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Summary for: Airlines crack down on electronics: What this means for passengers in CzechiaIf you’re planning a trip from Czechia, be aware: airlines are tightening rules for phones, laptops, power banks, and other electronics after a recent onboard fire on an international airline.
Lithium batteries, which power most modern devices, can catch fire if damaged or overheated. Airlines are now adding stricter rules on top of international regulations, including where and how to store devices during flights. Here’s what Czechia-based travelers should know.
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Store in carry-on-only bags
Anything with lithium batteries, that means mobile phones, power banks, electric toothbrushes, or e-cigarettes, should be in your hand luggage. Lukáš Pulpán, a security control technician at Prague Airport, told Czech Television: "It is also very important to lock razors, electric toothbrushes, or other devices against accidentally switching on” during the flight.
Avoid storing in checked baggage
If electronics are left in checked luggage, Prague Airport staff send them to a special facility for inspection. Bags with power banks or e-cigarettes are often rejected, and passengers may face extra screening before boarding.
Failing to follow these rules could mean leaving your luggage behind or being denied boarding.
Transporting electronics
- Up to 100 Wh (~27,000 mAh): Most phones, tablets, and laptops fall into this category. No airline approval needed.
- 100–160 Wh: Larger devices like some professional cameras, bigger laptops, or high-capacity power banks need airline approval before you fly. Check with your airline in advance.
- Over 160 Wh: Prohibited on passenger flights. This includes large e-bike batteries or industrial batteries.
Some airlines now require electronics to stay under the seat or in the pocket in front of you rather than in overhead compartments. This comes after incidents like a mid-October China Airlines flight that returned to the airport when a lithium battery caught fire above passengers’ heads.
When will new rules come into effect?
The new battery policy is expected to apply across most international airlines by the end of 2025, writes travel-focused FTN News. Emirates has been among the first major global airlines to introduce the new restrictions to all its flights, with “airlines in North America, Europe, and Asia gradually updating their baggage rules.”
FTN also notes that some low-cost carriers and regional airlines “may introduce temporary exemptions while adapting to the new regulations.”
Tips for travelers from Czechia
- Double-check battery capacities before flying.
- Keep batteries in original packaging if possible.
- Carry electronics in an accessible part of your hand luggage.
- Notify airline staff if travelling with high-capacity batteries.
