Gadget limit enforced for passengers - Jet2, BA and easyJet rules explained

Passengers of Jet2, BA and easyJet should be aware that all airlines have strict limits on how many gadgets people can bring with them on a flight. The rise of tech powered by lithium-powered batteries, such as mobile phones, electric toothbrushes and vapes, has caused problems, forcing airlines to put rules in place.

Fire brigades across the UK are tackling lithium-ion battery fires at a rate of one every five hours, new figures show this week. Concerns about fires have caused some airlines to ban certain devices. In recent years, numerous airlines have barred passengers from carrying power banks on flights amid fears they could ignite.

Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and most recently Emirates have all prohibited power banks on flights, whilst Cathay Pacific introduced a similar ban last April. Other airlines have introduced prohibitions on AirPods.

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When it comes to the major UK airlines, the rules aren't so strict. However, there are limits on how many batteries and gadgets of a certain kind you're allowed to take on board, reports The Mirror.

Jet2

Each customer is allowed to carry a maximum of 15 lithium battery-powered PEDs, such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, watches and toothbrushes, provided the capacity of each battery doesn't exceed:

• for lithium-ion batteries: 160Wh, or

• for lithium-metal batteries: 2g lithium content

These devices should be carried in your hand luggage and in all cases, must be packaged in a way that protects against damage.

Customers are permitted to carry no more than 20 spare/loose lithium batteries, provided they are each individually protected against short circuit, the capacity of each battery doesn’t exceed 100Wh for lithium-ion batteries and for lithium-metal batteries, 2g lithium content.

Additionally, customers are also permitted to carry no more than two spare/loose lithium batteries with a watt-hour rating exceeding 100Wh, but not exceeding 160Wh, provided they are each individually protected against short circuit.

Customers may carry no more than two power banks per person, not exceeding 160Wh, provided they are individually protected against short circuit. In all cases, these must not be charged whilst onboard the aircraft, and should not be used in-flight.

British Airways

British Airways limits lithium-ion batteries to 100Wh or less for general travel, with up to four spare batteries allowed per person in cabin baggage, provided they are protected from damage. Power banks are restricted to carry-on only, with a maximum of two, and batteries between 100-160Wh require airline approval.

• Capacity Limits: Under 100Wh: Allowed in carry-on (up to 4 spares) or installed in devices (checked or carry-on). 100Wh - 160Wh: Requires special approval. Usually limited to two spares. Over 160Wh: Forbidden on board.
• Carry-on Requirements: Spare batteries and power banks must be in hand luggage only. They must be in original packaging or have terminals insulated with tape to prevent short circuits.

EasyJet

EasyJet requires all lithium-ion batteries, spare batteries, and power banks to be carried in cabin hand luggage only, with a general limit of 100Wh per battery (roughly 27,000mAh).

Batteries above 160Wh are prohibited, while those between 100-160Wh require airline approval. Items must be protected from short circuits.

• Capacity Limit: Maximum 100Wh (or 160Wh with approval).
• Power Banks: Maximum 100Wh (~27,000mAh at 3.7V).
• Quantity: Generally up to 15-20 spare batteries/devices per person.
• Carry-on only: Absolutely no spare lithium batteries/power banks in checked luggage.

Ryanair

Ryanair strictly permits lithium batteries and power banks up to 100Wh (or ~27,000mAh) in carry-on luggage only; they are strictly prohibited in checked baggage.

Passengers may carry up to 20 spare batteries/power banks (under 100Wh) that must be individually protected against short circuits.

• Capacity Limit: Batteries > 100Wh are generally not permitted.
• Carry-On Only: Spare batteries and power banks must be in your carry-on bag or on your person.

Wizz Air

Wizz Air restricts spare lithium batteries and power banks to carry-on baggage only, with a maximum capacity of 100 Wh (typically ~27,000 mAh) per unit without special approval.

Batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require prior approval, while those over 160 Wh are prohibited. A maximum of 2 spare batteries per person is allowed.

• Location: All spare batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes must be in cabin baggage only. They are forbidden in checked bags.
• Standard Limit: Lithium-ion batteries up to 100 Wh are permitted for personal use without prior approval.
• Large Batteries (100–160 Wh): Batteries or power banks between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require prior approval from Wizz Air.
• Excessive Batteries (>160 Wh): Prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage.
• Quantity Limit: Maximum of 2 spare batteries per person.