Can you take electrical items in hand luggage thomson

Permitted equipment: mobile phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, wearables and portable chargers are acceptable in cabin baggage when switched off or in flight mode during security screening and flight. Spare rechargeable batteries and power banks are treated as spare cells and must remain in the cabin; checked stowage of spare battery packs is not allowed.

Capacity rules and how to check: lithium-ion capacity is expressed in watt-hours (Wh). Convert from milliamp-hours (mAh) using Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V. Example: a 20,000 mAh power bank at 3.7 V → (20,000 ÷ 1000) × 3.7 = 74 Wh (acceptable without approval). Devices or packs labeled 100–160 Wh require written airline approval before travel; most carriers permit up to two spare units in that range. Units above 160 Wh are barred from both cabin and hold.

Handling and packing recommendations: protect battery terminals with original packaging, terminal covers or tape; place each spare in a separate plastic pouch or sheath to prevent short circuits; keep installed batteries inside devices when possible. E-cigarette devices and single-use battery-powered heaters are allowed only in cabin and must not be used onboard. If a battery is swollen, leaking or damaged, present it to airline staff immediately for guidance.

Administrative steps: check the carrier’s official policy and the departure airport’s security rules before departure; declare any battery/power bank above 100 Wh at check-in to obtain approval; carry proof of capacity (manufacturer label or receipt) when available. Security may require removal of large devices for inspection, and cabin crew may require additional stowage instructions during boarding.

Electronic device rules for cabin baggage on the airline

Keep lithium batteries and power banks in cabin baggage only; do not place spare cells in checked compartments.

• Watt‑hour thresholds: under 100 Wh permitted without approval; 100–160 Wh allowed only with airline approval; over 160 Wh forbidden from both cabin and checked.
• Spare batteries: must be transported in carry-on, terminals insulated (tape or original packaging); maximum two spare batteries in the 100–160 Wh range per passenger.
• Power banks: treated as spare lithium batteries. Label should show Wh or mAh; convert using Wh = (mAh/1000) × V (use 3.7 V if no voltage specified).
• Devices with built-in batteries (phones, laptops, cameras): permitted in cabin. For large internal packs (e.g., mobility aids), obtain written airline approval and confirm handling procedures.
• Prohibited items for checked compartments: loose lithium cells, damaged or bulging batteries, improvised battery assemblies without manufacturer markings.

Conversion and examples:

1. 3000 mAh phone at 3.7 V → (3000/1000) × 3.7 = 11.1 Wh.
2. 20,000 mAh power bank → (20,000/1000) × 3.7 = 74 Wh (acceptable without approval).
3. Laptop battery labeled 56 Wh → below 100 Wh, allowable in cabin.

Packing and screening recommendations:

• Switch devices off and keep them accessible for inspection.
• Protect spare batteries in individual covers or original boxes; tape exposed terminals.
• Declare large-capacity batteries or battery-powered medical aids to the airline in advance and carry any approval documentation.
• Do not place e-cigarettes, battery-powered tools or power banks in checked compartments; carry them onboard.

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Permitted batteries and power bank capacity limits for this airline cabin baggage

Direct rule: power banks and spare lithium-ion cells must be carried in cabin baggage only; unit capacity up to 100 Wh is allowed without approval, units between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require prior written approval from the carrier, units over 160 Wh are forbidden for transport.

Installed batteries inside devices (phones, cameras, laptops, e-scooters with removable packs aside) are permitted in the cabin if the single-cell or battery pack does not exceed 160 Wh; removeable spare batteries and power banks are not permitted in checked baggage. Terminals must be insulated (tape over terminals, original packaging, or individual plastic pouches) and each spare should be protected from contact with metal objects.

Capacity calculation: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V. Examples: 10,000 mAh @ 3.7 V = 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh @ 3.7 V = 74 Wh; 30,000 mAh @ 3.7 V = 111 Wh (approval needed); 50,000 mAh @ 3.7 V = 185 Wh (prohibited).

Quantity and documentation

– Common carrier practice: multiple personal-use batteries under 100 Wh are allowed, but keep quantities reasonable and related to personal device needs.
– Batteries or power banks 100–160 Wh: usually limited to a maximum of two spare units per passenger with written approval from the airline.
– Batteries >160 Wh: not acceptable for passenger transport; commercial shipment via approved dangerous-goods channels is required.

Packing checklist

– Store all spare lithium cells/power banks in cabin baggage.
– Insulate terminals (tape or manufacturers’ caps) and place each in a separate protective pouch.
– Label or carry specification sheets for high-capacity packs (show Wh rating) when requesting approval.
– If uncertain about a device’s battery rating, calculate Wh from mAh and voltage or consult manufacturer documentation.

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How to pack and protect spare lithium batteries and power banks in carry-on

Store spare lithium cells and power banks in cabin baggage; never place them in checked bags.

Terminal protection: cover exposed terminals with non-conductive adhesive tape (PVC electrical tape) or use original terminal caps. Wrap each terminal so no metal can contact another terminal or nearby objects.

Individual containment: keep each cell or power bank in its own protective pouch, rigid case, or resealable plastic bag. Prevent multiple units from touching by using separate compartments or foam dividers.

Physical impact protection: use hard-shell cases or padded sleeves for cylindrical and prismatic cells. Do not cram batteries between heavy items or under compression; avoid locations where they can be crushed or pierced.

Switch-off and deactivate: turn power banks fully off, disable auto-on features and remove any external cables before packing. For devices containing non-removable cells, power off the device and protect buttons to prevent accidental activation.

State of charge for storage: store power banks and spare cells at a partial charge (roughly 30–50%) when possible; prolonged full charge increases stress and long-term full depletion may damage cells.

