UK Fliers Urged To Place Tape On Their Power Banks

The Huffington Post

UK Fliers Urged To Place Tape On Their Power Banks

An easyJet flight from Egypt to London recently had to divert to Rome due to a power bank charging in a passenger’s luggage stored in the hold. Flight rules dictate that lithium batteries, like those found in portable chargers, should never be stored in the hold. Those over 100Wh need special approval from operators, while power banks over 160Wh aren’t allowed on board at all. They can’t be charged or used on a flight either, because that increases their fire risk . Additionally, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said power banks need to be “individually protected when not in use”. Speaking to HuffPost UK, a CAA spokesperson said UK fliers should consider putting some tape on their power bank terminals. Why should I put tape on my power banks? Glenn Bradley, head of flight operations at the CAA, explained: “Lithium batteries power lots of everyday electronics, from vapes and mobile phones to cameras and power banks. “If they become faulty or damaged, they can cause an intense fire that is difficult to extinguish.” The Devon And Somerset Fire And Rescue Service previously explained that one errant cell of a lithium battery can create a chain reaction “similar to several fireworks going off at once”. Power banks have previously been linked to various plane and airport fires. In 2025, an exploded power bank led Melbourne Airport to evacuate passengers . And South Korean airline Air Busan attributed a plane-destroying fire to a portable power bank, too. Because of this risk, Bradley said, ”[the CAA] are encouraging passengers to pack their power banks safely. Taping over the terminals helps protect against accidental short circuiting”. The terminal of a power bank refers to the USB or USB-C port that connects your charger cord to the battery unit. Some airlines, like TUI , have also advised covering your power bank terminals with tape before stepping on board. How else can I protect my power bank? Another method is to keep it in its original packaging. “Loose [lithium] batteries and power banks should be individually protected against short circuits by carrying them in their original packaging, with terminals taped or in a plastic bag in hand luggage,” TUI’s site reads (this is in line with CAA policy ). This can also help to protect your power bank from being squashed or crushed as you travel. Or, the CAA added, you can “place each [lithium] battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch”. If those aren’t an option though, a bit of tape can go a long way. Related... Doctors Warn Against 'Hot Cup' Hack To Help Sore Ears On Flights. Try This Instead British Airways Boss Issues Jet Fuel Flight Price Warning 500 Flights To EU Destination 'Expected To Be Cancelled' Today

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