If you’re a frequent flyer, especially across Asia, you may have noticed a growing trend: airlines are starting to crack down on power banks. Some airlines have outright banned their use and charging onboard due to increasing safety concerns over lithium-ion battery fires. The latest carriers to implement these bans are Singapore Airlines and Scoot, but they’re far from the only ones tightening the rules. So, what’s going on with the power banks ban in Asia?

Why are airlines suddenly so strict about power banks, and how does this impact your travels? Let’s break it down.

The Growing Concern Over Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere. They power our smartphones, laptops, tablets, and, of course, our power banks—essential travel companions that keep our devices charged on the go. But despite their convenience, lithium-ion batteries come with a significant risk: they can overheat, catch fire, and even explode.

While such incidents are rare, they do happen, and when they occur on an aircraft, the consequences can be severe. Fires onboard planes are not just dangerous—they’re catastrophic. Unlike on the ground, where firefighters can respond quickly, an inflight fire must be handled by the crew using limited firefighting equipment.

Over the past few years, there have been multiple cases of lithium-ion battery-related fires on planes, often linked to power banks or electronic devices overheating. This has led aviation authorities and airlines to reconsider their policies, leading to the bans we’re seeing now.

Which Airlines Have Banned Power Banks Onboard?

Singapore Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, are among the latest carriers to prohibit the use and charging of power banks while onboard. However, they’re not alone. Many other Asian airlines have implemented similar measures, including:

• EVA Air (Taiwan) – Banned charging or using power banks inflight.
• China Airlines (Taiwan) – Implemented restrictions similar to EVA Air.
• AirAsia (Malaysia) – Prohibits using or charging power banks onboard.
• Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong) – Strictly regulates the size and usage of power banks.
• Japan Airlines – Has detailed restrictions on the capacity of power banks allowed.
• Korean Air – Limits on carrying power banks and their use inflight.

Each airline’s policy varies, but the common denominator is clear: the risk posed by lithium-ion batteries is being taken very seriously.

What Are the Rules Now?

If you’re traveling on any of the airlines mentioned above (or others that may soon follow suit), here are the key things you need to know:

1. Power banks are still allowed in carry-on bags – Most airlines still allow passengers to bring them onboard, but they must be carried in cabin baggage, not checked luggage.
2. Using or charging power banks is banned – On airlines like Singapore Airlines, Scoot, EVA Air, and China Airlines, you can’t use your power bank while in the air.
3. Watt-hour (Wh) limits apply. Some airlines limit the capacity of power banks you can bring. Anything over 100Wh requires airline approval, and anything over 160Wh is usually prohibited.
4. Damaged or low-quality power banks are a big no-no – Cheap, uncertified power banks pose a higher risk of overheating and are more likely to be confiscated by airport security.

Why Now? What triggered this power banks ban in Asia?

The timing of these bans isn’t random. Over the past year, there has been a spike in lithium-ion battery-related incidents on aircraft. Some notable cases include:

• January 2024 – A power bank caught fire on a domestic flight in China, forcing an emergency landing.
• April 2024 – An overheating power bank caused a small fire onboard a flight from Taipei to Hong Kong, which was extinguished by the crew.
• September 2024 – A passenger’s power bank exploded at an airport security checkpoint, sparking widespread concern.

Each of these incidents contributed to airlines taking a stricter approach. The aviation industry operates on a precautionary principle—if something poses even a small risk, they’d rather ban it than risk a disaster.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

For most passengers, these new rules might be inconvenient, but they’re not a dealbreaker. If you rely on your power bank during flights, here’s how to adapt:

• Charge Your Devices Before Boarding – Since you won’t be able to use your power bank, make sure your phone, laptop, or tablet is fully charged before your flight.
• Use Inflight USB Ports (If Available) – Many modern aircraft now have USB charging ports or AC outlets at each seat.
• Check Your Airline’s Policy Before Flying – Don’t assume all airlines have the same rules. If you’re traveling on multiple carriers, check each one’s regulations.
• Invest in High-Quality Power Banks – If you need to travel with a power bank, make sure it’s from a reputable brand and within the airline’s allowed watt-hour limit.

What’s Next? Will More Airlines Follow?

It’s highly likely that more airlines will adopt similar bans in the near future. Aviation authorities, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), are continuously reviewing safety protocols related to lithium-ion batteries.

If fire risks continue to rise, we may see even stricter policies, such as outright bans on carrying power banks onboard or mandatory checks on battery quality before flights.

Some experts believe the airline industry will eventually push for safer alternatives to lithium-ion batteries, such as solid-state batteries, which have a lower risk of overheating and fire. However, widespread adoption of these new battery technologies is still years away.

Final Thoughts: Stay Informed and Travel Smart

While these new bans may seem like a hassle, they’re ultimately about passenger safety. A mid-air fire is one of the worst scenarios an airline can face, and if restricting power bank usage helps prevent that, it’s a small price to pay.

As a traveler, your best bet is to stay informed. Always check your airline’s website before your flight, ensure your power bank complies with regulations, and have alternative charging solutions in place. power banks ban asia

The way we travel is always evolving, and while power banks may be under scrutiny now, future advancements in battery technology will likely bring safer solutions. Until then, charge up before you board and enjoy a safer, smoother flight.

Safe travels!