The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is warning passengers flying from Scottish airports to take extra care with lithium-powered devices such as vapes and power banks.
Ahead of the school summer holidays, the CAA has launched a campaign reminding travellers to carry rechargeable batteries in the cabin rather than in checked luggage.
Giancarlo Buono, director of aviation safety at the UK CAA, said: “Flying is by far the safest way to travel and we want to keep it that way.
“Scottish passengers must pack right for a safe flight, and that means don’t put your batteries in your checked bag.
“Take them onboard with you.
“This simple tip will make your flight safer for you, and the other passengers you’re flying with.”
The advice is part of the CAA’s Pack Right for a Safe Flight campaign, launched in partnership with airlines and airports, aiming to raise awareness of the dangers posed by incorrectly packed electronic devices.
Lithium batteries, commonly found in mobile phones, laptops, e-cigarettes and power banks, pose a fire risk if damaged or exposed to certain conditions — a risk that is heightened in the cargo hold, where fires are difficult to control.
The regulator said incorrectly packed batteries could delay flights or even lead to an onboard fire.
Travellers are being told to carry devices such as phones, vapes and power banks in hand luggage, not to charge power banks during the flight, and if checking in a laptop, turn it off completely.
The warning comes amid rising incidents of overheating and malfunctioning devices.
CAA figures show that such events nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025, with incidents now occurring at a rate of around two per week.
Cases involving devices packed in checked luggage increased by 91% in 2025.
Despite the growing risk, awareness remains low.
More than a third (36%) of passengers do not know the dangers of packing batteries in the hold—yet 92% fly with a mobile phone, 55% with a laptop, and 49% with a power bank.
Gareth Salt, vice president of health, safety and security at Virgin Atlantic, said: “Ahead of our peak summer travel season at Virgin Atlantic, it’s really important that customers know the guidance for lithium battery-powered devices, including power banks and vapes, and pack them correctly.
“We’re proud to support the CAA’s ‘Pack Right for a Safe Flight’ campaign, helping to raise awareness of the simple steps customers can take to reduce risk and ensure every journey is as safe and enjoyable as possible.”
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said: “UK airlines support this important campaign.
“Flying is the safest form of travel but as the number of electronic devices we use increases, the risk of lithium battery incidents is a growing challenge.
“Electronic devices like tablets, power banks and vapes belong in your hand luggage, not the hold.
“We’d urge every passenger heading away this summer to take a moment to check before they zip up their bag.”
Karen Dee, chief executive of AirportsUK, said: “Everyone in aviation is working hard to ensure that passengers are aware of the rules around the packing of rechargeable batteries and that we can all fly off on our summer holidays safely.
“Travellers must bring any rechargeable batteries they wish to take on their holidays with them into the cabin.
“We want everyone to be able to enjoy their summer holidays and to do that, we should all pack right for a safe flight.”
