The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched a six-point lithium battery safety checklist for air passengers, as almost three million people prepare to fly across England and Wales during the October half-term, warning that incidents involving lithium battery-powered devices “remain highly likely” during the busy period.
The checklist extends the regulator’s advice beyond packing rules to what passengers should do if a device overheats, smokes or catches fire on board, as more travellers fly with power banks and airlines and airports work to keep awareness high. According to research commissioned by the CAA, 54% of air passengers now carry a power bank when they fly, up from 49% last year.
The same survey found awareness of lithium battery travel rules had risen to 86% among recent flyers, from 81% last year, following a summer-long awareness campaign by the regulator, airports and airlines. Almost a third (31%), however, still wrongly believe items containing lithium batteries should be packed in checked luggage.
Under the checklist, passengers should always carry power banks in the cabin and check they meet their airline’s size and quantity limits, never charge a power bank on a flight, and check their airline allows power bank use before using one. If a power bank, vape, phone or tablet gets hot, they should switch it off, stop charging and alert cabin crew immediately, and do the same if a device starts to smoke. Vapes must be carried in the cabin but never used on board.
“Knowing where to pack these devices is important, but passengers should also know what to do if one starts overheating during a flight,” said Glenn Bradley, head of flight operations at the CAA. “Pilots use check lists every flight to remind themselves of safety procedures. We’re now asking passengers to use their own version so they can play a vital role in safety.”
Tonia Fielding, security director at Heathrow, said the checklist “provides clear and practical advice on how to travel safely” given the growing popularity of power banks.
The CAA said it would continue working with airports and airlines across the UK to improve awareness of lithium battery safety and reduce the risk of onboard incidents.
