Airport Security Rule: Uncharged Phones Risk Confiscation for EasyJet, Jet2, TUI Passengers
As summer getaway holidays approach, travellers are being alerted to a little-known airport regulation that could result in the confiscation of mobile phones or laptops. This rule, enforced at airport security checkpoints, has caught out tourists flying with major airlines such as TUI, British Airways, Ryanair, and EasyJet, as the airlines themselves do not implement it directly.
Why Your Device's Battery Percentage Matters
The majority of passengers carry at least one electronic item in their hand luggage, whether it's a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop. These devices often hold boarding passes and entertainment for the journey. However, if you arrive at airport security and your battery is at 0%, you may face significant issues.
Airport staff are permitted to request that all electrical devices be powered on. If a dead battery prevents you from turning on your item, you could be denied boarding or forced to leave it behind. The UK government's official travel guidance explicitly states: "Make sure your electronic devices are charged before you travel. If your device does not switch on when requested, you will not be allowed to take it onto the aircraft."
Airline-Specific Policies and Consequences
If you mistakenly bring an uncharged device in your hand luggage, the options vary depending on the airport and airline. For instance, if you haven't checked your bag yet, you might be able to place the device in checked baggage to go in the hold.
British Airways advises on its website: "Please ensure that any items in your hand baggage are fully charged and switched on before you arrive at the airport. If your device is not charged, please place it in your checked baggage." They also recommend keeping devices charged during connections, as charging points may be limited.
For passengers at London-Heathrow, British Airways notes that those with flat batteries might need to rebook on a later flight to allow time for recharging, potentially incurring a fee. Alternatively, items can be left at Bagport, the lost property office, with a reference number for retrieval at the destination.
TUI has issued a warning to passengers: "If you're carrying any electronic devices in your hand luggage that are capable of holding a charge, you'll need to make sure they're fully charged when you go through airport security. This is part of new security measures that have been introduced by airports in the UK and abroad." They suggest keeping devices switched on until boarding, as additional checks might occur at the departure gate.
Additional Risks: Damaged Batteries and Prohibited Items
It's not just a flat battery that could cause problems. Both EasyJet and Jet2 have lists of prohibited items that include damaged batteries. Jet2's website clearly states: "Damaged Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) and/or spare/loose lithium batteries/cells (including power banks) are forbidden from carriage in all circumstances."
Ryanair provides limited guidance, mentioning in its FAQ that if a smartphone or tablet dies before airport security, passengers can receive a free boarding pass at the airport if they've checked in online. However, it does not specify what happens if security refuses entry due to an uncharged device.
This rule underscores the importance of checking gadgets before heading to the airport to avoid disruptions during your travel plans.