Documentation and labeling: keep the manufacturer label visible or carry proof of Watt-hour rating for high-capacity packs. If a unit exceeds carrier policy, obtain advance approval and keep proof with the device.

Fire-safety measures: place higher-capacity packs inside commercially available fire-resistant battery pouches when transporting multiple units. Avoid enclosing large numbers of spare cells in a single soft pouch.

Accessibility and inspection: pack units where security staff can inspect them without unpacking checked containers. Keep them reachable during boarding so they can be removed quickly if overheating occurs.

Emergency response: if a battery becomes hot, emits smoke, sparks, or bulges, move it away from combustible materials, isolate it in a non-flammable container if possible, inform cabin staff immediately and follow crew instructions.

Rules for laptops, tablets, cameras and e‑cigarettes in cabin carriage

Keep laptops, tablets and cameras powered off and stowed in a protective sleeve or dedicated compartment; place large units in overhead lockers or under the seat during taxi, takeoff and landing. E‑cigarettes are prohibited from checked/hold baggage, must remain switched off and must not be charged on board.

Security screening and documentation

• Remove laptops and larger tablets from bags at security unless directed otherwise by the checkpoint staff; be prepared to power devices on on request–non‑working units may be refused boarding.
• Bring serial numbers or proof of ownership for professional camera kits if carrying multiple bodies/lenses; excessive quantities may trigger additional inspection or require prior approval from the carrier.
• Unprocessed photographic film (especially ISO 800+) should be declared at security and offered for visual inspection instead of X‑ray; request manual screening where available.

Packing, operation and prohibited actions

• Pad devices with foam or neoprene to prevent damage; remove loose lenses, memory cards and detachable accessories and store them separately in padded pockets.
• No vaping anywhere on the aircraft; use of e‑cigarettes in lavatories or cabin may lead to fines, removal from the flight and confiscation of equipment.
• Refill liquids (e‑liquid) must follow liquid restrictions: containers ≤100 ml placed in a single clear resealable bag (≤1 L) for screening; larger bottles should travel in checked/hold baggage if permitted by local rules.
• Swollen, damaged or hot batteries/units must be declared at check‑in; such devices are usually denied carriage until repaired or disposed of safely.
• Devices with batteries marked >100 Wh require prior airline approval and may be subject to quantity limits or special stowage instructions–contact the carrier before travel for clearance.

Bringing hair straighteners, travel dryers and rechargeable shavers on flights

Keep hair straighteners, travel hairdryers and rechargeable shavers in carry-on/cabin baggage rather than checked baggage; ensure removable batteries are carried separately inside the cabin and terminals insulated to prevent short circuits.

Corded mains appliances: pack cooled plates and folded cables in a padded pouch to prevent damage and accidental activation. Corded models without internal batteries are generally accepted in both cabin and hold, but cabin storage reduces risk of loss and damage.

Battery-powered or cordless versions with built-in lithium cells: these are normally allowed only in the cabin. If a device contains a non-removable rechargeable cell, place it where security can access it for testing and keep the power switch locked or taped off.

Removable spare lithium cells must be carried in the cabin with terminals taped or placed in individual plastic sleeves; loose spares in checked baggage are not recommended and may be refused. If a shaver or straightener accepts standard AA/AAA cells, store spares separately and insulate ends.

Blade and plate protection: fit blade guards or a rigid case for shavers, and use a heat-resistant sleeve for straighteners. Wrap cords with Velcro straps and place devices in a dedicated compartment to prevent contact with liquids or sharp objects during screening.

Security screening: expect to remove devices from bags for X-ray inspection and possibly to power them on; charge to at least a minimal level before travel so they can be demonstrated if requested. Keep spare packs accessible to speed up checks.

In-flight use and hotel power: do not attempt to use high-draw hairdryers at aircraft seats; for accommodation, check voltage and buy a dual-voltage travel dryer or a step-down transformer for non-compatible mains. Use a fused universal adapter to protect both device and hotel circuitry.

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Declaring wheelchairs, CPAPs and other powered medical devices to the airline before travel

Passengers must notify the airline special assistance team at least 72 hours before departure when travelling with powered mobility aids, CPAP machines or spare lithium batteries.

Provide the following data in the declaration: device type and model, battery chemistry (lithium‑ion, lithium metal, sealed lead‑acid/non‑spillable or flooded lead‑acid), rated voltage (V) and amp‑hours (Ah) or watt‑hours (Wh). If only V and Ah are shown, calculate Wh as Wh = V × Ah. Add number of batteries, whether fitted or spare, battery location in the aid, photos of battery labels and device dimensions/weight. Attach a clinicians’ letter when continuous power is medically required or when oxygen will be used onboard.

Regulatory limits and practical handling:

Operational recommendations: secure written confirmation of approval from the airline; bring device and battery manufacturer labels at check‑in; arrive earlier than standard check‑in time for equipment inspection and gate arrangements; tag mobility aids clearly and retain a photograph of the packed configuration. At the gate, request assistance with boarding/exit and, if a battery remains fitted, confirm crew that the unit is switched off and terminals are insulated.

CPAP specifics: CPAP machines are accepted as medical equipment and are normally allowed in cabin. If relying on a portable battery, ensure the battery meets the Wh limits above and obtain airline approval for packs between 100–160 Wh. Aircraft power sockets are not guaranteed compatible; carry a compliant backup battery and a clinician’s note indicating necessity for therapy during the journey.

Failure to declare power supplies, large batteries or mobility aids in advance may result in refusal to transport the device or last‑minute freight arrangements; early declaration avoids diversion to cargo and reduces risk of denied carriage at the airport.