How to safely transport electronic devices on the plane? Learn the battery rules, luggage restrictions and practical tips to avoid problems at the airport.
Electronic devices on the aircraft – which can be transported and how
Electronic devices, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets and cameras, accompany us on almost every journey. The transport of electronics on the aircraft, however, is subject to strict regulations, especially in terms of lithium-ion batteries, which are standard in most modern devices. In this article, we will discuss the principles of transporting electronic devices, paying special attention to batteries, but also to other important aspects, such as restrictions on hand luggage and registered luggage and safety. There will also be a few bonus tips.
Why are batteries a problem in aircraft?
Lithium-ion batteries used in most electronic devices are a source of high density energy. Under certain conditions, they can pose a fire hazard. For this reason, organizations such as the International Association of Air Carriers (IATA) and National Civil Aviation Offices (e.g. the Civil Aviation Office in Poland) introduced detailed regulations regarding their transport. The key is the distinction between hand and registered luggage, because the rules for each of them differ significantly.
Principles of transporting lithium-ion batteries on aircraft
According to IATA guidelines, lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of up to 100 WH may be transported in hand luggage without the need to obtain the consent of the carrier. This applies to most smartphones, tablets, laptops and power bank. Batteries with a capacity of 100 to 160 Wh require the consent of the airline, and those above 160 Wh are usually prohibited in air transport. Going on a journey, for peace of mind it is also worth checking what the guidelines of specific carriers look like.
How to check the battery capacity? Usually, this information can be found on the device housing or in its technical specification. For example, the average smartphone has a battery with a capacity of about 10-15 Wh, a 40-80 Wh laptop, and popular power banks from 20 to 100 Wh. However, it is worth making sure that a given power bank meets the requirements. Some cheap models may not have adequate markings, which may result in their confiscation during security control.
Spare links, such as Power Banks or additional batteries for cameras, must always be transported in hand luggage. The regulations prohibit their placement in checked luggage due to the risk of a fire, which cannot be quickly mastered in the luggage hatch. Each spare battery should be secured, e.g. in an original packaging or a plastic bag, to prevent short circuit after contact with another.
Electronic devices in hand luggage
Most electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, wireless headphones or e-book readers, can be easily taken to hand luggage. However, it is worth remembering a few issues:
- Security check: When briefing at the airport, electronic devices, especially laptops and tablets, must be removed from the bag and placed in separate containers on the scanning tape. Some airports also require the device to be turned on to confirm that it works and does not pose a threat.
- Hand luggage limits: Dimensions and weight of hand luggage vary depending on the airline. For example, Ryanair allows luggage with dimensions of 40x20x25 cm, while the flight allows 55x40x23 cm. Make sure your backpack or electronics bag is in these limits.
- Devices with wireless connectivity: Smartphones, smartwatches or tablets can be used on board, but only in aircraft mode. In the case of devices emitting strong signals, such as radio transmitters, additional restrictions apply.
Electronics in checked baggage
Although checked baggage seems to be a convenient place for larger devices, such as drones or professional photographic equipment, be careful. Lithium-ion batteries, as mentioned, cannot be found in checked luggage, which means that drone or cameras batteries must be removed and taken on board. The device itself, e.g. a drone without a battery, can be placed in a luggage hatch, but it is worth protecting them well against damage.
Some airlines may have additional requirements for the transport of large electronic devices, so it’s always worth checking the carrier’s regulations before departure.
Special cases: drones, e-cigarettes and other devices
Drones are becoming more and more popular among travelers, but their transport is strictly regulated. Drone batteries must be transported in hand luggage, and their capacity must not exceed IATA limits. In some countries, such as India or Egypt, there are special regulations regarding the import of drones that may require permission.
E-cigarettes and vaping devices are also subject to restrictions. They can only be transported in hand luggage, and their batteries must meet the same requirements as other lithium-ion batteries. E-cigarette fluids are subject to liquid transport rules (max. 100 ml in a transparent bag).
Practical tips for travelers
- Check the recipes of the carrier and the target country: Differences in regulations between the airlines and countries can be significant. For example, in the USA TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has its own guidelines, which may be more stringent than in Europe.
- Protect the devices: Use a case, covers and protective bags to prevent damage to electronics. For spare batteries, make sure that the contacts are covered to avoid short circuit.
- Mark your devices: In the event of luggage luggage, it will be easier to recover electronics if it is marked with your contact details.
- Charge the devices before the flight: Some airports may require the device to be turned on during the inspection. It is worth having charged equipment to avoid complications.
- Don’t overdo it with power banks: Although there is no strict limit of the number of power banks in hand luggage, some airlines may limit their number!
The provisions regarding the transport of electronic devices are aimed at ensuring the safety of all passengers. Incidents related to lithium-ion batteries’ fires, although rare, have happened in the past, which prompted air organizations to tighten the regulations. As travelers, we are responsible for observing these rules and conscious packaging. When traveling by plane, negotiations during the inspection are unlikely to come into play, so it is worth preparing to travel in such a way as to avoid unpleasantness.
