Little-known airport rule could see Brits get phones and laptops confiscated

Brits planning to board flights with their laptops and phones may want to double check their hand luggage before they head to the airport - or they could risk being turned away at security.

Airlines including Ryanair, Jet2, easyJet, British Airways and TUI all have their own rules around hand luggage sizes and what you can bring into the cabin, but when it comes to gadgets, there are some blanket rules that affect all passengers, no matter which airline you're flying with.

For example, you can take plenty of gadgets with you on a flight such as your phone, laptop, tablets and more, but you'll need to ensure these are charged. That's because airport security staff may ask you to switch these items on - and if you can't, they have the right to refuse to let you through, ending your holiday before it's even started.

The UK government has a warning on its website explaining: "Make sure your electronic devices are charged before you travel. If your device does not switch on when requested, you will not be allowed to take it onto the aircraft."

As well as phones and laptops this could also include the likes of hairdryers, cameras, speakers, docking stations, electric shavers and hair straighteners to name a few, so ensure any electronic item in your bag is charged before you head off to the airport.

British Airways has urged passengers to check their devices before boarding. A statement on the airline's website explains: "You can generally take electric and electronic items in your hand or checked baggage, but you need to follow specific safety instructions:

"Airport security staff may ask you to turn on electronic or battery-powered devices, such as phones, tablets, e-books and laptops, to demonstrate they function. If you're not able to do this, you will not be able to take your device with you (see options below).

"Please ensure that any items in your hand baggage are fully charged and switched on before you arrive at the airport. If your device is not charged, please place it in your checked baggage.

"If you are connecting, make sure that you do not deplete power in your devices during the first part of your journey as charging points at airports might be very limited and you may need an adapter."

The airline adds that for passengers travelling through London Heathrow, if you find yourself stuck at security, you can rebook to a later flight and charge your gadget in the meantime. They do caveat that "a fee might apply for changing your booking, subject to your ticket type".

Alternatively, travellers can leave their bag with "Bagport, who operate the lost property office in London Heathrow", and will be given a reference number to get in touch for how to retrieve their belongings.

Of course the rules on what happens if you're not able to get through security can differ depending on your airline and departure airport, so it's worth getting in touch with your airline directly if you need further clarity regarding one of your gadgets.

You can find out more on gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions.