Manchester Airport security teams have issued an urgent warning to passengers to check their baggage before traveling this summer. Packing vapes, power banks, and other devices containing lithium batteries in checked luggage is strictly prohibited and causes major operational bottlenecks.
Why Lithium Batteries Must Stay in Cabin Baggage
Devices powered by lithium batteries present a safety risk in the cargo hold. If damaged, these batteries can overheat or catch fire. In the cabin, crew members can quickly detect and manage any thermal incidents, which is impossible in the cargo hold.
Anthony Shaw, Security Team Leader at Manchester Airport, stated: “These devices are forbidden within hold luggage and must be carried in your hand luggage where, in the event of an emergency, the problem will be spotted more quickly and can be more easily dealt with.”
If security officers detect prohibited electronics in checked bags during screening, they will open the luggage to remove the items, potentially delaying the bag’s departure.
Packing Rules for Liquids and Sports Equipment
While electronic devices belong in hand luggage, other items must be placed in the aircraft hold. Large liquid containers exceeding 100ml, such as sunscreens, shampoos, and conditioners, must remain in checked baggage.
Although Manchester Airport has installed new CT scanners in both terminals, it is still awaiting certification from the UK Civil Aviation Authority before relaxing liquid restrictions. Additionally, oversized items like golf clubs, cricket bats, and skis must be checked in due to cabin safety regulations.
Tips to Avoid Airport Security Delays
With more than six million passengers expected this summer, the airport security team shared advice to help travelers avoid delays:
- Avoid carrying hazardous goods, including fireworks, flammable liquids, or compressed gas.
- Keep essential medication, passports, and travel documents in hand luggage.
- Protect fragile items with padding inside checked bags.
- Use colorful tags to make luggage easy to identify at baggage reclaim.
- Secure loose straps and remove old baggage tags to prevent bags from catching on conveyor belts.
