Passengers going abroad this summer are being warned their battery packs could be confiscated by airport security thanks to rules on taking batteries on planes. Peak holiday season is now in full swing in the summer holidays, and travel experts are urging people to check the latest flight security rules before packing their luggage and preparing to jet off.
It’s not just battery packs, but deodorant, vapes and various other common items that are being taken off passengers, with some even facing spot fines. “We’re seeing more holidaymakers caught out by everyday items they wouldn’t usually think twice about,” says Jonny Smith, a fire safety assessment specialist at Crusader Fire.
“The problem isn’t malicious intent, it’s people genuinely not realising that things like power banks or aerosol sprays are classed as fire risks.”
Passengers may not realise that battery packs cannot go in hold luggage due to fire risks. That means you can take them onto a plane in hand luggage, but not packed into your suitcase to be checked in onto the plane’s cargo hold.
The same rules apply to vapes, which also cannot go in hold luggage, only hand luggage, say Crusader Fire.
They said: “Power banks and spare lithium batteries can’t go in the hold due to fire risk.
“Disposable vapes must be kept in hand luggage only, never checked bags.”
They added that it’s not just an inconvenience, but that you could be fined, adding: “Many of these are packed without a second thought, but are considered hazardous in the pressurised conditions of an aircraft cabin.
“Confiscated items aren’t just an inconvenience. Some passengers are facing:
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Fines of £100 to £1,000, depending on the item and airport
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Delays at security, which can lead to missed flights
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Loss of valuable items, including electronics or expensive toiletries
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Extra screening or being flagged for future flights”
“At major UK hubs like Heathrow and Gatwick, security teams reportedly confiscate thousands of fire-risk items every day during peak season.
“It’s easy to assume if you can buy it in Boots, it’s safe to fly with. But aviation rules aren’t always logical to the everyday traveller. If in doubt, check before you pack.”
