The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched ‘Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries’, a global safety campaign that gives travellers seven simple rules for carrying mobile phones, laptops, power banks, and other lithium-powered devices safely when they fly.
The carriage of litium batteries on airplanes has come to the fore in recent times, with many airlines now adding restrictions on the carriage and use (or both) of these items.
On 28 January this year, an Air Busan aircraft caught fire while preparing to taxi for takeoff. The fire resulted in 27 injuries and the Airbus A321 was destroyed by flames, caused by an overheating powerbank.
IATA CAMPAIGN ON SAFELY FLYING WITH LITHIUM BATTERIES
The campaign will run on IATA’s website and social channels and is available as white-label assets for airlines, airports, and other partners across the travel ecosystem.
“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 Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security.
Travellers Are Carrying More Devices but with Incomplete Knowledge
A recent IATA passenger survey found that most travelers fly with lithium-powered devices:
- 83% of travelers carry a phone
- 60% carry a laptop
- 44% carry a power bank
While 93% of travelers consider themselves knowledgeable on the rules for carrying lithium-powered devices (including 57% rating themselves as very familiar with the rules), critical misconceptions persist:
- 50% incorrectly believe it’s OK to pack small lithium-powered devices in checked luggage
- 45% incorrectly believe it’s OK to pack power banks in checked luggage
- 33% incorrectly believe that there are no power limits on power banks or spare batteries
Seven Simple Safety Rules
The campaign assets highlight seven simple rules every traveler should follow:
- Pack light: Only bring the devices and batteries you really need.
- Stay alert: If a device is hot, smoking, or damaged, tell the crew (or airport staff) immediately.
- Keep devices with you: Always carry phones, laptops, cameras, vapes (if allowed) and other battery-powered items in your hand baggage, not in checked baggage.
- Protect loose batteries: Keep spare batteries and power banks in their original packaging, or cover the terminals with tape to prevent short-circuits.
- Gate check reminder: If hand baggage is taken at the gate to go in the aircraft baggage hold, remove all lithium batteries and devices first.
- Check battery size: For larger batteries (over 100 watt-hours, such as those used in larger cameras, drones, or power tools), check with the airline as approval may be required.
- Check airline rules: Always confirm the airline’s policies, as requirements may differ in compliance with local regulations.
Industry-Wide Rollout
The multilingual campaign will be rolled out through digital assets that airlines and other partners can adapt and share with passengers, ensuring consistent safety messaging across the industry.
A short, animated video, designed to make the rules simple, engaging, and easy to remember, can be used by airlines and airports on their digital and social channels.
ALSO READ: Emirates Airlines bans power banks effective October 2025
