggage there is no access to them if something goes wrong.