XIAMEN — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a new global campaign to help travellers understand how to safely fly with lithium-powered devices.

Called ‘Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries’, the campaign provides seven simple rules designed to reduce the risk of incidents caused by damaged or improperly packed batteries for devices such as mobile phones, laptops, power banks and more.

The campaign will run on IATA’s website and social channels and is available as white-label assets for airlines, airports and other industry partners to share with passengers. A short, animated video is also available to airlines and airports to share on digital and social channels.

According to IATA’s Nick Careen, Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security, lithium-powered devices are safe when handled correctly but they can pose a risk if damaged or packed improperly. “As more travelers 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,” he says.

Recent IATA research shows that travellers are increasingly reliant on lithium-powered devices while flying. The survey found that 83% of travellers carry a mobile phone, 60% carry a laptop while 44% carry a power bank.

Despite this, misconceptions about safe handling remain widespread. While 93% of respondents said they were familiar with airline rules on lithium batteries, half (50%) incorrectly believed that small devices can be packed in checked luggage. Nearly as many (45%) thought power banks were also allowed in checked bags, and a third (33%) did not know there are power limits on spare batteries and power banks.

SEVEN SIMPLE RULES

The new campaign outlines seven straightforward steps for travellers to follow:

1. Pack light: Only bring the devices and batteries you really need.
2. Stay alert: If a device is hot, smoking, or damaged, tell the crew (or airport staff) immediately.
3. 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.
4. Protect loose batteries: Keep spare batteries and power banks in their original packaging, or cover the terminals with tape to prevent short-circuits.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Check airline rules: Always confirm your airline’s policies, as requirements may differ in compliance with local regulations.

To access campaign assets, click here. To watch the animated video, click here.