Brits warned of number one safety risk on flights as airlines back new campaign

British aviation authorities are urging flyers to avoid a key safety risk during summer travel: improper packing of lithium batteries in checked luggage. With more than 60 million passengers expected to fly via UK airports this summer, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) launched a campaign reminding travelers to keep mobile phones, vapes and power banks in cabin hand luggage rather than hold bags. The CAA warns that incorrect storage can cause onboard fires that are difficult or sometimes impossible to contain mid-flight, and says incidents involving lithium batteries now occur about twice per week. It also reported that reports of overheating or malfunctioning devices nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025, with a 98% year-on-year increase, and that incorrectly packed lithium battery devices rose 91% in 2025. Despite the risk, it says 36% of travelers are unaware, even though most carry devices like phones, laptops and power banks. Virgin Atlantic backs the campaign, emphasizing customers should follow guidance and not charge power banks onboard.