It's official: the European Union prohibits carrying this object in checked luggage.

The prohibitions limiting baggage on a flight are clear and precise. Items that cannot be taken on board are defined by the dangers and damage they may cause to the aircraft , passengers, and crew, or by the risk of jeopardizing the smooth operation of the trip. There are some items that, for obvious reasons, cannot be transported on board, such as weapons, explosives, or flammable objects. Now, the European Union has gone a step further and has included a product on this list that cannot be transported in checked baggage: portable batteries .

It should be noted that some products can be brought on board, but they must be carried in carry-on or checked baggage, depending on their characteristics. For example, all bottles containing liquids larger than 100 milliliters must be stored in the checked bag and placed in the aircraft's cargo hold. However, there are other items that cannot be transported on board due to the risks that may arise from not having access to them in the event of an incident.

As the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) explains, "The electronic devices we use in our everyday lives can pose a safety risk when transported on aircraft. That's why certain items can only be carried in hand luggage, can only be used on board an aircraft under certain conditions, or are even banned altogether."

On this occasion, the European Union has reiterated the ban on storing portable batteries or power banks in checked luggage. "Spare batteries and portable chargers must always be carried in hand luggage and never in checked baggage . They must be individually protected to prevent short circuits , and only a maximum of two per person is permitted. They must not be recharged on board the aircraft."

This item can pose a real risk, and it's essential to check its proper condition and operation before boarding the plane. "Whether in carry-on or checked baggage, the battery must not exceed a certain number of watt-hours (Wh) and should only be purchased from genuine sellers and never from unreliable sources. This ensures that the battery has been properly tested," explains the EASA.

"These batteries can catch fire if damaged, short-circuited, or overheated. This is why you should carry your portable electronic devices (cameras, laptops, and phones) in your hand luggage (on board) and not in your checked baggage," the European agency states emphatically. Complying with EU prohibitions and regulations is imperative to avoid the damage and danger that failure to do so can cause.