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For those of you jetting off these school holidays, there's one travel essential you might want to double-check before zipping up your suitcase: your power bank.
It might seem harmless, but lithium-ion batteries found in power banks, vapes, smartphones, and laptops have become one of the biggest fire risks on commercial aircraft.
Aviation authorities around the world are warning travellers to pack them correctly or risk delays or confiscation.
According to the BBC, the UK's Civil Aviation Authority now considers lithium battery incidents the number one safety risk to aircraft, with reports of devices found in checked baggage nearly doubling in a year.
The regulator recorded 643 incidents in 2025, up from 316 in 2024, while reports of batteries overheating or malfunctioning also increased significantly.
It's not just a UK issue.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has also tightened regulations surrounding lithium-ion power banks, reminding passengers that power banks are never permitted in checked luggage and must travel in the aircraft cabin.
Why are power banks such a risk?
Lithium-ion batteries pack a huge amount of energy into a compact device.
While they're generally safe, damaged, defective or poor-quality batteries can overheat, causing what's known as thermal runaway - a rapidly spreading fire that's extremely difficult to extinguish.
These batteries can also be found in electronic cigarettes such as vapes, as well as smartphones, laptops, earphones, and other electronic devices.
What South African travellers need to know
Before heading to the airport, make sure you've packed correctly. According to FlySafair and the South African Civil Aviation Authority:
- Never place a power bank in checked baggage.
- Power banks up to 100Wh must always be packed in your carry-on luggage.
- Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh generally require airline approval before travel.
- Power banks over 160Wh are not permitted on passenger aircraft.
- A maximum of two power banks per person is allowed.
- Battery-powered devices must be stored in your personal luggage under the seat in front of you, not in the overhead cabin.
- No charging of items during the flight.
Other regulations to remember:
- Laptops placed in checked baggage must be completely switched off, not in sleep mode.
- Vapes and electronic cigarettes must also travel in your carry-on baggage and may not be used or charged during the flight.
Check Before You Fly
Remember that airlines can have additional requirements, so before you head off on your next adventure, take two minutes to check your airline's battery policy.
It could save you from unpacking your suitcase at check-in or even delaying your flight.
You really don’t want to be that passenger!
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