The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recorded 206 lithium battery incidents involving fire, smoke, or extreme heat on UK flights last year – a 67% increase compared to 2024. This safety surge, alongside 643 detected cases of incorrectly packed devices, has prompted airlines to strictly enforce regulations regarding vapes and portable power banks.
Many travelers remain confused about how to safely pack these devices, leading to airport delays. Oliver Weber, Head of External & Legal Affairs at StagBar, noted that different airlines enforce their own restrictions regarding the maximum number of devices a passenger is allowed to carry. Because vapes are classified as electronic devices, passengers must verify individual carrier rules before arriving at the airport.
| Airline | Vape Packing Rules | Battery & Device Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Jet2 | Allowed in cabin; must be protected individually to prevent accidental activation. | Battery capacity must not exceed 160Wh; battery must remain installed in the device. |
| easyJet | Allowed in cabin only; device must be completely switched off. | Maximum of two spare batteries permitted in carry-on baggage. |
| Ryanair | Allowed in cabin only. | Up to 15 electronic devices and 20 lithium batteries (each under 100Wh) allowed per passenger. |
Power banks pose similar fire risks and must remain in carry-on baggage. The CAA advises that passengers may be asked to store power banks in seat pockets rather than overhead lockers to allow cabin crew to monitor them easily.
Additionally, charging e-cigarettes or power banks mid-flight is strictly forbidden across all carriers. Charging increases the operating temperature of lithium-ion batteries, elevating the risk of thermal runaway and cabin fires.
