Brits warned popular item is banned from suitcases because of serious risk of injury to flight crew

British tourists have been warned not to pack a popular item that could be very dangerous.

Portable chargers might be a popular holiday essential but they aren't allowed in checked luggage.

This is because there's a risk that the device could set on fire, which couldn't be managed if it happened in the hold.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) warns: 'Poorly manufactured, faulty and misused lithium batteries and those which have not been protected against short circuit can experience something called "thermal runaway".

'This results in them getting so hot they can catch fire, explode and ignite other nearby batteries.

'If that were to happen on the flight deck it could significantly disrupt the operation of the aircraft and cause serious injury to flight crew.'

Lithium batteries need to be carried within hand luggage and passengers will also check for any damage before boarding their flight.

A damaged portable charger could easily start a fire which could be extremely dangerous for passengers and crew.

The CAA says: 'If such an event occurred in the passenger cabin, it could cause serious injury to a passenger or crew member.'

And portable batteries are even banned from the overhead lockers on one airline.

Air Busan, a South Korean airline, has said that passengers need to keep the devices on their person at all times.

The rule was brought in after there was a fire on one of the airline's planes in January 2025.