People warned to never take power banks on flight if you notice these 3 things

A campaign by the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is warning travelers not to take power banks on flights if they notice three specific warning signs that suggest lithium batteries may be unsafe. The CAA says rechargeable lithium batteries in power banks can create a fire risk in either the cabin or cargo hold. CAA data shows reports of overheating or malfunctioning passenger devices nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025, following a 98% year-on-year rise. Safety engineer Giuseppe Capanna of Electrical Safety First links the danger to battery energy density and stresses proper handling. The signs include bulging, swelling, or any change in shape, which may indicate internal failure and risk of thermal runaway. The CAA says passengers should avoid bringing a damaged device, dispose of it at a local electronics and battery recycling center, keep power banks in the cabin, and alert airline staff if problems appear. It also advises buying from reputable retailers and keeping units away from heat and liquids.