Frequent flyers, take note. If you’re used to juicing up your devices mid-flight with a trusty power bank, you might want to check the latest airline rules before takeoff. Airlines across Asia-Pacific are stepping up safety measures, and that means stricter regulations on bringing, using, and charging portable chargers onboard.
The Anker Powerbank 25000mAh 165W Ultra Fast Portable Charger in the photo below is a great powerbank on land, but it is over the limits when you are flying.
When asked about this issue, a spokesperson from the International Airline Transport Association shared these insights. Globally harmonised regulations are key to ensure consistency for airlines and passengers. A standardized approach reduces complexity, enhances safety, and supports a seamless travel experience. Communication is also key in educating travellers on the potential risks of lithium battery powered devices. Passenger safety cards can help raise awareness of simple safety precautions for passengers to take when travelling with lithium battery-powered devices.
What’s Happening?
From Air Busan to Thai Airways and Taiwan’s airlines, EVA Air and China Airlines, amongst others, are clamping down on power bank usage due to safety concerns. This comes after a series of fiery incidents—quite literally—where overheating lithium batteries have caused cabin fires.
Recent Scary Incidents That Prompted This Ban
- Air Busan Fire (28 Jan 2025): A fire broke out in an overhead bin before takeoff, allegedly due to a power bank. The aircraft had to be evacuated, and the flight was cancelled.
- Batik Air Scare (24 Feb 2025): A power bank caught fire mid-air, filling the cabin with smoke. The flight crew managed to put it out, but talk about a stressful journey!
Which Airlines Are Affected?
If you’re flying with these airlines, you won’t be able to charge your power bank onboard anymore.
- Thai Airways – As of 15 March 2025, charging power banks in-flight is strictly banned. Carry them if you must, but no charging!
- AirAsia – AirAsia has confirmed its policy prohibiting passengers from charging devices using power banks during flights for flights to and from South Korea. The airline’s guidelines require power banks to be carried in hand luggage, clearly labelled with their capacity, in good condition, and compliant with IATA safety standards. Remember to turn off any other electronic devices that you intend to store in the overhead compartment.
- EVA Air and China Airlines – From 1 March 2025, no more power bank use or charging in-flight. The airline recommends charging your devices before boarding instead.
- Air Busan – No power banks in overhead compartments after its near-disaster in January.
- Singapore Airlines and Scoot – From 1 April 2025, charging portable banks via the onboard USB ports or using power banks to charge personal devices throughout the duration of the flight will not be allowed. Customers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval.
South Korea Takes It a Step Further
After the Air Busan incident, South Korea’s transport ministry is rolling out new restrictions from 1 March 2025:
- Passengers can only carry up to five power banks (each below 100 watt-hours).
- Power banks over 160 watt-hours? Not allowed.
- Charging power banks on a plane? Big no-no.
- Power banks and e-cigarettes must be kept on you, not in overhead bins.
Are Other Airlines Doing This?
While Europe and the US haven’t followed suit with a full-on ban yet, they’ve long had strict rules on power banks:
- US (FAA Rules) – Power banks are only allowed in carry-on luggage and are banned from checked baggage.
- EU (EASA Guidelines) – Similar to the US, power banks must be carried in your hand luggage, and there are limits on battery capacity.
What You Should Do Before Flying
- Check your airline’s rules – Some are banning in-flight charging, while others are restricting how many power banks you can carry.
- Stay within the power limit – If your power bank exceeds 100Wh, double-check if it’s allowed.
- Keep power banks in your hand luggage – Never put them in checked baggage, and avoid overhead bins.
- Charge up before boarding – Don’t rely on in-flight power banks—you might not be able to use them! Or use built-in charging outlets at your seats, if provided. Some aircraft are equipped with in seat power outlets and USB Ports.
Airline policies are subject to change. Passengers are advised to verify the latest regulations with their respective airlines before travelling.
The Bottom Line
The days of worry-free in-flight power bank charging might be over—at least in the Asia-Pacific region. If you’re travelling soon, play it safe by checking airline rules and keeping your power bank usage in check.
Safety tips
- Avoid leaving your power bank on prolonged charge as this may cause it to overheat
- Keep power banks away from metal objects or drinks
- Store the power bank in a cool and dry place away from heat sources, moisture and dust
Would you survive a long-haul flight without charging your phone? Let us know in the comments!
