IATA: 50% of Air Travellers Still Packing Batteries Wrong

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries to educate air travellers on how to safely carry mobile phones, laptops, power banks, and other lithium-powered devices when they fly.

The campaign outlines seven simple safety rules and is being rolled out across IATA’s website, social channels, and through white-label materials available to airlines, airports, and travel partners worldwide.

“Lithium-powered devices are safe when handled properly, but they can pose a risk if damaged or packed incorrectly. As more travelers fly with these devices, our Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries campaign will help airlines educate their passengers on the simple rules they must keep in mind when traveling with the electronic devices that have become an essential part of their daily lives,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s SVP, Operations, Safety and Security.

"If a lithium battery overheats or ignites in the cargo hold, the crew cannot take immediate action to identify and extinguish it. Keeping these items in the cabin means the crew can act immediately if there’s a problem," IATA stated.

 

 

Travellers Confident but Misguided

According to IATA’s latest passenger survey, nearly everyone now flies with at least one lithium-powered device:

• 83% carry a phone
• 60% carry a laptop
• 44% carry a power bank

While 93% of travellers said they are familiar with the rules for carrying these devices, the survey revealed persistent misconceptions.

Half of respondents (50%) wrongly believe it’s acceptable to pack small lithium-powered devices in checked baggage, and 45% think it’s fine to pack power banks in checked bags. 

 

Another 33% were unaware that power banks and spare batteries are subject to watt-hour limits.

Seven Simple Safety Rules

1. Pack light: Only bring the devices and batteries you need.
2. Stay alert: If a device is hot, smoking, or damaged, notify crew or airport staff immediately.
3. Keep devices with you: Always carry phones, laptops, cameras, and vapes (where allowed) in hand baggage—not checked bags.
4. Protect loose batteries: Keep spare batteries and power banks in their packaging or cover terminals with tape.
5. Gate check reminder: Remove lithium devices or batteries if your carry-on must be checked at the gate.
6. Check battery size: Batteries over 100 watt-hours may require airline approval.
7. Check airline rules: Policies can vary by carrier and jurisdiction.

Common devices that use lithium batteries

According to IATA, beyond mobile phones and laptops, lithium batteries power a wide range of personal and travel items, including tablets, e-readers, wireless headphones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, cameras, portable speakers, power banks, handheld gaming consoles, and electronic styluses. 

They are also found in electric toothbrushes, shavers, and hair-straighteners, as well as in e-cigarettes, handheld fans, torches, medical devices such as hearing aids and glucose monitors, and compact tools or gadgets like screwdrivers and laser pointers. 

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