As the use of lithium-ion batteries grows, so do the safety concerns.
- In 2025, major airlines worldwide—responding to fire risks—have rapidly updated rules on portable power banks and battery-powered devices in-flight.
- Unfortunately, without a global standard, policies vary widely by region and carrier.
Why the Change?
A January fire aboard an Air Busan plane in South Korea, likely sparked by a power bank, triggered stricter rules worldwide, even for batteries in carry-ons:
- South Korea now requires power banks to remain within reach, not in overhead bins.
- Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia ban charging devices during flights.
- Japan Airlines & All Nippon Airways bar storing portable batteries in overhead compartments.
- Southwest Airlines (U.S.) was the first major U.S. carrier to mandate that charging devices from power banks must happen only when the battery is out and visible, not stowed.
Other airlines, like Ryanair, instruct passengers to remove lithium batteries before storing bags.
What’s the Risk?
Lithium-ion batteries, common in power banks, can overheat or ignite due to:
- Physical damage
- Overcharging
- Exposure to water or extreme heat
- Manufacturing defects (in poorly regulated devices)
Smaller, less-regulated products—like e-cigarettes and power banks—pose higher risks than laptops or smartphones. The FAA logged 84 incidents in 2023, mostly from chargers and vape pens.
China now bars non-certified or recalled portable batteries from flights.
What If a Battery Fails Mid-Flight?
Cabin crew are trained to act quickly:
- Devices are submerged in water or sealed in thermal containment bags
- Most fires are handled with minimal disruption
- The key is early detection, which is harder if a battery is hidden in overhead bins
Travel Tip
Before flying, check your airline’s current policy on power banks and:
- Always carry batteries in your carry-on—never in checked bags
- Avoid charging devices while stowed
- Use certified, brand-name battery products for safety and compliance