The International Air Transport Association (IATA) publishes guidance for travellers who carry devices with lithium batteries. The 2018 version of this article described the regulations of that year. IATA now presents its advice as seven safety rules, summarised here. They are guidance for passengers. The binding rules come from each country's regulator and your airline.
The seven rules
- Take only what you need. Fewer devices and spares mean fewer risks on board.
- Speak up quickly. A device that feels hot, gives off smoke or looks damaged should be reported to the crew immediately.
- Know the size. Batteries above 100 watt-hours, such as those for cameras, drones or power tools, may need your airline's permission.
- Keep electronics in the cabin. Phones, laptops, cameras and vapes (where they are permitted) should stay in your hand baggage and out of the hold.
- Empty the bag at a gate check. When a cabin bag is sent to the hold at the gate, take out every battery and device beforehand.
- Cover loose batteries. Leave spares and power banks in their retail packs, or tape the terminals so they cannot short.
- Ask your airline. Its policy may differ, depending on local regulation.
What IATA's survey found
- 83% of surveyed passengers carry a phone, 60% a laptop and 44% a power bank.
- Half believe small lithium-powered devices may go in checked baggage, and 45% think power banks can go in the hold.
- 33% are unsure about the limits for bigger batteries and spare power banks.
These are exactly the mistakes the rules aim to prevent.
Where to look for the detail
IATA's page has questions and answers on why batteries cannot go in checked luggage, how to pack spares, size limits, e-cigarettes, smart luggage and drones. Read it at the link above, and compare with the US FAA's passenger table in our post on carrying lithium batteries and devices.
Questions and comments