As more than 60 million passengers are expected to travel through UK airports this summer, the regulator has launched its “Pack Right for a Safe Flight” campaign in partnership with airlines and airports to remind travellers that items such as mobile phones, power banks and vapes should always be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked luggage.
The warning follows a sharp increase in lithium battery-related incidents. According to CAA data, reports of overheating or malfunctioning passenger devices nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025 after already rising by 98% the previous year. Cases involving lithium battery-powered devices incorrectly packed in checked baggage also increased by 91% in 2025, with incidents now occurring at an average rate of around two every week.
“Flying is by far the safest way to travel, and we want to keep it that way,” said Giancarlo Buono, Director of Aviation Safety at the UK Civil Aviation Authority. “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.”
Power Banks And Vapes Pose The Highest Risk
The CAA advises passengers to carry power banks, spare lithium batteries and electronic cigarettes in their hand luggage at all times. Travellers should never charge a power bank during a flight, while laptops placed in checked baggage must be completely powered off rather than left in sleep mode.
The regulator also notes that passengers cannot travel with more than two power banks. If a lithium battery overheats or catches fire inside an aircraft hold, it can be significantly more difficult for the crew to detect and extinguish than if it occurs inside the cabin.
Passenger Awareness Remains Low
Despite the growing risk, the CAA found that 36% of travellers remain unaware of the dangers associated with packing lithium batteries in checked luggage. The average passenger now travels with four lithium battery-powered devices, meaning a fully loaded Airbus A380 may carry more than 2,000 such devices on a single flight.
The campaign launches as schools in Scotland and Northern Ireland begin their summer holidays and passenger numbers increase across UK airports. Airlines, airports and industry bodies, including Virgin Atlantic, Heathrow Airport, Airlines UK and AirportsUK, are supporting the initiative to encourage passengers to check their bags before travelling and reduce the risk of battery-related incidents.
