Two major airlines have banned passengers from using power banks and battery packs during flights under new safety measures. Power banks are classed as lithium batteries which pose a fire risk as they are capable of generating extreme heat, but they are generally allowed in your carry-on luggage. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) are allowed in carry-on bags, but spare batteries are strictly prohibited in checked luggage for safety reasons. Airline passengers must carry no more than two spare batteries exceeding two grams of lithium content for lithium metal, or a watt-hour rating exceeding 100 Wh, on board and these must be kept in carry-on luggage only.
But Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways have both introduced new rules that now ban passengers from being able to use power banks or battery packs throughout the duration of flights.
Singapore Airlines introduced the new rules from April 1, meaning passengers can no longer charge their personal devices via a portable power bank, or charge power banks using onboard USB ports during flights. The airline says power banks must be carried in carry-on luggage and are not permitted in checked bags.
In an update for passengers, Singapore Airlines added: “The SIA Group complies with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations regarding the carriage of power banks, which are classified as lithium batteries. This means power banks must be carried in cabin baggage on all SIA flights and are not permitted in checked baggage.
“Customers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval.We seek customers’ understanding that safety will always be our top priority.”
Additionally, Thai Airways has also banned passengers from using or charging power banks (spare batteries) during entire flights. The new rule came into effect on March 15 and was implemented to “ensure the highest level of safety for all passengers and crew members”.
Passengers cannot carry power banks in checked baggage, but can do so in their carry-on luggage providing it meets certain requirements.
The airline said: “Strict security measures had been imposed in compliance with guidelines set by IATA regarding dangerous items, including spare batteries. Details are as follows:
“Spare batteries in carry-on baggage.
- THAI allows spare batteries in carry-on baggage, with battery capacities of less than 20,000 milliamp-hours (mAh) or 100 Wh.
- Spare batteries with capacities of 20,000-32,000 mAh or 100-160 Wh, passengers can take up to two packs in a carry-on baggage.
- A spare battery of more than 32,000 mAh or 160 Wh is prohibited in carry-on baggage.
“A spare battery is prohibited to be loaded in baggage checked-in in all case.”