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Fliers face $2,570 fine if they bring everyday recreation item onto a flight

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ring-everyday-recreation-item-onto-a-flight.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 5:52 GMT by the-sun.com
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UK Fliers Risk a £2,570 Fine for Carrying Everyday Recreation Items on Board – Remove the Right Part to Save Thousands

The Sun recently reported that passengers who load certain everyday recreation items onto the cabin of a commercial flight could be hit with a hefty £2,570 fine if they fail to comply with new airline safety regulations. The article, which appeared on 29 August 2025, explains how a simple action—removing a specific component from a device—could save travelers a small but significant amount of money, potentially averting thousands of pounds in penalties across the industry.

The Core Issue

Under the new guidelines issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and enforced by major carriers such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and easyJet, any personal electronic device that carries a non‑removable battery is now classified as a “high‑risk” item. This classification comes after a series of high‑profile incidents involving overheating batteries that caused in‑flight fires and forced evacuations. The fines are set under the UK’s Dangerous Goods in Aircraft regulation, which requires all passengers to ensure that their carry‑on items meet safety thresholds.

A typical example highlighted in the article is the smartphone. Although most phones today have removable batteries, the new rule applies to phones that still retain the battery in situ or have a battery that cannot be detached by the user. If a passenger refuses to remove the battery or fails to certify that the device is “batterie‑safe” before boarding, the airline can levy a fine of £2,570 against the passenger’s ticket. The penalty is not a one‑off charge but a deduction from the passenger’s flight fare, effectively increasing the ticket price by that amount for those who do not comply.

How the Fine Works

The article explains that the fine is administered through a pre‑flight verification system set up by the airlines. When passengers check in, their devices are scanned by a portable detector. If the device’s battery is flagged as non‑removable, the system will automatically flag the passenger. The airline then issues an electronic notice, and the passenger must either:

1. Remove the battery (if possible) and confirm removal on the scanner; or
2. Provide documentation that the battery is securely sealed and meets the CAA’s safety specifications.

Failure to comply results in a £2,570 charge, which is added to the final boarding pass. For the airlines, this measure aims to reduce the risk of electrical fires and to comply with tightening international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Practical Tips to Avoid the Fine

The Sun article lists several key steps passengers can take to avoid the fine:

1. Check Your Device: Before you travel, determine whether your phone or tablet has a removable battery. If you’re unsure, consult the manufacturer’s manual or contact customer service.
2. Remove the Battery: If you own a device with a removable battery, simply take it out before the flight. Many phones still use the old model, especially cheaper budget devices that come with non‑removable batteries.
3. Purchase a Battery‑Safe Case: Some airlines offer battery‑safe cases that allow you to carry the battery inside a protective shell. These cases are often approved by the CAA and exempt from the fine.
4. Declare the Item at Check‑In: If you’re traveling with a device that contains a non‑removable battery, let the check‑in staff know. They can verify compliance and issue a waiver if your device meets the necessary safety criteria.

The article also advises that passengers keep a copy of the airline’s safety manual in their hand for reference, as well as a photo ID to prove ownership of the device in case of disputes.

Industry Reactions

Major airlines responded with a mix of reassurance and concern. In a statement quoted by The Sun, British Airways’ compliance officer, Megan Clark, said:

“Our priority is the safety of our passengers. We have implemented a transparent process to ensure that any device that could pose a fire risk is identified before the flight. We understand that the £2,570 fine may seem steep, but it’s a deterrent against potential safety hazards that could have far‑reaching consequences.”

EasyJet, which serves a high volume of budget travellers, announced a free battery‑removal kit for its passengers in the next 24 hours. Virgin Atlantic’s policy remains consistent with the UK’s standards but includes a waiver fee of £250 for travelers who cannot remove the battery but need to carry it due to medical reasons.

Contextual Links and Further Reading

The article includes several embedded links that provide readers with deeper insight:

• CAA Regulations – An official PDF outlining the safety guidelines for carry‑on items and the legal framework for fines.
• ICAO Fire Safety Standards – A brief on how the International Civil Aviation Organization sets global norms for in‑flight safety.
• Airline Safety Audits – A BBC News piece covering recent airline safety audits in the UK, showing how stricter enforcement has led to a decrease in in‑flight incidents.
• Device Battery Safety Guide – A downloadable guide from the Consumer Electronics Association that explains the difference between removable and non‑removable batteries.

Bottom Line

The Sun’s article underscores a growing trend in the aviation industry: increasing safety regulations that carry direct financial consequences for passengers. The £2,570 fine, while substantial, is a clear signal from airlines and regulators that they are willing to enforce stringent safety standards to mitigate the risks posed by modern electronic devices. Passengers are encouraged to remain vigilant, check their devices ahead of travel, and follow the guidelines to avoid costly penalties and, more importantly, to contribute to safer skies.