✈️ How to Travel Safely with Electronic Devices and Lithium Batteries
Laptops, smartphones, tablets, drones, and power banks — when traveling by plane, especially in summer, our luggage is packed with electronic devices. Many of these use lithium batteries, which are subject to strict and often little-known safety rules.
With tighter airport controls and increasing summer air traffic, being prepared can help you avoid fines, delays, or even having your luggage denied at check-in.
Here’s a clear, up-to-date guide for 2025 to help you fly safely, comply with IATA regulations, and know what to do in case of flight delays or cancellations.
Which Devices Are Subject to Special Checks?
All portable electronic devices containing lithium batteries (Li-ion or Li-polymer) are subject to special safety rules. These include:
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Smartphones and tablets
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Laptops and notebooks
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Power banks and external batteries
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Drones
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E-cigarettes and vaping devices
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Digital cameras
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Bluetooth earbuds and wireless headphones
Main Rules for Summer 2025
The reference regulations are set by IATA (International Air Transport Association), applied by most airports and airlines worldwide.
Allowed in carry-on luggage:
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Devices with built-in batteries, if turned on upon request
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Power banks up to 100 Wh (watt-hours)
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Spare batteries (up to 2 units) between 100 and 160 Wh, only with airline approval
Not allowed in checked luggage:
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Power banks
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Spare or loose batteries
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E-cigarettes or similar devices
Attention with low-cost airlines:
Some carriers (e.g., Ryanair, Wizzair) enforce stricter rules on devices in cabin baggage. Always check their latest transport policies.
If You Experience Flight Problems, Remember DelayFlight24
If a device is confiscated or you’re denied boarding for safety reasons (e.g., a non-compliant power bank), this does not justify a flight delay or cancellation by the airline.
If your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours, canceled, or boarding is denied, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
For a quick and hassle-free process, use DelayFlight24 — the platform checks for free if you’re eligible for up to €600 in compensation, handling all paperwork with the airline.
Tip: Keep your boarding passes, email confirmations, and photos of airport screens as proof.
What If You Forget a Battery in Your Checked Luggage?
If security detects a lithium battery in your checked bag, two things can happen:
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Your luggage is refused at check-in, and you risk losing it.
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It’s blocked, and you must remove the battery in person before the bag can travel.
During peak season, this could mean missing your flight or having to buy a new ticket at your own expense.
Travel Insurance and Devices: Worth It?
Many travel insurance policies include coverage for:
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Loss or damage of electronic devices
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Civil liability for issues related to device use
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Legal protection and refunds in disputes with airlines
Always check the coverage limits: for expensive devices (like laptops or drones), it’s worth opting for extra coverage.
Conclusion
Electronic devices are essential travel companions — but that’s exactly why they require attention to avoid security issues or delays at the gate.
Knowing the rules for lithium batteries, preparing an effective pre-flight checklist, and using services like DelayFlight24 in case of flight disruptions can make the difference between a ruined holiday and a smooth journey.
