Major UK airlines have banned power banks and lithium batteries from hold baggage but allow them in cabin luggage with restrictions

Brits have been given a warning ahead of jetting abroad this summer after airlines clarified their rules on a popular holiday essential.

Millions of travellers rely on power banks to keep their phones and tablets charged as they spend hours in the airport, but many are now being told that they are prohibited from carrying them on board due to safety concerns.

The compact chargers pose a deadly risk, amid concerns they can explode and catch fire mid-flight.

However, some of the major budget airlines operating to the UK still permit power banks and batteries on board - albeit with restrictions.

Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Emirates have prohibited the batteries. Emirates states, like many airlines, the devices cannot be used in flight. In certain circumstances, they will be permitted on planes provided they are switched off and kept beneath your seat - not in the overhead cabin.

According to UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) safety experts, lithium batteries are hazardous on planes primarily because of their potential to enter "thermal runaway," a phenomenon where a battery experiences a rapid, uncontrollable increase in temperature, resulting in fire, explosion, and the release of toxic fumes. Ryanair, Easyjet and TUI all have regulations in place regarding power banks, batteries and electrical devices.

Ryanair

You're allowed to carry up to 15 personal electronic devices (this includes but is not limited to: smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, handheld game consoles, headphones, power banks). Spare lithium batteries (including power banks) must be protected individually to stop short circuits by putting them in the original retail packaging or by insulating terminals - this is done by taping over exposed terminals or popping each battery into a separate plastic bag or protective pouch. They can be carried in hand luggage only.

You're also permitted to carry no more than 20 spare lithium batteries, as long as each one doesn't don't exceed 100Wh. Any devices or batteries that exceed 100Wh are not allowed in the hold or the cabin, except for Electric Wheelchair batteries.

Spare lithium batteries - which includes power banks - brought into the cabin cannot be used with portable electronic devices, whether that is to power or charge them, during taxi, landing, or take off. Equally, you cannot put them overhead in the storage locker, where you pop your carry-on luggage. They have to be placed under the seat in front of you, or kept on your person at all times.

Power banks and spare batteries are not allowed in any checked luggage.

Easyjet

EasyJet strictly mandates that all lithium-ion batteries, spare batteries, and power banks must be carried in cabin hand luggage only, banning them from hold luggage due to fire hazards. Power banks under 100Wh (approximately 27,000mAh) are permitted without approval; items between 100-160Wh need airline approval. Batteries contained in portable electronic devices should be transported as carry-on baggage.

If transported as checked baggage, steps must be taken to prevent accidental activation and to safeguard the devices from damage; and the devices must be fully switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode). easyJet has a cap of 15 portable electronic devices per passenger. Portable electronic devices containing non-spillable batteries must be 12 V or less and 100Wh or less. A maximum of 2 spare batteries may be transported.

If the Smart Baggage is to be transported in the cabin, the customer must be able to easily disconnect and remove the lithium battery and/or power bank, but it can stay in the bag. Smart baggage must not be used for travel if the lithium battery or power bank cannot be disconnected easily and taken out by the customer.

If the smart luggage is being checked in and placed in the hold, the lithium battery or power bank must be removed from the smart luggage at Bag Drop and brought into the cabin. Any exposed terminals should be safeguarded against short circuit. The lithium battery or power bank must be removed, so if you're unable to detach it from your luggage, the airline will not be able to accept the bag on board.

TUI

TUI regulations forbid carrying loose lithium batteries, power banks, or spare batteries in checked-in luggage. They must be carried in hand luggage only. Power banks should not exceed 100Wh, and terminals, again, need to be protected from short circuits. These devices are not allowed to be recharged on board. However, you can have a dry AA(A) battery (type Alkaline, NiMh, NiC) for small items like a pocket torch or radio are permitted, as long as they are in the device or kept in sturdy packaging.

If devices are placed in hold baggage, steps must be taken to prevent damage being caused to the device and to stop accidental activation. The device must also be totally switched off (this means no sleep or hibernation mode). TUI requires customers to individually protect any power banks or loose batteries to stop short circuits. This can be done by carrying them in their original packaging, with terminals taped or in a plastic bag in hand luggage. Airline approval is always necessary for medical devices. Information can be found in the section Baggage - Medical baggage on their website. TUI fly stipulates that all power banks must be transported in hand luggage, and never in hold baggage. They must be packed to avoid short circuits (again by using the original packaging or taping terminals). Typically, capacity is restricted to 100Wh per battery, with power banks not allowed to be used for charging devices or recharged themselves whilst onboard.