Britons need to be aware of a lesser-known airport regulation that could lead to the confiscation of their phone or laptop even before they board their flight. This rule is enforced at airport security checkpoints and has caught passengers off guard, especially those flying with airlines like TUI, British Airways, Ryanair, and easyJet, as these airlines do not actively enforce it.
Most travelers carry electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, or laptops in their hand luggage, often storing essential travel documents and entertainment on them. However, if your device’s battery is depleted when you reach airport security, you may encounter issues. All electronic devices must be functional, as security personnel have the authority to ask passengers to turn on their devices.
Failure to comply due to a dead battery may result in being denied boarding or having to abandon the device. The UK government’s official travel guidance emphasizes the importance of ensuring that electronic devices are fully charged before travel, as devices that fail to power up upon request will not be allowed on the aircraft.
For passengers with uncharged devices in their hand luggage, the course of action varies depending on the airport and airline. If the baggage has not been checked yet, the device can be placed in the checked luggage and stored in the cargo hold.
British Airways advises passengers to ensure that all devices in their hand luggage are charged and operational before reaching the airport. If a device is uncharged, it should be placed in the checked luggage. Additionally, passengers are advised to conserve device power during the journey, as charging facilities at airports may be limited, necessitating an adapter.
For travelers departing from London-Heathrow, British Airways suggests that passengers with dead batteries may need to reschedule their flight to allow time for recharging, with a potential fee. Alternatively, passengers can leave items at Bagport, the lost property office, and receive a reference number for retrieval at the destination.
TUI has cautioned passengers about the need to ensure that electronic devices capable of holding a charge are fully powered when going through airport security, as part of new security measures. Keeping devices switched on until boarding is recommended due to potential additional checks at the departure gate.
In addition to dead batteries, damaged batteries are also a concern. Airlines like easyJet and Jet2 prohibit damaged personal electronic devices and spare lithium batteries in all circumstances. Jet2 explicitly states that such items are forbidden from carriage.
Ryanair emphasizes the importance of keeping phones charged but does not provide specific guidance for devices with dead batteries. However, passengers who have checked in online and encounter a dead device at the airport will receive a complimentary boarding pass.
For more information on airport security regulations, visit the official government website.
