Most passengers pack this common travel item — and it puts a huge number of flights at risk

For a safer flight, lose the juice.

Portable battery chargers are one of the most commonly owned travel devices that some longhaul plane passengers never go without — despite putting everyone around them at risk of disaster. According to experts, boarding a plane with a full power bank can do a lot of harm.

A new report from UL Standards has warned of the risk lithium batteries can present to air travel.

Lithium batteries are found in any device with a rechargeable battery, such as power banks, laptops, tablets, headphones, phones and e-cigarettes. 

“Devices containing these batteries should not be stored in checked luggage. Instead, keeping all lithium-ion battery-powered devices within arm’s reach can sharply reduce the risk of an incident occurring,” the report read.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported 77 incidents of “thermal runaway” when lithium-ion batteries overheat and can result in dangerous electrical fires and situations on aircraft. This was a 71% increase in incidents from 2019. 

In around 60% of the cases reported last year, the overheating occurred near the seat of the passenger who brought the rechargeable device onboard. 

If an electrical fire was to happen “airline crews have procedures to contain the device and prevent further damage to the aircraft or injury to passengers,” UL Standards report added.

There have been 37 reported incidents in 2024, but more than a quarter of passengers surveyed by UL Standards admitted to putting items with lithium batteries, including spare batteries and power banks, in their checked luggage, which is against United States federal rules.

Lithium metal batteries must not exceed 0.3g of lithium, and lithium-ion batteries should not exceed a watt-hour rating of 2.7Wh, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Any devices stored in a checked bag containing a lithium battery must be completely turned off.

It’s suggested that you check your airline’s guidelines about specific policies regarding lithium batteries before traveling.