Don't get caught out at check-in! Travellers from the North East urged to pack right and avoid delays

With more than 2.5 million passengers travelling through Newcastle International Airport during the first half of the year, the UK Civil Aviation Authority is urging holidaymakers across the North East not to let a simple packing mistake get in the way of their late summer getaway ahead of the bank holiday weekend.

As around 2 million passengers* are expected to depart from airports across England, Scotland and Wales over the August Bank Holiday weekend - before heading to the airport, travellers are being encouraged to take a few moments to check they have packed their battery-powered devices correctly.   

Lithium batteries can overheat if damaged and are found in many of the everyday gadgets we travel with. Passengers are being reminded to follow a few simple steps before they fly: 

• Keep items such as mobile phones, vapes and power banks in your hand luggage. 

• Never charge a power bank during a flight.  

Common holiday gadgets that should travel in hand luggage: 

• Power banks 

• Vapes 

• Wireless headphones 

• Laptops 

• Tablets and e-readers 

• Smartwatches 

• Cameras 

Jonathan Nicholson, a spokesperson at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: 

“Whether you're heading off for some late summer sun, squeezing in a last-minute family holiday or enjoying a long weekend away, a few simple checks before you travel can help your journey get off to the best possible start. 

“With the average traveller now packing around four different lithium powered devices when they fly, it is more important than ever to ‘Pack Right for a Safe Flight’." 

“Don't let a simple packing mistake get in the way of your well-earned break! Lithium batteries can overheat if damaged, so always take power banks, vapes and phones in the cabin with you - this simple step helps make flying safer for everyone on board.” 

For more information on travelling safely with lithium batteries and to view the full guidance, visit www.caa.co.uk/packright.