- As more than 6 million passengers travel through Birmingham Airport, and over 1.7 million travel through East Midlands International so far this year*, holidaymakers are being urged not to let a simple packing mistake disrupt their late summer getaway.
- This advice comes as around 2 million passengers* are expected to depart from airports across England, Scotland and Wales over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
- Lithium batteries can overheat if damaged, so passengers are being told to “Pack Right for a Safe Flight” by keeping power banks, vapes and spare batteries in hand luggage, not checked baggage.
With more than 8 million passengers travelling through airports in the Midlands during the first half of the year, the UK Civil Aviation Authority is urging holidaymakers not to let a simple packing mistake get in the way of their late summer getaway ahead of the bank holiday weekend.
As around 2 million passengers* are expected to depart from airports across England, Scotland and Wales over the August Bank Holiday weekend – before heading to the airport, travellers are being encouraged to take a few moments to check they have packed their battery-powered devices correctly.
Lithium batteries can overheat if damaged and are found in many of the everyday gadgets we travel with. Passengers are being reminded to follow a few simple steps before they fly:
- Keep items such as mobile phones, vapes and power banks in your hand luggage.
- Never charge a power bank during a flight.
Common holiday gadgets that should travel in hand luggage:
- Power banks
- Vapes
- Wireless headphones
- Laptops
- Tablets and e-readers
- Smartwatches
- Cameras
Jonathan Nicholson, a spokesperson at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: “Whether you’re heading off for some late summer sun, squeezing in a last-minute family holiday or enjoying a long weekend away, a few simple checks before you travel can help your journey get off to the best possible start.
“With the average traveller now packing around four different lithium powered devices when they fly, it is more important than ever to ‘Pack Right for a Safe Flight’.”
“Don’t let a simple packing mistake get in the way of your well-earned break! Lithium batteries can overheat if damaged, so always take power banks, vapes and phones in the cabin with you – this simple step helps make flying safer for everyone on board.”
Caroline Milnes, Head of Aviation Security at Birmingham Airport said: “More than six million passengers have already travelled through the Birmingham Airport this year, and with many families still jetting off on their summer holidays, we want to help everyone travel safely and avoid unnecessary delays.
“Lithium battery-powered devices, including vapes, e-cigarettes and items such as DSLR cameras, should never be packed in checked baggage but some airlines will allow them to be taken on board in cabin hold. Rules can vary and so passengers should always check with their airline before. By following the guidance before you travel, passengers can help keep their journeys smooth, safe and stress-free.”
For more information on travelling safely with lithium batteries and to view the full guidance, visit www.caa.co.uk/packright.
