The common airport mistake that could get your phone confiscated at security

A simple mistake could disrupt your travel plans (Picture: Getty Images) We’ve all been there: rocking up to the airport for an early morning flight, only to realise you forgot to charge your phone overnight. And while first thought might be, ‘what am I going to do to pass the time on the plane now?’, many don’t realise that a dead battery can cause bigger problems than having to rawdog it. That’s because travelling with a phone, laptop, or any electrical device on 0% is against the rules at airport security. Airport staff must be able to see devices turned on for safety reasons, and to confirm that they’re not a security risk. Uncharged or broken devices could potentially conceal illicit materials or hidden explosives. If you can’t switch it on, staff can confiscate the device and even deny boarding. The UK government has a reminder online: ‘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.’ Bottom line? Don’t leave the house without charging phones, laptops and tablets. What should you do if your battery is at 0%? Many travellers are not aware of this rule because typically, it’s only enforced by airport security — not airlines. You may have to repack your devices into checked luggage (Picture: Getty Images) However, should you accidentally bring an uncharged item to the airport, but have no time to quickly boost the battery, there are several things you can do. First, if you haven’t checked your bag in yet, you can repack it and pay to have it placed in the hold. There, all checked bags are scanned and screened by security personnel before being loaded onto the plane to identify explosives, dangerous items, and contraband. Or, if you only have hand luggage, certain airports, such as London Heathrow, have lost property offices where devices can be left. You can get a reference number for the item, and contact the office once you’ve landed at your destination where you can arrange to retrieve it using their MailAndFly service. WIN a relaxing countryside getaway for two Need a bit of R&R? We're giving you the chance to win a restorative break for two at Albion Aberteifi, a top-rated hotel in the beautiful coastal town of Cardigan, Wales. The two-night stay includes Scandi-style breakfast, cocktails for two at the hotel bar, and a Nature Spa experience at nearby wellness retreat Fforest Farm, for two hours of basking in cedar saunas and wood-fired hot tubs. Blissful. Wish you were here? Enter now below (Picture: Brook Aurora) For your chance to win this gorgeous spring getaway, enter your details into the form before midnight on Sunday, April 19. And don't forget to sign up to The Getaway Expert, our seven-day guide to becoming a more confident traveller. Click here to enter Full T&Cs apply, see here. What do airlines and airports say about the rule? Ultimately, airlines and airports all say the same thing: don’t forget to charge your devices. Simple. For example, British Airways has this advice: ‘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.’ Additionally, BA warns connecting travellers to ensure you ‘do not deplete power in your devices during the first part of your journey.’ This is because charging points at airports are limited and you may need an adapter. Elsewhere, TUI says that ‘if you’re carrying any electronic devices in your hand luggage that are capable of holding a charge, you’ll need to make sure they’re fully charged when you go through airport security.’ The airline adds that this is part of new security measures that have been introduced by airports in the UK and abroad.  ‘We recommend you keep things like mobile phones switched on until you board the plane, as there might be more checks at the departure gate.’