Portable charger problems on flights 'on the rise', watchdog warns

Portable charger problems on flights 'on the rise', watchdog warns7 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleEwan SomervilleGetty ImagesPower banks are not allowed in checked luggagePower banks are causing a growing number of serious issues on flights worldwide, the UK's aviation regulator has warned as it encouraged passengers to check the rules.The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said "more awareness" was needed as portable chargers carry "serious risks" of overheating or catching fire.Jonathan Nicholson from the CAA told BBC News that restrictions such as not putting the devices in checked luggage were not "somebody being pedantic" or "for the sake of it", with passengers urged "to do the right thing".It comes after a UK-bound EasyJet flight was diverted to Rome last week because a passenger had packed a charging power bank in hold luggage.Nicholson said the "basic set of international rules" all passengers must follow on power banks are:Take them with you on board the aircraft, not in checked luggageA maximum of two power banks per passengerWhen on board the aircraft, don't use them and "absolutely do not charge the power bank itself because that's when they become really hot and most susceptible to having an issue"The CAA is planning to launch a campaign this summer with UK airlines to explain what the rules are and why, for those going on their holidays and business travellers.Last week, EasyJet flight EZY2618 from Hurghada in Egypt to London Luton changed course to land in Rome Fiumicino as a "precaution" after a passenger told crew members that a portable charger was in the aircraft's hold.Passengers had to stay overnight until a rescheduled flight to London the next day.Nicholson said incidents involving power banks were "certainly on the rise" as portable chargers grow in popularity, alongside vapes which are not allowed in checked lu...