We’ve all been there. Rushing to the airport, frantically trying to finish that last email, only to find our phone battery is dangerously low. However, this common travel oversight carries a risk far greater than missing a message. There is a specific, often forgotten, security mandate at UK and international airports. All electronic devices carried into the cabin must be able to switch on for inspection upon demand. This stringent policy is in place because security officials need to verify that your item is indeed a functioning device, and if your mobile phone, laptop or tablet has a completely flat battery and cannot power on, they have the authority to deny it, or you, passage.
To sidestep this costly and frustrating travel disaster, you must make device charging a priority equal to packing your passport. The golden rule is to always ensure essential electronics are charged above 50% before you even leave home. This buffer is critical because airport charging points can be scarce or slow. Furthermore, pack a reliable power bank (portable charger) in your hand luggage and treat it as a vital travel document, ensuring that even after heavy use, you can instantly power up for the security checkpoint and guarantee a swift pass through screening.
