Overview
- Major carriers and the UK Civil Aviation Authority are urging passengers to carry power banks, e‑cigarettes and spare lithium batteries in cabin baggage rather than checked luggage so crew can reach any overheating device quickly.
- Industry data show a clear rise in battery incidents, with ULSE reporting an average of 2.36 thermal‑runaway events a week in 2025 and UK CAA figures nearly doubling reported device overheating from 2024 to 2025.
- IATA guidance and several airlines will ban in‑flight recharging and restrict passengers to a small number of power banks from January 2027, and some carriers have already imposed stricter one‑ or two‑battery limits.
- Passengers are advised to switch devices off, protect exposed terminals, avoid damaged batteries, and store power banks under the seat rather than in overhead bins to reduce the chance of hidden heat buildup.
- Experts say the rise reflects more devices per traveller and cheaper uncertified power banks, so airlines are upgrading crew training and containment equipment to spot thermal runaway early and limit crew exposure to toxic gases.