Manchester Airport is urging passengers to check their baggage carefully before travelling this summer, warning that vapes, power banks, tablets and other devices containing lithium batteries must not be packed in checked luggage.
The airport’s Hold Baggage Screening team says incorrectly packed electronic devices are among the most common reasons bags require manual inspection, increasing the risk of delays and even preventing luggage from travelling on the same flight as its owner.
Lithium Batteries Must Stay in Hand Luggage
Devices powered by lithium batteries, including electronic cigarettes, power banks, tablets and spare rechargeable batteries, must always travel in the aircraft cabin.
According to the airport, lithium batteries can overheat or catch fire if damaged, making them unsuitable for transport in the aircraft hold where any incident would be more difficult to detect and manage.
Anthony Shaw, Security Team Leader at Manchester Airport, said:
“These devices are forbidden within hold luggage and must be carried in your hand luggage where, in the event of an emergency, the problem will be spotted more quickly and can be more easily dealt with.”
Passengers who place prohibited electronic devices in checked baggage may have their luggage opened by security officers so the items can be removed before departure.
What Should Go in Checked Baggage?
While electronic devices belong in cabin bags, Manchester Airport reminds travellers that several other items should be packed in checked luggage instead.
Large liquid containers exceeding 100ml, including toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner and sunscreen, must remain in hold baggage until current security restrictions are lifted.
The airport has already installed new CT scanners in both terminals but is still awaiting certification from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority before relaxing the existing liquid rules.
Sports equipment, including golf clubs, cricket bats and skis, must also be checked in because of their size and security requirements.
Five Tips for Smoother Travel
Manchester Airport’s security team also shared practical advice to help passengers avoid delays:
- Check prohibited items before packing and avoid carrying hazardous goods such as fireworks, flammable liquids or compressed gas appliances.
- Keep medication, passports and important travel documents in your hand luggage.
- Protect fragile items with suitable padding before placing them in checked baggage.
- Make luggage easy to identify with colourful tags or labels to reduce confusion at baggage reclaim.
- Secure loose straps, retract handles and remove old baggage tags to prevent suitcases becoming caught in airport conveyor systems.
With more than six million passengers expected to travel through Manchester Airport this summer, the airport says correctly packed luggage will help speed up security screening and reduce delays for everyone.
