Are you allowed electrical items in hand luggage ryanair

Keep all battery-powered gadgets and spare cells in the cabin bag; never pack loose lithium cells or external battery packs in checked/hold baggage.

Watt-hour thresholds: units up to 100 Wh are generally permitted in the cabin without prior approval; units between 100–160 Wh require carrier approval and are commonly limited to two spare units per traveller; units above 160 Wh are prohibited on passenger aircraft. Quick reference: typical smartphone batteries ≈ 3–15 Wh, laptop packs ≈ 30–90 Wh, a 20,000 mAh external pack ≈ 74 Wh (use Wh = mAh/1000 × 3.7 when voltage is not printed).

Security screening tips: remove larger devices from bags for X-ray, be prepared to power devices on if requested, and store spare batteries in original packaging or insulated bags. Protect battery terminals (cover contacts, tape exposed ends) and label high-capacity batteries where possible; present such units to ground staff during check-in or screening.

Specific categories: vape units and e-cigarette devices must travel in the cabin and must not be used onboard; mobility aids, power tools and other high-capacity battery assemblies require advance notification and explicit carrier approval and are handled as special baggage. Standard non-rechargeable cells (AA/AAA) may remain in devices or be packed in carry-on in original retail packaging.

Pre-flight checklist: verify the Wh rating on each battery (convert mAh→Wh if needed), move power banks and spare cells to the cabin bag, seek carrier approval for any battery 100–160 Wh, restrict approved spares to the allowed quantity, keep devices accessible for screening and declare unusual battery configurations before travel.

Carry-on electronics: immediate recommendation

Keep all portable electronic gadgets and spare lithium batteries in carry-on; power banks and loose cells must not be placed in checked baggage.

Battery capacity limits: lithium‑ion cells up to 100 Wh per cell are permitted in the cabin without approval; cells over 100 Wh and up to 160 Wh require prior airline approval and are limited to two spare units per passenger; cells exceeding 160 Wh are prohibited in both cabin and hold.

Power banks are treated as spare lithium‑ion batteries: transport them in the cabin only, protect terminals with tape or original packaging, and ensure each unit shows a Wh rating. If Wh is not printed, calculate as volts × ampere‑hours (V × Ah = Wh).

Vaping devices and replaceable cartridges must be carried in the cabin and are prohibited in checked baggage; on‑board charging of such devices is not permitted.

Devices with batteries installed are generally acceptable in cabin and may be placed in checked baggage at the carrier’s discretion, but storing high‑value electronics in the cabin reduces risk of loss or damage.

Preflight actions: declare any battery between 100–160 Wh to the airline and obtain written approval; pack spare cells in individual protective sleeves or plastic bags to prevent short circuits; power devices off and secure against accidental activation during transit.

Quick checklist

Carry power banks and spare batteries in carry-on; protect terminals; limit: two spare batteries 100–160 Wh with airline approval; no spares above 160 Wh; vaping gear in cabin only; declare >100 Wh units before travel.

Portable electronics explicitly permitted in cabin bags with this carrier

Carry these portable electronic devices in cabin baggage; the carrier permits them subject to battery and packing rules:

• Smartphones and feature phones
• Laptops, notebooks and ultrabooks
• Tablets and e-readers
• Digital cameras, action cams and interchangeable lenses
• Portable game consoles and handheld consoles
• Smartwatches, fitness trackers and Bluetooth earphones
• Power banks / external batteries (see battery capacity rules below)
• Rechargeable grooming devices (electric shavers/toothbrushes) and small medical devices (portable CPAP – check approval if battery >100 Wh)
• Drones and spare drone batteries (batteries must comply with capacity limits and be carried in cabin)

Battery capacity rules (practical numbers)

• Lithium-ion batteries up to 100 Wh: generally permitted in cabin without prior approval. Examples: 20,000 mAh @ 3.7 V ≈ 74 Wh – OK.
• Between 100 Wh and 160 Wh: airline approval normally required; usually limited to two spare batteries per passenger. Example: 30,000 mAh @ 3.7 V ≈ 111 Wh – approval needed.
• Over 160 Wh: prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage (common limit for most carriers).
• Spare (uninstalled) lithium batteries: must be carried in cabin only; never packed in checked baggage.
• Conversion formula: Wh = (mAh / 1000) × V. Use device voltage (commonly 3.6–3.8 V) for calculations.

Packing and presentation recommendations

• Place all devices and spare batteries inside carry-on/cabin bags; do not place spare batteries in checked bags.
• Protect battery terminals against short circuit: keep in original packaging, use terminal covers, or insulate with tape.
• Carry documentation or clear marking of Wh rating for power banks and high-capacity batteries in case staff request proof.
• Power banks and spare batteries must be turned off and packed so they cannot be accidentally activated.
• Devices containing non-removable batteries follow the same cabin-only principle; for large medical or professional batteries seek advance approval from the carrier.
• E-cigarettes and vaping devices: permitted in cabin only and use on board is prohibited; store them in carry-on, not checked.
• For bulky battery systems (e-bike batteries, large drone packs) confirmation from the carrier is required well before travel; many larger packs are refused.

What lithium battery Wh limits apply to devices and power banks?

Keep spare lithium‑ion batteries at or below 100 Wh to travel without prior carrier approval; batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require written approval and are normally limited to two spare units per passenger; cells or packs above 160 Wh are not permitted on passenger aircraft and must move as cargo under dangerous‑goods rules.

