Cover Because of the growing number of incidents involving lithium batteries, airlines around the world have revised their policies on power banks. (Photo: Nick Morales / Unsplash)
Because of the growing number of incidents involving lithium batteries, airlines around the world have revised their policies on power banks. (Photo: Nick Morales / Unsplash)
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Bringing a power bank? Read up on the rules
Since 2020, the number of lithium battery incidents aboard commercial aircraft has been on the rise, as recorded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The incidents involved either fire, smoke or heat from lithium batteries that were carried either as baggage or cargo.
In 2024, there were a total of 85 aviation-related incidents reported, with six incidents reported this year as of February 2025. These incidents are the only ones that the FAA is aware of and by no means a complete list.
The most serious lithium battery incident this year has been the Air Busan fire that destroyed a passenger plane at Gimhae International Airport in South Korea last January 28. Initial investigation suggests that the fire may have started from a power bank that was stored in an overhead compartment.
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Above Lithium battery incidents reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (Photo: FAA)
Lithium battery incidents reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (Photo: FAA)
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Because of the growing number of incidents involving lithium batteries, airlines around the world have revised their policies on power banks. Beginning in South Korea, each passenger can now only carry a maximum of five lithium batteries with a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours, equivalent to 27,000 mAh each. Batteries with 43,000 mAh capacity need prior approval, and anything exceeding that won’t be allowed at all.
Lithium batteries are found in mobile devices, laptops and power banks. A typical 10,000 mAh power bank has a rating of 37 watt-hours. Passengers typically carry these power banks, especially during long-haul flights to power their devices.
South Korean airline policies in effect
South Korean airline rules only allow the power banks to be carried by the passengers either on their person or in the seat pocket, and stored in clear plastic bags or protective pouches. The power bank’s charging ports also need to be covered with insulating tape to prevent accidental spark or electrical contact. The power banks need to be fully charged before the flight and cannot be used or charged during the flight.
These rules are now strictly followed by all South Korean carriers. This policy is similar to the FAA recommendation on battery-powered devices being within reach of the passengers in the cabin rather than inside their checked luggage.
Above Thai Airways policy on power banks (Photo: Thai Airways)
Thai Airways policy on power banks (Photo: Thai Airways)
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What about Asian and international airlines’ policy on batteries?
Several Asian airlines have updated their policies on power banks. The charging or usage of power banks in flight is now banned by Thai Airways. A similar policy is in effect for China Airlines, EVA Air, Singapore Airlines, Air Asia, Uni Air, Starlux Airlines, Mandarin Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan.
In addition to the in-flight charging ban, overhead storage of power banks is not allowed by Asiana Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines and Cathay Pacific. For airlines in the Philippines, such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines, only power banks with a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours or 27,000 mAh will be allowed as carry-on baggage.
For Western and US airlines, their current policies on carrying power banks in-flight are in place with no bans yet similar to Asian airlines. The policy may be subject to change in the future and the recommendations of the FAA, International Air Transport Association and the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
