The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is warning travellers that packing the wrong items in their checked or carry-on baggage  can lead to airport delays and even missed flights.

The reminder comes as CASA said it will conduct checks, inspections and audits of airlines and other aviation operations over the school holiday period to ensure safety standards are being maintained. 

To ensure travellers are aware of the ever-changing rules and to overcome a general lack of understanding by many Australians, CASA has embarked on its Pack Right, Safe Flight campaign to educate travellers as to what, and how, they can take on their trip.

“Many passengers remain unaware of the rules or risks,” CASA’s Andreas Marcelja said on Wednesday.

“Devices like phones, laptops, vapes and power banks are common items we travel with – but when they’re packed incorrectly, they can pose a serious fire risk.”

CASA advises holidaymakers to visit its Pack Right, Safe Flight website before leaving for the airport, to find out where to pack common items.

According to CASA, lithium-ion batteries top the list of common problem items – and most travellers now carry at least four rechargeable (lithium-powered) devices on to planes.

‘Spare lithium batteries, e-cigarettes, vapes and powerbanks must never be packed in checked baggage,” Marcelja said.

“They should always be carried in the cabin, where cabin crew are trained to respond to any incidents.’ 

However, electrical devices without a battery – like hair driers or straighteners that can be plugged into mains power – are not restricted. They can be packed in either checked or carry-on baggage. 

Some other confusing packing items the CASA site attempts to address are aerosols, sparklers, or cleaning products – whether they can be carried, where they should be packed, and what conditions apply. 

The campaign comes just months after a lithium battery blaze on board a Virgin Australia from Sydney to Hobart reported smelling smoke about 10 minutes before landing.

A burning powerbank was reportedly found in an overhead locker. Photo: Pulse Tasmania

As the cabin filled with smoke, crews opened an overhead compartment and reportedly discovered a burning lithium battery.

Airlines worldwide have cracked down on the carriage of lithium batteries, with Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines among those to ban their in-flight use. Hong Kong’s aviation regulator has imposed similar restrictions on the territory’s airlines, including Cathay Pacific.

Last year, the US Federal Aviation Administration recorded 39 episodes involving lithium batteries on passenger flights, many involving powerbanks.

The Pack Right, Safe Flight website also provides a useful list of packing tips for air travellers.

Packing tips

Check your airline’s baggage rules and:

• Pack your own bags
• Check if any items are dangerous goods and where to pack them
• Always pack spare batteries and power banks in your carry-on luggage
• Keep essential items (like medicine) in your carry-on
• Follow size and weight limits
• Don’t pack restricted or banned items
• Inform your airline of any special needs before you travel.