Portable chargers have become a travel essential as boarding passes and documents go digital, but the lithium-ion batteries inside them pose a fire risk in confined aircraft cabins. In response, regulators and airlines have tightened rules on how power banks can be carried and used.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) updated its restrictions on 27 March, following International Civil Aviation Organization instructions, limiting passengers to two power banks per person and requiring them to be carried in cabin baggage. The move followed an incident on 19 May, when an easyJet flight from Hurghada to Luton was diverted to Rome after a passenger revealed a power bank in the hold was charging a phone. The airline said the captain took the decision as a precaution in line with safety regulations.
Under current rules, portable chargers are generally allowed in carry-on luggage but not in checked baggage. Power banks with a capacity of 100Wh or less can be taken without airline approval, provided they are not connected to a device. The CAA says spare batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits, and no more than two per person are permitted. Glenn Bradley, head of flight operations at the CAA, said: 'Correct handling reduces risk. Lithium batteries should be carried in your carry-on baggage. Power banks and spare batteries should also be in a cabin bag and should be completely turned off and not in standby mode.'
Several carriers have introduced stricter rules. Emirates banned the use of power banks on board from 1 October, allowing only one per passenger with visible capacity information, stored in a seat pocket or under the seat. Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar also prohibited their use from December, including charging via in-seat ports. Hong Kong banned power bank use on flights after a fire on a Hong Kong Airlines flight in March, though passengers can still carry them in cabin bags if kept under seats or in seat pockets.
Other countries, including the US, China, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea and Singapore, have implemented similar regulations. Japan is considering a blanket ban on power bank use on domestic flights from April, with a limit of two chargers per person up to 160Wh. The Foreign Office advises travellers to check battery restrictions with their airline if unsure.
