Airlines Tighten Rules on Power Banks Over Fire Risk

Power banks — once considered essential for travelers — are facing new restrictions from major airlines worldwide due to lithium battery safety risks.

Passengers may still carry power banks in their hand luggage only, but charging or using them onboard is increasingly prohibited. Airlines emphasize that the devices must be kept visible, unplugged, and never stored in checked baggage.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has tracked 50 confirmed battery-related incidents in 2025 alone, warning that lithium-ion batteries can overheat, suffer damage, or undergo “thermal runaway” without warning.

Airlines With New Restrictions

Full Bans on Power Banks

• Emirates – No power banks allowed at all, either in carry-on or checked baggage.
• Thai Airways – Complete prohibition citing in-flight fire risks.

Carry-On Only, No In-Flight Use

• Vietnam Airlines – Must be in hand luggage, visible, unused.
• Vietjet Air – Same policy as Vietnam Airlines.
• Singapore Airlines – Allowed in hand luggage but not for charging.
• Scoot – Cannot be used to charge devices mid-flight.
• EVA Air – Restricted to carry-on; no in-flight use.
• AirAsia – Carry-on only; no charging allowed.
• Tigerair – Must be carried in hand luggage, unused.
• Starlux Airlines – Prohibited in-flight use.
• China Airlines – Cabin baggage only; not to be used.
• Air Busan – Prohibited from charging/using onboard.

Regional Malaysian Carriers (Effective April 1, 2025)

• Malaysia Airlines – Carry-on under the seat only; cannot use in-flight.
• Firefly – Must be in seat pocket or under seat; no in-flight use.
• MASwings – Cabin baggage only; no use or overhead storage allowed.

Why It Matters

Lithium-ion batteries in power banks have been linked to overheating, fires, and smoke incidents on flights. Regulators and carriers are tightening safety standards amid growing international concern.

For frequent flyers, this means:

·       Pack power banks only in carry-on luggage.

·       Do not use or charge them during flights.

·       Never pack them in checked baggage.