Most passengers pack this common travel item – and it puts a large number of flights at risk

For a safer flight, lose the fluid.

Portable battery chargers are one of the most common travel gadgets that some long-haul jet passengers never go without—despite putting everyone around them at risk of disaster. According to experts, boarding a plane with a full power bank can do a lot of damage.

A new report from UL Standards has warned of the danger lithium batteries can pose to air travel.

Lithium batteries are found in every device with a rechargeable battery, such as power banks, laptops, tablets, headphones, phones and electronic cigarettes.

“Devices containing these batteries should not be stored in checked baggage. Instead, keeping all devices with lithium-ion batteries within arm’s reach can significantly reduce the risk of an incident occurring,” the report said.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported 77 incidents of “thermal runaway” when lithium-ion batteries overheat and can result in dangerous electrical fires and situations on board. This was a 71% increase in incidents from 2019.

In about 60% of cases reported last year, overheating occurred near the passenger seat that brought the chargeable device on board.

If an electrical fire were to occur, “airline crews have procedures in place to contain the equipment and prevent further damage to the aircraft or injury to passengers,” the UL Standards report added.

There were 37 reported incidents in 2024, but more than a quarter of passengers surveyed by UL Standards admitted to placing items with lithium batteries, including spare batteries and power banks, in their checked baggage, which it is against United States federal regulations.

Lithium metal batteries must not exceed 0.3 g of lithium and lithium-ion batteries must not exceed a watt-hour rating of 2.7 Wh, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Any device stored in a checked bag containing a lithium battery must be completely switched off.

It is suggested that you check your airline’s guidelines regarding specific policies regarding lithium batteries before you travel.