Safety Rules for Passengers Traveling with Lithium Batteries and Power Banks

The average passenger now flies with at least 4 lithium battery devices. These batteries are commonly found in everyday items like such as mobile phones, laptops, and cameras, but they can be hazardous if not packed safely.

There had been a significance increase in reported incidents involving lithium-ion batteries compared to 2020. Batteries and power banks can short circuit, overheat and even catch fire during flight. A lithium-ion battery fire can be very difficult to extinguish.

 

To ensure safety on board, please follow these important rules when travelling with Air Mauritius:

1.     Carriage of Spare batteries and Power banks

  • Always take spare batteries and power banks with you in the cabin. Trained aircrew can manage any issues quickly and safely in the cabin.

  • Never place spare batteries or power banks in checked luggage. 

  • Passengers travelling with Air Mauritius are permitted to carry no more than one spare battery not exceeding 300Wh or two spare batteries not exceeding 160WH

  • Power bank must not exceed 100wh and must be carried in hand luggage only. Power banks must not be charged and used on board using aircraft usb port.

  • Power banks must not be placed in cabin baggage stored in the overhead locker. They must be kept under the seat in front of you or in the seat‑back pocket.

 

 

2.     Carriage of devices with installed batteries

Devices with batteries must be packed securely and carried in either checked or carry-on baggage, however you must: 

  • switch off the device completely

  • not keep device in sleep or hibernation mode

  • protect device from damage and from being accidentally switched-on in flight.

 

3.     Safety tips when travelling with lithium batteries

These simple steps help keep you and your fellow passengers safe:

  • Choose reputable suppliers when buying devices and spare batteries

  • Follow airline and manufacturer rules for carrying and charging lithium batteries

  • Keep spare batteries with you in the cabin and protect them from damage

  • Do not use or charge batteries that show signs of damage, overheating, or swelling

  • Dispose of batteries safely through approved recycling programs.

 

To prevent short circuits, spare battery terminals must be protected by:

  • keeping batteries in their original packaging

  • covering battery terminals with tape

  • placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or case.

 

4.     Calculating battery sizes

What you need to know about battery sizes:

  • Under 100Wh: Common in phones, laptops, and cameras – it is recommended that you carry these devices with you in the cabin.

  • 100Wh to 160Wh: Found in power tools and mobility aids – you require airline approval.

  • Over 160Wh: Prohibited in passenger baggage (except for mobility aids) – you must transport them separately as dangerous goods cargo.

 

If your battery or power bank doesn’t have the Watt hour rating (Wh) on its outer case, use this formula to calculate its size:

  • Voltage (V) × Amp hours (Ah) = Watt-hours (Wh)

 

For milliamp hours (mAh), divide the answer by 1000:

  • (V × mAh) / 1000 = Wh