Packing a carry-on is no longer simply about squeezing in enough clothes and staying within an airline’s size and weight limits.
Following international safety rules introduced in 2026 by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to reduce in-flight lithium battery fire risks, travellers face strict new cabin requirements.
Passengers are now limited to a maximum of two power banks per person, which must remain in hand luggage, protected against short circuits, and cannot be recharged on board.
Paired with watt-hour limits and gate-check surprises, managing your electronics alongside a practical two-week capsule wardrobe requires a smarter, far more deliberate packing strategy.
“Power banks have become an essential travel accessory, but they also need to be packed and handled correctly,” says Zay Ferguson-Nair, customer experience manager at Flight Centre South Africa.
Know your battery size
The watt-hour (Wh) rating of a lithium battery is important. Batteries up to 100Wh are generally permitted in carry-on baggage.
Batteries between 101Wh and 160Wh may require approval from the airline, while batteries above 160Wh are generally prohibited on passenger aircraft.
Travellers should check the Wh rating before arriving at the airport, particularly when carrying larger camera batteries, drone batteries or other specialist equipment.
Phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, e-readers and other lithium-powered devices should be kept in hand luggage.
If your carry-on is taken from you at the gate and placed in the aircraft hold, IATA advises removing lithium batteries and battery-powered devices first.
Make your personal item your safety net
For South African travellers, this is particularly useful when journeys do not go according to plan.
According to Flight Centre’s 2025 global PR survey, 55% of South African travel intenders cited flight delays and cancellations as their biggest travel frustration.
Ferguson-Nair recommends treating your handbag or backpack as a safety net.
“Pack your backpack or handbag as if it’s the only bag you have,” she advises.
That means keeping your passport and travel documents, valuables, medication if applicable, essential electronics, chargers and a change of clothes within easy reach.
If your carry-on is gate-checked, you will still have the essentials with you.
Packing for two weeks in one carry-on
The new battery rules do not mean travellers need more luggage. In fact, they are a good reason to pack more deliberately.
For a two-week trip, Ferguson-Nair recommends building a capsule wardrobe where every item works with at least three others.
Think four to five tops, two to three bottoms, one dress or smart outfit if needed, one lightweight jacket or cardigan and no more than two or three pairs of shoes.
Underwear and socks can be limited to seven to 10 pairs, while sleepwear, swimwear and workout clothes should only make the cut if you know you will use them.
The trick is to plan for laundry rather than packing 14 days’ worth of clothes. A mid-trip wash and lightweight detergent sheets can significantly reduce the amount you need to carry.
Wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket on the plane, and consider compression packing cubes to keep everything organised.
Finally, keep electronics and cables together in one easily accessible section of your bag.
The rules around lithium batteries can vary further between airlines and jurisdictions, so travellers should always check their airline’s requirements before departure.
The aim is simple: pack your carry-on so that your luggage works for you - rather than becoming another source of stress when your journey does not go according to plan.
zamandosi.cele@nationalmg.co.za