Kenya Airways has issued seven safety guidelines for passengers travelling with lithium battery-powered devices, including laptops, phones, cameras, drones and power banks.

In an X post on Thursday, October 1, 2026, the airline urged travellers to “pack smart and know the rules” when carrying lithium battery-powered devices, warning that how such items are packed matters.

1. Carry only what you need

Kenya Airways advised passengers to only bring the electronic devices and batteries they actually need for their journey.

Travellers should avoid carrying unnecessary battery-powered equipment, particularly when preparing their hand luggage. The airline said passengers should plan ahead and ensure the devices they bring comply with travel requirements.

2. Report damaged or overheating devices

Passengers have been advised to remain alert for signs that a device may have a battery problem.

If an electronic device becomes unusually hot, starts smoking or is damaged, travellers should immediately inform the cabin crew.

3. Check battery size

The airline also urged passengers to check the size and capacity of batteries before travelling. Drones and other devices fitted with larger batteries may require clearance from the airline before they are brought on board.

Travellers are therefore advised to check the requirements in advance rather than waiting until they arrive at the airport.

4. Keep devices in hand luggage

Kenya Airways said passengers should keep electronic devices in their hand baggage instead of placing them in checked luggage. This applies to common items such as phones, laptops and cameras, as well as other battery-powered equipment.

Keeping these devices with passengers also allows any battery-related problem to be noticed and reported quickly.

5. Remove devices if your bag is gate-checked

Passengers whose carry-on bags are checked in at the gate have been given an additional reminder by the airline. Kenya Airways advised travellers to remove electronic devices from the bag before it is placed in the aircraft’s hold.

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The devices should then be carried separately in the cabin as part of the passenger’s hand luggage.

6. Protect spare batteries

The airline also highlighted the need to properly protect loose spare batteries during travel. Passengers carrying spare batteries should ensure the terminals are covered with tape or keep the batteries in their original packaging.

This helps prevent the terminals from coming into contact with other objects and reduces the risk of an accidental short circuit.

7. Check with your airline

Kenya Airways reminded travellers that rules governing lithium battery-powered devices can differ between airlines. Passengers should therefore check with their airline before travelling, particularly when carrying larger batteries or specialised equipment such as drones.

The carrier encouraged passengers to understand the applicable requirements in advance as part of its “Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries” safety campaign.