Whether you’re flying from Birmingham or Bangkok, one important rule applies to all air travellers: portable chargers should never be placed in checked baggage. While this advice is especially being highlighted to British holidaymakers ahead of the busy travel season, it’s a global safety concern that affects every passenger on board.
At the heart of the issue is the lithium battery. These batteries, found in most portable chargers, have the potential to overheat or catch fire if they’re faulty, damaged or short-circuited. The UK Civil Aviation Authority advises that this kind of battery failure, known as thermal runaway, can lead to fires that are impossible to manage once the baggage is in the hold. In extreme cases, it could endanger the aircraft and those on board. That’s why all lithium-powered devices – including power banks – must be carried in your hand luggage. Some airlines even require passengers to keep them on their person at all times – such as Air Busan, a South Korean carrier, which introduced the rule after a power bank caught fire on one of its flights in January 2025.
So, next time you’re packing, take a moment to move your charger to your cabin bag. A simple precaution, but one that ensures you – and your fellow passengers – can fly more safely.
