Global airlines are increasingly banning the use and charging of power banks during flights, a move prompted by escalating fire safety concerns linked to the devices’ lithium-ion batteries.
This tightening of regulations follows several incidents where power banks ignited mid-flight, posing a serious threat to passenger safety. Airlines aim to prevent such occurrences.
The primary danger stems from “Thermal Runaway,” a rapid and uncontrollable increase in temperature within lithium-ion battery cells. This reaction can reach extreme heat, between 900°C and 1,500°C.
A short circuit or physical damage can trigger this chain reaction, releasing flammable gases and intense flames. Standard aircraft fire suppressants, like Halon in cargo holds, are ineffective against such fires, which typically require water cooling.
Consequently, major carriers worldwide are now implementing strict rules prohibiting power bank use or charging throughout the flight duration.
In Southeast Asia, airlines such as Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, and Thai VietJet have explicitly forbidden passengers from using or charging these devices. Thai AirAsia additionally mandates storage in seat pockets or under seats, not overhead compartments.
Internationally, carriers including Emirates, Singapore Airlines (SIA), Scoot, EVA Air, China Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Hongkong Airlines, Korean Air, Jeju Air, and Asiana Airlines have adopted similar restrictions. Many also specify that power banks must be kept in carry-on luggage and stored visibly or under the seat.
Beyond onboard usage, a long-standing core safety regulation remains: power banks are strictly forbidden in checked baggage and must only be carried in cabin luggage. This is because fires in the cargo hold are extremely difficult to detect and suppress.
Travelers must also ensure their power banks have clear capacity labels. Devices exceeding 100 watt-hours (Wh) often require prior airline notification and quantity limits, while those over 160 Wh are universally banned from flights.
To further mitigate risks, passengers are advised to power off their power banks and protect the charging terminals, perhaps by taping them or storing the device in a separate pouch. This prevents accidental short circuits.
Should a power bank show signs of swelling, overheating, or emit smoke during a flight, passengers are instructed to immediately alert the cabin crew for intervention.