Specific limits and cell types

Lithium‑ion (rechargeable): ≤100 Wh – no approval required (subject to carrier policy); 100–160 Wh – approval required, usually max two spares; >160 Wh – prohibited on passenger flights. Lithium‑metal (non‑rechargeable): maximum 2 g lithium content per cell for carriage in passenger aircraft; cells exceeding 2 g are banned.

How to calculate Wh and practical examples

Wh = V × Ah (or Wh = V × mAh ÷ 1000). Examples: a 3.7 V, 3000 mAh phone cell = 11.1 Wh; a 10,000 mAh power bank at 3.7 V ≈ 37 Wh; a 26,800 mAh pack ≈ 99.2 Wh; a 50,000 mAh pack ≈ 185 Wh (would exceed the 160 Wh limit).

Packing and carriage tips: spare batteries must be carried in cabin baggage, not checked; protect terminals (tape over contacts or keep in original packaging or individual plastic pouches); label or show Wh rating if visible. Carriers may set stricter limits – consult the specific carrier policy before travel. For an unrelated reference, see best acrylic for aquarium.

How must spare lithium batteries and power banks be packed for carry-on?

Keep spare lithium batteries and portable power banks in carry-on baggage only; never place loose spares in checked baggage.

Packing and terminal protection

Each spare battery or power bank must have exposed terminals insulated: use original terminal caps, non-conductive insulating tape, shrink-wrap or manufacturer cases. Place each cell or battery in an individual resealable plastic pouch or dedicated battery case to prevent contact with metal objects.

When possible retain original retail packaging. For multiple spares, separate units with foam dividers or individual compartments so batteries cannot touch one another or other conductive items (keys, coins, chargers). Do not transport loose cells in pockets or the main compartment where items can shift.

Handling, documentation and special conditions

Label or carry proof of rated capacity when requested: calculate watt-hours as Wh = V × Ah (example: 3.7 V × 2.6 Ah = 9.62 Wh). Batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval and are limited in number (typically maximum two spares); batteries over 160 Wh are not permitted in passenger carriage. Primary (non-rechargeable) lithium-metal cells must meet the ≤2 g lithium content rule per cell to be acceptable.

Switch devices off and prevent accidental activation for batteries installed in equipment; removable cells may be packed separately with insulated terminals. Do not transport swollen, damaged or recalled batteries in either cabin or checked stowage – seek carrier guidance for hazardous-goods shipment. Keep spares accessible for inspection at the gate or security screening.

E-cigarettes, vaping devices and cartridges in cabin carry-on

Keep all vaping devices and pre-filled cartridges in cabin carry-on: devices powered off, tanks drained or capped, mouthpieces covered and stored in a protective case.

• Liquids rule: each cartridge or e-liquid bottle must be 100 ml (or less) and fit inside a single 1-litre clear resealable bag presented at security screening.
• Single-use disposables count as both a device and a liquid source; store in the cabin bag and include the cartridge in the transparent liquids bag if container exceeds security thresholds.
• Charging during flight is prohibited; batteries should not be connected to on-board power while airborne.
• On-board use is forbidden; vaping or attempting to use devices in the cabin may result in fines and confiscation.
• Local rules vary: several countries restrict import or possession of nicotine liquids and may require medical or customs declarations–verify destination regulations before departure.
• Security checks: present devices separately if requested; have cartridges accessible in the clear bag to speed screening.
• Protective storage: use a hard-shell or fire-resistant pouch to prevent accidental activation or leakage; stow under the seat or in an overhead compartment where access is maintained.

For recommendations on compact cases and carry solutions that fit cabin requirements, see best luggage for frequent business travelers.

Can larger hair dryers, straighteners and irons be carried in carry-on?

Recommendation: Stow full-size hair dryers, hot-stone straighteners and standard travel irons in checked baggage when bulk, weight or onboard stowage limits would be exceeded; carry compact, corded styling tools in carry-on only if completely cooled, unplugged and protected.

Quick operational rules: cool all hot plates and barrels before packing; empty water tanks on steam irons; wrap cords and secure plug pins to prevent shorting or damage; keep tools with removable rechargeable cells accessible for inspection and follow battery carriage rules for any lithium packs (remove if removable).

Security and cabin-stow tips: place heated-tool bags at the top of carry-on for easy visual screening; expect additional X-ray checks; avoid wrapping devices in materials that inhibit inspection (e.g., thick foil layers).

What to expect and do if security questions or removes an electronic device?

Power down portable electronics, remove external batteries and power banks, and place each device separately into trays when requested; keep serial numbers and proof of purchase easily accessible.

At the security checkpoint

Expect manual inspection, X‑ray re-check, chemical swab screening and requests to power on devices or remove protective cases. Officers may request battery-rating labels. Prompt cooperation typically speeds processing; refusal can result in retention or denial of carriage.

If a device is retained

Obtain an incident reference or written receipt from security staff, note the officer’s name, time and checkpoint location. Inquire about retrieval procedures: some devices are returned at the gate or collected from the airport lost‑property desk, while devices seized for safety reasons may be permanently withheld. Contact the airline desk and lost‑property office immediately using the reference. For high‑value items, report the matter to airport police and retain copies of boarding pass, photo ID and proof of ownership. Submit formal claims or complaints to the airport or carrier within published deadlines and keep all correspondence and reference numbers.

Spare power packs with lithium cells receive extra scrutiny; visible battery-rating labels and secure, isolated packaging reduce delays. For non-electronic travel gear such as a wall-mounted umbrella see best wall mounted umbrella.