Smartphone, PC, tablet, battery: the 3 rules to absolutely respect when you travel by plane

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The digital age has transformed our travel habits. Smartphones, tablets, laptops: these traveling companions have become indispensable for millions of people. However, transporting them on a plane requires some precautions. Here are 3 rules to follow to board serenely with your electronic devices.

Do not put any battery-powered devices in your checked baggage

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First golden rule: keep your electronics with you in the cabin.Airlines are unanimous: no lithium batteries in the hold. The reason: ? A fire risk that is impossible to control once the plane is in flight.

Imagine for a moment your smartphone, laptop or electronic cigarette, comfortably installed in your suitcase in the hold. A scenario that seems harmless, but could turn into a nightmare. In the event of a problem with a battery, the flight crew would have no way of intervening.

Incidents are not rare. Cases of smoke due to defective batteries have already forced planes to make emergency diversions. A risk that airlines do not want to take.

So, what to do ? The solution is simple : keep all your electronic devices in your cabin baggage.Phones, computers, tablets, e-cigarettes and power banks: all of them must accompany you on board. This is the guarantee of a safe flight, for you and for the other passengers.

This rule also applies to spare batteries. They must be individually protected to avoid any short circuits. A word of advice: place them in their original packaging or in separate plastic bags.

Be careful with portable batteries

The Anker battery © Presse-Citron

External batteries have become essential accessories for many travelers. They allow us to keep our devices charged for long hours. But be careful: their transport by plane is subject to strict rules.

First thing to know: portable batteries are allowed, but only in the cabin. As with other electronic devices, placing them in the hold is therefore prohibited. But that's not all: their power is also limited .

The maximum allowed capacity is 100Wh or 27,000mAh per battery. Beyond that, you may have to leave it at the airport. So check the specifications of your battery before you leave. This information is usually on the label or in the user manual.

Another important point: most airlines limit the number of batteries that you can take. In general, you are allowed two external batteries per person. But be careful, this rule can vary depending on the airline. It is best to check with your carrier before departure.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, prepare well before arriving at the airport. Check the capacity of your batteries and limit yourself to what is strictly necessary. If you are traveling in a group, divide the batteries between you to respect the quotas.

Also remember that these rules apply to all types of lithium-ion batteries. This includes batteries from cameras, cameras or portable game consoles. Again, keep them with you in the cabin.

You must have at least one charged device with you

© OnePlus

Here's a rule that may come as a surprise: you must be able to turn on your electronic devices on demand. This requirement is particularly common during international or European travel.

Why this rule? It is aimed at combating terrorism. Security agents want to make sure that your devices are real and functional. A device that does not turn on could indeed hide something else.

In concrete terms, during the security check, you may be asked to turn on your phone, tablet or laptop. If the device is discharged, you may have to leave it behind before boarding. A frustrating situation that no one wants to experience.

To avoid this inconvenience, adopt a few good habits. Charge all your devices the night before you leave. If possible, keep a portable charger with you. Some airports offer free charging stations: take advantage of them before boarding.

Remember, this rule applies to all your electronic devices. Even if you think you won't use your tablet during the flight, make sure it's charged. Prevention is better than cure.

Finally, one last tip to make your passage through security easier: take all your electronic devices out of your carry-on baggage. Place them in the bins provided for this purpose, with your liquids and metal objects. This simple habit speeds up the process and avoids additional checks.

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