Airlines Tighten Restrictions on Power Bank Use During Flights

Travellers should prepare for significant changes in how they power their devices during air travel as airlines worldwide implement stricter regulations on portable battery chargers. These new policies, driven by safety concerns over lithium-ion batteries, create a patchwork of rules that vary by carrier and region.

Safety Concerns Prompt New Policies

Recent incidents involving lithium-ion batteries have heightened aviation safety concerns. In January 2024, a suspected power bank malfunction aboard an Air Busan aircraft at Gimhae International Airport prompted emergency response procedures. While investigations remain ongoing, this incident has accelerated policy changes across multiple airlines.

Lithium-ion batteries can pose fire risks when damaged, overheated, or improperly stored. Unlike conventional fires, lithium battery fires create their own oxygen supply, making them extremely difficult to extinguish in the confined space of an aircraft cabin.

Regional Policy Changes

Asian Airlines Lead Implementation

Several Asian carriers have been at the forefront of implementing stricter power bank regulations:

  • EVA Air (Taiwan) has prohibited the use and charging of power banks during flights effective March 1, 2025. Passengers must fully charge devices before boarding and may only use in-seat power options when available.
  • South Korean carriers including Korean Air and Asiana Airlines have introduced comprehensive restrictions effective March 1, 2025. These airlines ban power bank use during flights and prohibit storing these devices in overhead bins.
  • Starlux Airlines (Taiwan) has maintained power bank usage restrictions since its launch in 2020, not 2018 as sometimes reported.
  • China Airlines advises against power bank use during flights and requires passengers to carry these devices in hand luggage only.

North American and European Positions

While not yet implementing outright usage bans, North American and European carriers maintain strict carriage requirements:

  • Air Canada requires power banks to be carried in cabin baggage only, with terminals protected to prevent short circuits.
  • Major U.S. carriers follow Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines, allowing devices under 100 watt-hours without restriction while prohibiting them from checked baggage.

Current Safety Requirements

Transport Canada and FAA Regulations

Both Transport Canada and the FAA maintain clear guidelines for lithium battery devices:

  • Batteries rated 0-100 watt-hours may be carried without airline approval.
  • Batteries rated 101-160 watt-hours require airline approval.
  • Batteries exceeding 160 watt-hours are prohibited on passenger flights.

All regulatory bodies prohibit power banks in checked luggage due to fire risks in cargo holds, where fires cannot be detected or extinguished quickly.

Additional Safety Measures

South Korean airlines have introduced extra precautions requiring passengers to:

  • Insulate power bank terminals with tape.
  • Store devices in protective pouches.
  • Use clear plastic bags provided at check-in counters for safe storage.

Impact on Travellers

These restrictions create practical challenges for passengers on long-haul flights:

  • Electronic devices should be fully charged before boarding.
  • In-seat charging options should be utilized when available.
  • Power banks must be properly stored and insulated.
  • Travellers should verify airline-specific policies before flying.

Economy class passengers on older aircraft without in-seat power may face particular inconvenience as they can neither use power banks nor access onboard charging options.

Future Outlook

Industry analysts anticipate these restrictions may expand globally as aviation safety regulators assess the risks of lithium-ion battery technologies. The South Korean Ministry of Transport plans to release comprehensive guidelines soon, potentially establishing standards other countries may follow.

For Canadian travellers, checking airline policies before departure becomes increasingly important, as does planning alternative power strategies for electronic devices during long flights.

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