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The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has highlighted a rising number of serious incidents involving power banks on flights globally, urging travelers to familiarize themselves with the regulations concerning these devices. Portable chargers, which can overheat or catch fire, pose significant safety risks when carried onboard aircraft. The CAA stresses that these concerns are not merely regulatory formalities but important safety measures that passengers need to observe carefully.
Jonathan Nicholson from the CAA explained to BBC News that the core international guidelines regarding power banks are straightforward but essential. Passengers must never place power banks in checked baggage and are limited to carrying a maximum of two per person. Furthermore, while onboard the plane, passengers should avoid using these devices and, crucially, must not charge power banks during the flight, as this is when the risk of overheating and fire greatly increases.
The CAA intends to collaborate with UK airlines to launch a campaign ahead of the summer travel season, aimed at educating both holidaymakers and business travelers about these rules and their importance. This move comes after an EasyJet flight from Egypt to London had to divert to Rome due to concerns raised by a passenger who spotted a portable charger in the aircraft’s hold, which is against regulations. The diversion caused passengers to remain overnight, with their journey continuing the following day.
Data collected by the CAA, involving reports from 37 passenger and cargo airlines since 2019, indicates a 15% increase in incidents related to rechargeable lithium-ion devices, such as power banks, phones, tablets, and laptops. Although many passengers recognize the presence of regulations, a recent CAA survey found that over a third are unclear about the specific rules, with those over 55 years old generally having better awareness. Nicholson warned that power banks contain larger and more powerful batteries than other common electronic devices, making any fire incidents involving them much more dangerous. While cabin crew receive training to handle such emergencies, Nicholson emphasized the importance of passengers taking responsibility for their device care, recommending that consumers invest in higher-quality power banks and handle them with greater caution both on and off flights. Airlines typically require that power banks be kept in carry-on bags, preferably under the seat rather than in overhead compartments, to reduce risk further
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