Flying out of the UK? Make sure you’re up to date with the latest on electronic devices and new security rules at Gatwick Airport and other UK airports.
Here’s the must-have information to ensure you don’t miss your flight – or have expensive phones, tablets or other devices confiscated.
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New rules Phone chargers Emergency charging |
Laptop cabin ban E-cigarettes Body scanners |
Don’t lose your device at security
By its nature, airport security can be secretive with fast-moving changes as authorities react to ever-changing needs of other countries and international issues. Here’s the information you’ll need to negotiate Gatwick Airport security – and not risk losing your electronic devices.
Can I take my portable phone charger (power pack) on a plane?
Can you take a phone charger on a plane? We’ve the answer here
Most planes will have charging ports for phones and other devices at the seat, but you’ll still need to keep your mobile devices charged as you approach security. To make sure this is possible, many travellers take power packs – but what are the rules around these when boarding?
Do not pack you portable charger (power pack) in hold luggage: Taking your portable phone charger (power pack) on a plane is fine, but just remember to pack it in your hand luggage. Do not put them in your hold luggage as this is not permitted and could result in your luggage not being loaded.
Leave some charge in your power pack: Many airlines will still require you to prove an electrical device, such as phone or tablet, can be switched on before you can take it on board as hand luggage, so the same is likely to apply to portable phone chargers (power packs). Always ensure units contain charge as you will not be able to pack them in your hold luggage as an alternative way to carry them.
Can I pack any portable chargers in my hold luggage: The Gatwick Airport website states that ‘Lithium batteries should be carried in your hand luggage only’, so those with ‘alternative chargers’ may be tempted to pack power packs that use solar or wind-up power in the hold. However, while these devices are charge by the likes of sun and kinetic power, most still house Lithium batteries to store the power. Pop them in your hand luggage and make sure they have power.
E-cigarettes and vaping on planes – the information you need
Where to carry your device, packing spare batteries and can you use it on the plane… all covered here.
Vaping… all you need to know
With the banning of cigarettes in many indoor spaces and public areas, e-cigarettes have become increasingly popular with more than 3 million people using them in the UK alone – but how do they fit in with flying? Find out here…
Can I use my e-cigarette on the plane: The question of comparing e-cigarettes with regular tobacco products is contentious, with many commercial establishments allowing the devices to be used in an attempt to to beat the smoking bans.
This is not the case on planes. It’s very clear – you are not allowed to ‘vape’ on planes.
Where do I need to pack my e-cigarette or similar device: Anyone travelling with e-cigarettes, e-cigars, personal vaporizers and electronic nicotine delivery systems must pack the device in their hand luggage. This is because these devices often contain lithium batteries, which are not allowed in a plane’s hold – so must not be in your ‘checked’ luggage.
Can I recharge my e-cigarette or similar device when on the plane: No. You are not permitted to recharge your ‘vaping’ device while in the aircraft. This is to avoid the risk of them overheating and causing a fire risk.
Can I pack spare batteries for my e-cigarette system: Any spare batteries must be individually protected by the original unopened packaging, by insulating terminals with tape or packing each battery in a separate pouch / plastic bag.
Passengers can take no more than two individually protected spare batteries.
So it is okay to carry all rechargeable batteries in the plane: It’s fine to carry rechargeable batteries that have a Watt hour (Wh) rating of not more than 100Wh – the new iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S7 are rated around 11Wh to put this in context. However, the batteries must not be packed in checked luggage.
If your power packs fall outside of this range, you should contact airline to seek further advice.
Save your battery
While all electrical devices need to be charged, it’s likely to be smartphones that will cause most angst for travellers. So, if your power bar’s heading south at an alarming rate, here are our tips for conserving your battery power.
1: Ensure you close all apps running in the background. Despite not being in use, they’ll constantly check for updates and zap your power.
2: Turn off Wi-Fi, mobile data roaming and Bluetooth. These will continually search for connections and soak up even more power.
