Most of us bring one device onboard but rules vary (Image: Tatsiana Volkava via Getty Images)
As many of us begin packing for the May half-term holidays, or casting our minds forward to summer getaways, keeping up to date with the ever-evolving airline regulations has never been more important.
One thing that frequently trips people up at the security checkpoint is electronic devices, and the overwhelming majority of travellers board a flight with at least one, be it a laptop, mobile phone or tablet. It is therefore well worth taking a few minutes to check the rules for your specific airline before finding yourself facing unnecessary delays and stress at the airport.
We take a look at some of the major airlines’ rules around gadgets and devices you can bring onboard…
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TUI gave guidance on electronics to its passengers (Image: Getty)
TUI
TUI are perfectly happy for passengers to bring their devices onboard and use them at any point during the flight in flight mode, unless instructed otherwise by cabin crew. Larger items such as laptops may be required to be switched off during take-off and landing.
Power banks are permitted onboard, however they cannot be charged during the flight, nor should they be used to charge other devices while in the air. These items can hold up to 100Wh of power and must not be carried loosely but stored securely inside a bag.
TUI has also cautioned passengers to ensure none of their devices have a flat battery when passing through security. Its website states: “If you’re carrying any electronic devices in your hand luggage that are capable of holding a charge, you’ll need to make sure they’re fully charged when you go through airport security.
“This is part of new security measures that have been introduced by airports in the UK and abroad. We recommend you keep things like mobile phones switched on until you board the plane, as there might be more checks at the departure gate.”
Gadgets will need to be charged when you take them through security (Image: Giannis Alexopoulos/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Jet2
Lithium batteries of under 100Wh in power are allowed, and 100Wh – 160Wh items are allowed in the cabin with prior approval. Much like TUI, Jet2 requires that all devices such as tablets and laptops are carried in hand luggage, and passengers must be able to power these items on at security.
Devices with faulty or damaged batteries are strictly prohibited, and while e-cigarettes may be brought onboard, charging or using them during any flight is not permitted. Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) such as mobile phones and other gadgets are also restricted to 15 per passenger.
EasyJet
Budget carrier easyJet states: “All devices must be in “flight safe” mode for taxi, take-off, inflight and landing and held securely in your hand or in your pocket. During the taxi-in to the arrival gate the Cabin Crew will let you know when you can make telephone calls or send text messages.”
British Airways has imposed limits on power banks (Image: Getty)
The airline also maintains a list of items that must be fully switched off during take-off and landing, rather than simply placed in flight mode, including laptops and large electronic games. Bluetooth accessories must equally be powered down when directed by cabin crew. The carrier similarly limits power banks to two per traveller, and these must be 100Wh or below unless advance authorisation has been obtained. As with all electrical equipment, these need to remain in your hand luggage.
British Airways (BA)
BA equally restricts travellers to two power bank devices per individual, and these cannot be stored in checked baggage. Its website further specifies: “For your own personal use you can take up to 15 battery-operated Personal Electronic Devices (PED) that containing lithium batteries such as laptops, tablets, smart phones, cameras, music players, smart baggage tags (e.g. Apple AirTag).”
Learn the gadget rules for your airline before you fly (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
You may additionally need to demonstrate your battery’s rating, so might wish to retain packaging or labels when bringing it aboard. BA explains: “If the watt hour (Wh) rating is not shown on the battery or cannot be determined, then the battery cannot be accepted onboard. You can use the following formula to calculate the Wh rating: Milliamp hour rating/1000 multiplied by the voltage equals Wh.”
Ryanair
Ryanair likewise enforces a maximum of 15 personal electrical devices, while up to 20 lithium batteries or power banks may be transported of up to 100Wh each. Its website contains an extensive list of regulations on electrical items that travellers should review before reaching the airport. Passengers should further note that smart bags with non-detachable batteries cannot be placed in the hold.
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This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
