Heathrow Airport issues key message to anyone flying this summer

Heathrow Airport has shared a crucial alert to holidaymakers jetting off this summer. The London hub, which serves more than 80 airlines, issued the message on social media yesterday.

"Refuel your phone before you fly," its spokespeople wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "We know how important it is to stay connected during your travels, so if your device is running low, recharge at our free Power Pole charging stations."

Whilst a flat phone battery might appear trivial, it becomes far more serious when travelling overseas. Currentgovernment guidance warns travellers may be forced to abandon their device if it fails to power on when requested by security personnel.

This rule extends to other gadgets, including laptops, and applies across every UK airport. "Make sure your electronic devices are charged before you travel," guidelines on the government's websitestate. "If your device does not switch on when requested, you will not be allowed to take it onto the aircraft."

Though the government's website doesn't elaborate on the reasoning, there are likely two key factors behind this policy. Seamus McCauley, Head of Public Affairs at Holiday Extras, outlined these concerns during a recent interview with Peterborough Matters.

He said: "First, a device that won't power up may have a damaged or faulty battery, and lithium-ion batteries - which power most modern electronics - can pose a fire risk if compromised. Second, airlines may view a device that can't be turned on as a potential security risk."

Beyond this, it's essential to understand what items you're permitted and prohibited from packing in your carry-on or checked baggage when departing from any UK airport. Only specific electronic devices are permitted on flights leaving the UK.

Whilst some carriers might impose different limitations, the government outlines nine primary items allowed in both hand and checked baggage. These include:

• MP3 players
• Hairdryers
• Straighteners
• Travel iron
• Electric shaver
• Most cameras
• Mobile phones
• Laptops
• Tablet devices

Nonetheless, its site adds: "Check the restrictions on certain types of batteries or contact your airline if you're not sure what you can carry[...] You can take hair curlers containing a gas cartridge in hand or hold luggage as long as the safety cover is fitted at all times. You must not take separate gas cartridges on board."

Travellers using e-cigarettes should keep them in their hand luggage rather than checked luggage. During security checks, placing electronic devices in a designated tray allows staff to easily see and verify that no prohibited items are hidden.

Three other recommended 'Heathrow hacks'

Heathrow Airport has shared three more effective travel tips on its website. These include:

• Eat and drink to your heart's content before jetting off - it might save you if your flight's delayed

• Find the best food to take on your flight - it can sometimes be more expensive on board

• If you're only briefly stopping in London during your travels, you can store smaller pieces of excess luggage that you don't want to carry around the city at the baggage offices located in each terminal