In the digital age, we have been relying on electronic devices for everything related to entertainment to work.

During long-haul travels, it's essential to keep them charged.

Portable power banks have been the go-to solution as they allow us to charge phones, laptops, and tablets on the go.

However, Asian airlines have seen a dramatic shift in policies, and it's something Aussie travellers need to be aware of.

The catalyst for this change was a fire on an Air Busan plane in South Korea before takeoff on 28 January.

Investigators believed that the explosion was caused by a power bank stored in an overhead bin.

This alarming event has led some of Asia's leading carriers—Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, China Airlines, EVA Air, and Air Busan—to implement strict bans on the use of power banks during flights.

Hong Kong's flagship carrier, Cathay Pacific, has also implemented the same rule.

The Hong Kong-based airline has select flight options to Australia. Image Credit: Pexels/Fariz Priandana

These airlines have prohibited passengers from using power banks to charge devices or from charging them through the aeroplane's in-seat USB ports.

Additionally, storing power banks in overhead bins is no longer allowed.

These rules were a significant departure from the convenience that many travellers have become accustomed to.

While these bans have been taking effect in Asia, Australian airlines are holding their ground.

Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar have maintained their current policies for the time being.

According to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Australian regulations, which also align with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines, have not changed.

CASA emphasised that safety was a top concern and that all portable electronic devices must adhere to specific safety measures to prevent hazards.

'Any changes to airline-specific policies regarding power banks are decisions made by individual airlines,' CASA confirmed in an interview.

'We encourage all passengers travelling with batteries and power packs to check our website to find out what they can and can't pack.'

Qantas allows passengers to bring power banks onboard.

However, they do not recommend using or charging power banks during flights.

Jetstar and Virgin Australia have advised against the use of power banks but have not altered their policies in response to the recent incident.

In recent news, an Air France flight en route from Paris to Pointe-a-Pitre had to do a U-turn, delaying a nine-hour flight.

The flight had to return to Paris after a passenger lost their phone mid-flight.

Lithium-ion batteries, often found in power banks and smartphones, could overheat due to manufacturing defects, physical damage, or exposure to extreme temperatures.

For business travellers and long-haul travellers who rely on portable chargers, the new restrictions may pose a challenge.

However, other passengers have been supportive of the said measures.

'I would rather have devices run out of charge during a short flight than set the plane on fire,' an anonymous comment read.

Another stated, 'Suck it up. Read a book or a magazine. Sleep. Meditate. Talk to your travelling companion. Stop acting like a spoiled toddler.'

The recent crackdown on power banks should be a reminder of the balance between convenience and safety while travelling.

While it may be inconvenient to adjust our charging habits, the priority must always be to ensure everyone's safety.

Key Takeaways

• Cathay Pacific joined other airlines in instituting a ban on the use of power banks on flights.
• The new restrictions also prohibited the storage of power banks in overhead bins and the charging of power banks via in-seat USB ports.
• Australian airlines Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar still have their onboard power bank policies in place, as they have followed Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) guidelines.
• The ban came after a power bank caused a fire on an Air Busan plane in South Korea.

We would love to hear about your thoughts on these airline policies. Have you ever experienced issues with power banks or electronic devices during your travels? How do you keep your devices charged on future flights? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!

 

[Dynomite]

Scary!

 

[mylittletibbies]

I don't use any electronic devices on a plane, so it doesn't bother me.
Judging from the number that do though there'll be quite a lot of sooky lalas out there boohooing about it.
Too bad, so sad

 

[Catherines]

If it is safety first I fully agree to the banning of these batteries and power banks. But where do you place them if you are going on a long-haul flight? If in your checked bags, then surely, even though not under compression as in the passenger compartment, wouldn’t the battery still explode?

There are more and more incidents these days of lithium batteries catching fire or exploding so I wonder how one must carry these batteries. I do not have a technical/electronic mind or background so any one who does can respond to my question.

 

[CemisugO]

I was advised that I could take the battery power pack for my cpap machine on aircraft due to it being below the maximin what ever it is but I do gree with the airlines policy

 

[Bridgit]

If it is safety first I fully agree to the banning of these batteries and power banks. But where do you place them if you are going on a long-haul flight? If in your checked bags, then surely, even though not under compression as in the passenger compartment, wouldn’t the battery still explode?

There are more and more incidents these days of lithium batteries catching fire or exploding so I wonder how one must carry these batteries. I do not have a technical/electronic mind or background so any one who does can respond to my question.

Don't put them in your luggage - carry the power bank - switched off in your handbag - don't recharge your device or phone in flight.
I am surprised they allow them to be used in flight.