The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched ‘Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries’, a global safety campaign that gives travellers seven simple rules for carrying mobile phones, laptops, power banks, and other lithium-powered devices safely when they fly.
The campaign will run on IATA’s website and social channels
and is available as white-label assets for airlines, airports, and other
partners across the travel ecosystem.
“Lithium-powered devices are safe when handled properly, but they can pose a
risk if damaged or packed incorrectly. As more travellers fly with these
devices, our Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries campaign will help airlines
educate their passengers on the simple rules they must keep in mind when
traveling with the electronic devices that have become an essential part of
their daily lives,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President, Operations,
Safety and Security.
TRAVELERS ARE CARRYING MORE DEVICES BUT WITH INCOMPLETE KNOWLEDGE
A recent IATA passenger survey found that most travellers fly with
lithium-powered devices:
• 83% of travellers carry a phone
• 60% carry a laptop
• 44% carry a power bank
While 93% of travellers consider themselves knowledgeable on the rules for
carrying lithium-powered devices (including 57% rating themselves as very
familiar with the rules), critical misconceptions persist:
• 50% incorrectly believe it’s OK to pack small lithium-powered devices in
checked luggage
• 45% incorrectly believe it’s OK to pack power banks in checked luggage
• 33% incorrectly believe that there are no power limits on power banks or
spare batteries
SEVEN SIMPLE SAFETY RULES
The campaign assets highlight seven simple rules every traveller should follow:
• Pack light: Only bring the devices and batteries you really need.
• Stay alert: If a device is hot, smoking, or damaged, tell the crew (or
airport staff) immediately.
• Keep devices with you: Always carry phones, laptops, cameras, vapes (if
allowed) and other battery-powered items in your hand baggage, not in checked
baggage.
• Protect loose batteries: Keep spare batteries and power banks in their
original packaging, or cover the terminals with tape to prevent short-circuits.
• Gate check reminder: If your hand baggage is taken at the gate to go in
the aircraft baggage hold, remove all lithium batteries and devices first.
• Check battery size: For larger batteries (over 100 watt-hours, such as
those used in larger cameras, drones, or power tools), check with your airline
as approval may be required.
• Check airline rules: Always confirm your airline’s policies, as
requirements may differ in compliance with local regulations.
INDUSTRY-WIDE ROLLOUT
The multilingual campaign will be rolled out through digital assets that
airlines and other partners can adapt and share with passengers, ensuring
consistent safety messaging across the industry. A short, animated video,
designed to make the rules simple, engaging, and easy to remember, can be used
by airlines and airports on their digital and social channels. -TradeArabia News Service