3: Turn off GPS. While you might not be able to locate your exact position, looking out of a window and spotting a large jet parked outside should help confirm you’re at the airport. Shutting down your GPS will save plenty of battery power.
4: Disable vibrate: It might be a great way to let you know when your phone’s ringing while it’s set to silent – but it will also take liberties with your battery. Turn it off now.
5: Dim the screen. Doing this will help reduce the amount of power needed to light your screen – giving you even more minutes of battery life. Don’t forget to disable ‘haptic’ feedback, too. This is the slight buzz when you tap the screen while writing texts, etc.
6: Enable airplane mode. Going under the radar for an hour or two at the airport will be a small price to pay for not having your phone confiscated at the gate. Airplane mode will ensure all battery power-munching connections are cut.
Emergency charging at Gatwick airport
So, you’ve arrived at Gatwick airport, had a rummage through your hand luggage and realised one of your electronic devices has a flat battery. Everything from smartphones to rechargeable hairdryers and shavers could need to be turned on as you reach the gate – otherwise they’ll face confiscation and you could even be denied your seat on the plane. Here are your options…
Chargebox kiosks at Gatwick Airport: Gatwick Airport offers ChargeBox kiosks where you can boost your smartphone’s battery as you wait to fly. The service consists of a secure locker equipped with charging leads and adaptors for most popular handsets. You can charge your device for between 30 and 90 minutes. The lockers have a unique key for added security and are located in the departures lounge of North & South terminal – meaing you can leave them charging as you head off and get a meal or do some shopping. Using the service costs from £1.50 for 30 minutes.
More information: Find out more about the Charge Box service here
Speak to your airline: Several airlines are offering charging facilities at the gate. Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have said they will offer limited facilities – including adaptors – for its customers at the gate. Make sure you get there early.
Gatwick lounges: Charge your device in luxury, as you join the jest set and dodge the crowds ini one of Gatwick Airport’s exclusive lounges. You can enter them up to three hours before you fly, so there should be plenty of time to get a good charge in your device. Make sure you have your own leads and adaptors. Enjoy free drinks and snacks in these exclusive lounges from £16.00.
Full body scanners at Gatwick Airport – Your questions answered
Anyone flying from Gatwick could be asked to undertake a full body scan. Being selected can be a daunting experience, so here’s all the information you need to make sure you’re fully aware of what the machine does and if you can refuse the request to be ‘scanned’.
Gatwick’s scanning system uses millimetre wave imaging technology to flag objects that could be concealed under clothing. Here are more answers to questions you might be asking
Yes, according to Government research. Tests have concluded that the scanner is less invasive than a mobile phone or than being in the sun. It is also certified as safe for pregnant women, children and those with medical implants such as pacemakers.
No. Passengers will go through the usual metal detector gates, but some will be picked out at random to be tested in the scanner. The exact reasons why someone gets chosen are kept secret for security reasons, but selection cannot be based on on ethnicity, origin, gender or destination of travel.
If chosen, you will be asked to stand in the machine and assume a particular position. There might also be a request to rotate to a second position. The scan will take just a few minutes.
No, not in any image that’ll be seen by a human. The scanner uses an Automatic Threat Recognition and Detection functionality to digitally look for possible threats. If any are detected, the scanner will display them on a ‘gingerbread man’ image for the human operator to review. He will then decide if a physical search is needed.
The image is analysed from within the computer and will never be seen, transmitted, saved or printed.
No. Children might also be asked to go through the body scanner.
The Government’s Code of Conduct covering body scanners states: ‘An individual may opt out of being scanned. In this instance, the individual must either be screened by an alternative method which includes at least an enhanced hand search in private or that individual must not be permitted to enter the security restricted area, or, if applicable, he or she must be removed from it. An enhanced hand search in private must take place in a private room or an area away from the main search comb. This may involve the loosening or removal of clothing.