The UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a warning to passengers regarding the risks associated with lithium batteries in checked baggage. With the summer travel season approaching and an estimated 60 million people expected to fly, the CAA urges travelers to ensure that devices containing rechargeable lithium batteries, such as power banks and vapes, are carried in the cabin, not in checked luggage.
The warning comes as new data indicates a substantial increase in incidents involving passenger electronic devices. Reports of overheating or malfunctioning devices nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025, a rise of 98 percent year-on-year. Concurrently, cases of lithium battery-powered devices being incorrectly packed in checked baggage increased by 91 percent in 2025.
According to the CAA, more than 100 million batteries could be incorrectly packed. This estimate is based on data showing that the average passenger carries four such devices, combined with the total number of travelers and an understanding that many people are unaware of the packing regulations. The authority states that the fire risk posed by lithium batteries has become the number one safety concern for aircraft.
These rechargeable batteries, commonly found in power banks, vapes, mobile phones, and laptops, can pose an uncontrollable fire risk if packed in checked baggage. Passengers are instructed to carry items like mobile phones, vapes, and power banks into the aircraft cabin. Laptops should be turned off completely if placed in checked bags.
Giancarlo Buono, director of aviation safety at the UK CAA, emphasized the importance of proper packing for flight safety. "Pack right for a safe flight, and that means don't put your batteries in your checked bag. Take them into the cabin with you," he stated. "This simple tip will make your flight safer for you, and the other passengers you're flying with."
Despite the rising number of incidents, passenger awareness remains low, with 36 percent of travelers reportedly unaware of the dangers. On a typical flight, with an average of four lithium-powered devices per passenger, hundreds of batteries could be incorrectly stowed.
Power banks and vapes are identified as particularly high-risk items. Passengers are permitted to carry a maximum of two power banks into the cabin. Charging a power bank itself is prohibited on board, although charging other devices from a power bank may be allowed, contingent on airline policies or CAA guidelines.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, expressed support for the campaign, noting that while flying is a safe mode of transport, the increasing use of electronic devices presents a growing challenge. "Electronic devices like tablets, power banks and vapes belong in your hand luggage, not the hold," Alderslade said. "We'd urge every passenger heading away this summer to take a moment to check before they zip up their bag."
Failure to comply with these regulations could result in luggage being removed from flights, causing delays, or, in the worst-case scenario, lead to a fire that is difficult to contain.