IATA Launches Global Campaign to Promote Safe Travel with Lithium Batteries
Educating Travelers Worldwide
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) launched the Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries campaign to improve travel safety worldwide. The campaign shares seven simple rules for carrying lithium-powered devices like phones, laptops, and power banks safely on flights.
It runs across IATA’s website and social media, with white-label materials available for airlines, airports, and travel partners.
Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety, and Security, said “Proper handling prevents potential risks from damaged or mispacked batteries.” He added that as “Travellers carry more electronic devices, this campaign helps airlines educate passengers on safe battery transport practices.”
Travellers Are Carrying More Devices, But Many Misunderstand the Rules
An IATA passenger survey revealed that 83% of travellers fly with a phone, 60% with a laptop, and 44% with a power bank. Although 93% believe they understand the rules, many travellers still hold dangerous misconceptions about battery safety.
Half of respondents incorrectly thought small lithium-powered devices were allowed in checked baggage. Another 45% mistakenly believed power banks could go in checked luggage, while 33% didn’t know about battery power limits.
These gaps in knowledge highlight the importance of consistent education and awareness campaigns across the aviation industry.
Seven Simple Safety Rules for Safer Air Travel
The campaign outlines seven easy-to-follow rules that make air travel with lithium batteries safer for everyone.
- Pack light and only bring the devices and batteries you need for your trip.
- Stay alert and report any hot, smoking, or damaged devices to the crew or airport staff immediately.
- Keep all electronic devices and power banks in your hand luggage, not in checked bags.
- Protect spare batteries by keeping them in original packaging or covering terminals with tape.
- If your hand baggage is taken at the gate, remove all lithium-powered items before it goes into the hold.
- Check larger batteries over 100 watt-hours with your airline for approval before traveling.
- Always confirm your airline’s battery policies, as rules can vary depending on local regulations.
A Safer Future for Global Air Travel
IATA’s initiative empowers travellers to make informed, safe choices when flying with personal electronic devices. The campaign encourages shared responsibility between passengers, airlines, and regulators to maintain aviation safety standards.
With lithium-powered devices now essential in daily life, education remains the most effective tool to prevent onboard incidents. Through this global effort, IATA reinforces its mission to make air travel safer and smarter for passengers everywhere.