Major airlines, including Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Air India, Delta, United, and Japan Airlines, have introduced new travel safety measures to restrict the in-flight use of power banks due to concerns over fire risks from lithium-ion batteries. Passengers are still allowed to bring power banks in their carry-on bags, but they must remain off and unplugged for the entire flight. This move is part of a growing global trend towards stricter cabin safety standards, as airlines aim to prevent midair incidents caused by overheating or faulty battery packs.
The reason behind this change is the risk of lithium-ion batteries overheating, sparking, or catching fire, which can lead to a cabin-wide scare. Airlines are taking a precautionary approach to avoid preventable emergencies in the sky. While this may be inconvenient for passengers who rely on power banks during long-haul flights, most modern aircraft now offer USB outlets and charging points at each seat, reducing the need for personal chargers.
Other airlines have also introduced similar policies. Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Air India, for example, allow passengers to bring power banks on board but prohibit their use during the flight. China Southern and Cathay Pacific also have strict policies, with China Southern confiscating power banks if used during the flight. Delta Air Lines permits power banks under 100 watt-hours but prohibits charging during the flight.
The new rules may require passengers to adjust their travel habits, but they are designed to prioritize safety. Passengers should check with their airline before flying and follow guidelines, such as packing power banks in carry-on bags, ensuring the battery capacity doesn’t exceed airline limits, and being prepared to switch off and stow the device if requested by cabin crew.
This shift in airline policies is part of a broader trend in the aviation industry, as regulators push for greater safety standards in the skies. As passengers bring more electronics onboard, airlines are rethinking what’s safe to carry in the cabin. With flight loads getting heavier and travel bouncing back post-pandemic, carriers can’t afford to take risks when it comes to onboard fires. Expect more airlines to tighten rules around electronics in the future, prioritizing passenger safety above all else.