IATA Launches Campaign on Safe Travel with Lithium Batteries

Just about everyone travels with lithium battery-powered devices these days. They are safe to fly with when handled correctly, but can pose risks if they are damaged or incorrectly packed. 

To deal with this reality, 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 travelling with the electronic devices that have become an essential part of their daily lives,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s SVP, Operations, Safety and Security.

Travellers Are Carrying More Devices but with Incomplete Knowledge

A recent IATA passenger survey found that most travellers fly with lithium-powered devices. Over 80% carry a phone, 60% travel with a laptop and 44% carry a power bank.

IATA research found that 93% of travellers consider themselves knowledgeable on the rules for carrying lithium-powered devices — including 57% who rate themselves as very familiar with the rules. However, the research revealed that critical misconceptions persist:
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•    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.

You can download assets here.