As the school holiday travel rush begins, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is urging passengers to pack right – and is making it easier than ever, with lithium battery and dangerous goods safety advice now available in 20 languages.
These new multilingual resources are part of CASA's Pack Right. Safe Flight. campaign, which helps travellers understand what they can and can't take on board – particularly when it comes to items powered by lithium batteries.
CASA Chief Executive Officer and Director of Aviation Safety, Pip Spence, said most passengers now carry at least 4 lithium-powered devices, but many remain unaware of the rules or risks.
'Devices like phones, laptops, vapes and power banks are common items we travel with – but when they're packed incorrectly, they can pose a serious fire risk,' Ms Spence said.
'Spare lithium batteries and power banks must never be packed in checked baggage. They should always be carried in the cabin, where cabin crew are trained to respond to any incidents.'
Devices with lithium batteries – such as laptops, mobiles and electric toothbrushes – can be packed in either your carry-on or checked luggage, provided the battery is secured in the device, switched off and protected from accidental activation.
Electrical devices without a battery, such as hair straighteners, can also be packed in either.
The new multilingual safety resources are now available online at casa.gov.au/packright/resources, alongside clear instructions on how to pack safely and comply with dangerous goods regulations.
Travellers can search for specific items such as e-cigarettes, vapes, aerosols, sparklers, or cleaning products to find out whether they can be carried, where they should be packed, and what conditions apply.
CASA is also reminding passengers that failing to declare dangerous goods when checking in – either online or at the airport – is a serious offence. Incorrect or misleading declarations can lead to travel disruptions and significant penalties, including jail time.
'Packing right protects everyone on board. A single lithium battery fire in the cargo hold could endanger an entire flight,' Ms Spence said.
'Passengers should always follow crew instructions, including directions on the tarmac and safety briefings on the plane. Safety is everyone's responsibility.'
CASA will be conducting checks, inspections and audits of airlines and other aviation operations over the holiday period to ensure high safety standards are being maintained.
