Airlines are tightening rules on portable chargers after an easyJet flight diverted over a power bank issue.Show Caption
An easyJet flight from Egypt to the U.K. was diverted due to a power bank in a passenger’s checked baggage.The May 19 flight from Hurghada to Luton in Bedfordshire, England rerouted to Rome after the crew was informed that the power bank was charging, the airline said. These devices are permitted in carry-on luggage but not in checked baggage, according to the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority.easyJet also prohibits customers from using power banks onboard, including to charge other devices, according to its website.“The aircraft landed safely and passengers disembarked routinely,” easyJet told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. “We provided hotel accommodation and meals where available and provided customers who stayed in the airport with refreshments.”The flight was rescheduled for the next morning. “The safety of its customers and crew is easyJet's highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ guidelines,” the airline added.Several airlines have tightened rules around portable power packs, which can pose a fire risk. American Airlines began requiring that flyers keep the devices visible when in use in May, along with limits on the number of devices they can bring and their watt-hour capacity.The news followed similar changes from United Airlines and Southwest Airlines.Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.
