The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a new global safety campaign, “Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries,” aimed at helping travelers carry mobile phones, laptops, power banks, and other lithium-powered devices safely when flying. The campaign features seven simple rules and will run across IATA’s website and social media platforms. Airlines, airports, and other industry partners can also use the materials under a white-label format to promote consistent safety messages to passengers.
IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security, Nick Careen, said lithium-powered devices are safe when handled properly but can become dangerous if damaged or packed incorrectly. “As more travelers fly with these devices, our campaign will help airlines educate 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,” Careen said.
According to a recent IATA passenger survey, most travelers fly with multiple lithium-powered devices — 83% carry a mobile phone, 60% a laptop, and 44% a power bank. While 93% of travelers said they are familiar with the rules for carrying such devices, many still hold misconceptions: half incorrectly believe small lithium-powered devices can go in checked baggage, 45% think power banks can be checked in, and one in three believe there are no power limits for power banks or spare batteries.
The campaign outlines seven rules to ensure safety: pack only the devices and batteries needed; alert crew or airport staff if a device is hot, smoking, or damaged; keep all battery-powered devices in hand luggage; protect loose batteries by covering terminals or keeping them in original packaging; remove devices before hand baggage is placed in the aircraft hold; check airline approval for larger batteries exceeding 100 watt-hours; and confirm airline-specific policies, which may vary under local regulations.
The multilingual campaign includes digital and video assets designed to make the rules easy to remember. Airlines and airports can adapt and share these materials through their own digital and social channels to reinforce safe battery handling across the global travel industry
