The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched ‘Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries’, a new global safety campaign designed to help air travelers safely transport their essential electronic devices. The initiative provides seven simple, easy-to-remember rules for carrying mobile phones, laptops, power banks, and other lithium-powered items when flying.
The campaign, which will run on IATA’s website and social media channels, is also available as ready-to-use “white-label” assets for airlines, airports, and other travel partners to ensure a consistent and widespread safety message across the travel ecosystem.
The campaign was created in response to a concerning gap between passenger familiarity and actual knowledge of safety rules. While lithium-powered devices are safe when handled correctly, they pose a potential fire risk if damaged or packed improperly.
“Lithium-powered devices are safe when handled properly, but they can pose a risk if damaged or packed incorrectly,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security. “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.”
A recent IATA survey highlighted the issue:
Prevalence: The vast majority of travelers fly with these devices (83% carry a phone, 60% a laptop, and 44% a power bank).
Misconceptions: Despite 93% of travelers considering themselves knowledgeable, critical misunderstandings persist:
50% incorrectly believe it’s safe to pack small lithium-powered devices in checked luggage.
45% incorrectly believe it’s safe to pack power banks in checked luggage.
33% incorrectly believe there are no power limits on power banks or spare batteries.
The campaign focuses on seven actionable rules to ensure traveler safety:
Keep devices with you: Always carry phones, laptops, cameras, 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.
Stay alert: If a device is hot, smoking, or damaged, tell the crew (or airport staff) immediately.
Gate check reminder: If your hand baggage is taken at the gate to go into 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 or drones), check with your airline as approval may be required.
Check airline rules: Always confirm your airline’s specific policies, as requirements may differ.
Pack light: Only bring the devices and batteries you really need.
The multilingual campaign includes a short, animated video designed to make the rules simple, engaging, and easy to remember. IATA encourages airlines and airports to utilize the full suite of digital assets on their channels to ensure passengers receive consistent and accurate safety information before and during their journeys.
