The Foreign Office clarifies what holidaymakers should and shouldn’t do when it comes to their electronic devices like mobiles and tablets
Airline passengers are being urged to take note of hand luggage rules(Image: PA)
UK travellers are being reminded of a little-known rule over electronic devices that could result in them being denied boarding at airports. A string of restrictions are in place for carry-on luggage, so it can be confusing to know what you can actually pack.
One misconception surrounds electronics. You might not know that passengers are encouraged to bring most key devices on board with them, rather than placing them in their main luggage.
The Foreign Office website states that passengers can take most electrical items onboard in their cabin luggage. This list includes mobile phones, laptops, tablet devices and MP3 players. This comes as travellers with pets were issued a government update affecting all UK airlines, as reported by ChronicleLive.
Some travellers may be surprised to learn that they can carry straighteners and hairdryers onboard most airlines. As well as this, flights often permit you to have a travel iron and electric shaver.
While you can’t smoke or vape on a plane, e-cigarettes are still permitted in your hand luggage. However, the one key rule that travellers may not know is that your electronic devices must be charged before you travel with them.
According to the Foreign Office, if your device “does not switch on when requested”, you will not be allowed to take it onto the aircraft. If you were planning to watch some Netflix on your tablet or mobile or getting some work done on your laptop, but found that your device had died, you could be faced with a problem.
All electronic devices in your carry-on bag must be capable of being switched on to allow airport staff to request that you start your items up if further checks are required, reports the Mirror. If your battery has given up on you and you’re unable to prove your device can start up, you may be denied boarding or even forced to leave your beloved gadget behind.
Most airlines warn that some electronic devices must be carried in your hand luggage, as they pose a greater health and safety risk in hold luggage. This is often the case with loose lithium power banks, external batteries, any spare or loose batteries and e-cigarettes.
For example, Ryanair’s website specifically states: “You may carry up to 15 personal electronic devices (this includes but not limited to: smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, handheld game consoles, headphones, power banks).” It further notes that spare batteries must not exceed the amount of 20, providing that they don’t exceed 100Wh each.
Most airlines follow a similar guideline when it comes to their electronic devices. If you’re unsure about what to pack, always research ahead of time by checking your chosen airline’s rules and regulations online.
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