Ryanair, Jet2, easyJet, BA and TUI rules for packing power banks in luggage

A global shift across worldwide airlines has seen rules tightened over the carrying of power banks onto flights.

An incident that left three people injured led to a crackdown of portable power banks in checked baggage. After an Air Busan plane caught fire at Gimhae International Airport on January 28, the airline announced it would be .

The extra precautions stem from the fact that power banks use , which are known to be highly flammable and difficult to extinguish. South Korea’s transport ministry’s initial investigation of the Air Busan incident even found a in an overhead luggage compartment where the fire was first observed.

Following the incident, swiftly announced it would also no longer permit portable power banks in checked luggage starting April 1. Airlines such as Qantas and Emirates have also introduced stricter rules regarding power bank transportation.

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has long-recommended that power banks be placed in passengers’ carry-on luggage only and limited to specific watt-hour ratings to lower the risk of fire. Many UK airlines have thus enforced strict rules for packing power banks, and we have outlined the latest regulations for the most popular carriers below.

Ryanair

Ryanair passengers are allowed to carry portable power banks but with certain restrictions. Power banks must only be kept in hand luggage, not checked baggage, and have a capacity of 100 Wh or less, or up to 160 Wh with airline approval. It is advised that power banks are individually insulated and protected from damage in cabin bags.

Jet2

Jet2 has strict rules for portable power banks. According to the airline: “When carried by customers, lithium-ion batteries, lithium metal batteries, and power banks that do not clearly state the watt-hour rating or lithium metal content, or where the watt-hour rating cannot easily be otherwise ascertained, are forbidden”.

That said, each passenger is permitted to travel with a maximum of 20 spare/loose lithium batteries (including power banks) in their cabin baggage. However, each battery must be individually protected to prevent short circuiting.

easyJet

easyJet allows passengers to carry power banks in their carry-on baggage, but must be individually protected to prevent short circuits. There is also a limit of two power banks per passenger and power banks must also have a capacity of 100 Wh or less.

The airline’s power banks restrictions also apply to smart luggage in the cabin. For safety reasons, the airline states that lithium battery/power banks for smart luggage needs to be disconnected. If you are unable to disconnect your power bank, you will not be permitted to bring your luggage on board.

British Airways

British Airways is very clear in their regulations surrounding batteries and power banks. According to the airline’s website, batteries of up to 100Wh, including power banks, can only be carried in cabin luggage and must be insulated from contact with metal.

Passengers are permitted a maximum of two spare lithium-ion batteries of Watt-hour between 100-160. Any power bank built into smart luggage must be disconnected before being carried into the cabin.

TUI

Falling in line with other airlines, TUI permits powerbanks in the cabin but only if there are individually protected against short circuiting. This means they should either be carried in their original packaging, with terminals taped or in a plastic bag in hand luggage.