Monday, March 24, 2025
Curious about bringing a power bank on your next flight? Stay informed about the latest airline regulations, restrictions, and essential safety guidelines before you pack your travel tech.
We all look forward to jetting off to new destinations, but let’s face it—planning and packing all your electronic gadgets can be overwhelming. From pulling out devices for security screenings to forgetting your travel adapter, and the worst-case scenario—landing in a new country with a dead phone battery—it’s easy to stress over the details. Over the past few years, compact power banks have been a lifesaver for many travelers. But with the summer travel season approaching, airlines are reassessing the safety of handheld chargers, with several carriers implementing outright bans.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Scoot have recently joined the growing list of airlines restricting power bank usage on flights. As of March 12, 2025, they’ve prohibited passengers from using power banks to charge devices mid-flight and banned charging them via onboard USB ports. Here’s everything you need to know about flying with portable chargers.
What potential dangers come with bringing a power bank on a flight?
Portable battery chargers are a staple for many travelers, especially those on long-haul flights. However, a recent aviation safety report from ULSE Inc., the Standards & Engagement division of Underwriters Laboratories (UL), revealed that these devices were involved in 16% of incidents on passenger flights.
The primary danger with lithium-ion batteries is thermal runaway, a dangerous reaction where the battery heats uncontrollably, potentially leading to a fire. Damaged or defective batteries are particularly at risk, while counterfeit models pose an even greater hazard due to subpar manufacturing. Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries spread rapidly and intensely, making them a significant safety concern in aviation. Most incidents occur near passenger seats, where power banks are more likely to be damaged or overheat.
How often do power banks lead to incidents on flights?
Between 2020 and 2024, South Korea’s Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Ministry reported 13 aircraft fires caused by electronic device batteries, with power banks responsible for nine of these incidents. The frequency of these fires has increased sharply in recent years, rising from just one in 2020 to six in both 2023 and 2024.
The most recent incident occurred on January 28, 2025, when a fire broke out on an Air Busan Airbus A321 at Gimhae International Airport, with investigations suggesting a power bank as the likely culprit. In response, Air Busan introduced a new policy: carry-on bags containing power banks would be tagged and stored in overhead bins. The airline tested this measure on select routes before rolling it out more widely. Another similar incident occurred on a Batik Air flight from Johor Bahru to Bangkok, where a power bank ignited shortly before landing, filling the cabin with smoke. In 2023, two passengers on a Scoot flight suffered injuries when a power bank caught fire after overheating.
Airlines that have implemented power bank bans on their flights
Here’s a list of airlines that have prohibited both the use and charging of power banks during flights.
Flights with Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Scoot
In a Facebook post dated March 12, 2025, Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced that, due to safety concerns, charging power banks via onboard USB ports would no longer be permitted. Passengers are allowed to carry power banks up to 100Wh without prior approval, while those ranging from 100Wh to 160Wh require airline authorization. Scoot made a similar announcement. Starting April 1, 2025, both Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Scoot passengers will be prohibited from using power banks to charge devices during flights.
Eva Air
Starting March 1, 2025, Eva Air has imposed a ban on using or charging power banks and spare lithium batteries during flights for safety purposes. The airline advised passengers to fully charge their devices before boarding. For in-flight charging, passengers can use AC outlets and USB Type-A ports if necessary. Additionally, power banks and spare lithium batteries will not be allowed in checked luggage and must be kept in hand luggage, stored securely to prevent any potential damage.
China Airlines
China Airlines has revised its travel guidelines, enforcing new rules for carrying power banks starting March 1, 2025. Passengers departing from Incheon Airport are required to cover power bank ports with insulating tape or protective covers, or place them in clear zip-lock bags or pouches, keeping them either on their person or in the seat pocket. Power banks and spare lithium batteries are prohibited in checked baggage and must be securely packed in carry-on luggage. They cannot be used or charged during the flight, and storing them in overhead compartments is not recommended.
Thai Airways recently imposed a similar ban on power banks aboard its flights
On March 10, 2025, Thai Airways International announced that starting March 15, passengers would no longer be permitted to use or charge power banks (spare batteries) throughout the entire flight. However, this restriction does not apply to carrying power banks in hand luggage.
AirAsia
AirAsia allows spare batteries, including power banks, only in carry-on baggage and prohibits them from being checked in. The watt-hour rating must not exceed 100Wh. For all flights to and from Korea, power banks, spare batteries (not installed in a device), and e-cigarettes are not allowed in overhead compartments and must be carried on the passenger’s person. These items must be securely packed in a plastic or insulated pouch, or kept in their original packaging.
Batteries with a watt-hour rating between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval at check-in. Staff will attach clearance stickers for passengers departing from South Korea.
Starlux Airlines
Starlux Airlines’ website outlines that power banks must be securely packed in carry-on baggage and cannot be placed in checked luggage. For safety reasons, the use of power banks during the flight is prohibited.
Tigerair Taiwan
Power banks lacking clear specifications or watt-hour ratings are not permitted on board. Moreover, power banks are banned on all Tigerair Taiwan flights. For details on other lithium-powered devices, passengers can refer to the airline’s website.
Air Busan
In response to a recent fire incident, Air Busan revised its carry-on policies, requiring passengers to store power banks in hand luggage, with a ban on storing them in checked baggage or overhead compartments. Charging power banks during the flight is also prohibited. Passengers are allowed to carry up to five power banks under 100Wh without prior approval, while those between 101Wh and 160Wh require airline authorization. Power banks exceeding 160Wh are not permitted. All power banks must be individually packed to prevent short circuits, and unmarked or unverifiable power banks are not allowed onboard.
Cathay Pacific Airways, reportedly, is one of the few airlines that does not impose a complete ban on using power banks inside the cabin.
