Travellers beware: This popular gadget could get you banned from your next flight
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Travelling by air has become second nature for many, especially for those who love to explore new destinations or visit family across the globe.
But as we pack our bags with essentials, there's one popular travel gadget that could cause more trouble than convenience.
A growing number of airlines have implemented strict regulations regarding the use of power banks during flights.
This came after several incidents where power banks caused fires onboard, which led to emergencies and significant damage to aircraft.
Earlier this month, South Korean carrier Air Busan took a firm stance by banning power banks from hand luggage.
The airline's decision followed after a severe fire onboard one of their aeroplanes.
There were no fatalities from the fire, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
In response, the airline strictly implemented the rule that all power banks should be kept on your hand-carry luggage throughout the flight.
Following Air Busan's lead, other airlines also introduced similar policies.
Last Saturday, 1 March, Taiwanese airline EVA Air prohibited the use and charging of power banks and spare lithium batteries during flights.
EVA Air advised passengers to use onboard power outlets equipped with AC and USB-A ports for charging.
China Airlines also implemented similar rules for their flights.
Meanwhile, other carriers like Starlux Airlines and Tigerair have already banned the use of power banks onboard.
However, they can still be hand-carried.
Australian airlines, such as Qantas, also established their set of stringent rules.
According to Qantas' new rules, luggage with non-removable lithium batteries or power banks is forbidden.
Power banks initially placed in checked baggage must be removed and carried in hand luggage only.
Non-lithium batteries or power banks could stay in the bag with an option to be a part of either carry-on or checked baggage.
Interestingly, United Kingdom-based airlines have not yet followed suit, with most still allowing power banks in hand luggage and their use during flights.
British airline Ryanair allowed passengers to carry a maximum of two spare lithium-ion batteries in carry-on baggage.
However, these power banks need to be individually protected to prevent short circuits.
Ryanair also emphasised that power banks are not allowed in checked luggage due to fire risk.
In 2023, a taxiing aeroplane in Taiwan had to return to the gate after a power bank caught fire and filled the cabin with smoke.
That same year, two passengers were injured on a Scoot flight from Singapore to Taipei when a power bank exploded.
Another fire recently broke out in the overhead lockers on an Asiana Airlines flight.
Another gadget-related flight risk is accidentally dropping phones down the side of a seat.
While harmless, experts warned that if a phone gets caught in the seat recline mechanism, it could ignite or explode.
Retired engineering professor Lo Kok-Keung highlighted the risks of carrying power banks or items with lithium-ion batteries during flights.
'If it creates a short circuit, it can create a high temperature, burn the internal materials, and create a fire that can burn clothing in the baggage,' Professor Lo shared.
To minimise the risk of such incidents, passengers were advised to keep power banks and phones with them at all times.
As we continue to enjoy the convenience of modern travel and technology, it's crucial to stay informed about these new airline regulations regarding mobile devices.
Before you embark on your next flight, make sure to check the latest guidelines regarding power banks and other electronic devices to ensure a safe journey.
Have you had any similar experiences with your power banks or gadgets while travelling? Share your stories and fire prevention tips in the comments below, and let's help each other stay informed and prepared for our future travels.
But as we pack our bags with essentials, there's one popular travel gadget that could cause more trouble than convenience.
A growing number of airlines have implemented strict regulations regarding the use of power banks during flights.
This came after several incidents where power banks caused fires onboard, which led to emergencies and significant damage to aircraft.
Earlier this month, South Korean carrier Air Busan took a firm stance by banning power banks from hand luggage.
The airline's decision followed after a severe fire onboard one of their aeroplanes.
Qantas, along with other international airlines, have updated their regulations about power banks. Image Credit: Pexels/Soly Moses
There were no fatalities from the fire, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
In response, the airline strictly implemented the rule that all power banks should be kept on your hand-carry luggage throughout the flight.
Following Air Busan's lead, other airlines also introduced similar policies.
Last Saturday, 1 March, Taiwanese airline EVA Air prohibited the use and charging of power banks and spare lithium batteries during flights.
EVA Air advised passengers to use onboard power outlets equipped with AC and USB-A ports for charging.
China Airlines also implemented similar rules for their flights.
Meanwhile, other carriers like Starlux Airlines and Tigerair have already banned the use of power banks onboard.
However, they can still be hand-carried.
Australian airlines, such as Qantas, also established their set of stringent rules.
According to Qantas' new rules, luggage with non-removable lithium batteries or power banks is forbidden.
Power banks initially placed in checked baggage must be removed and carried in hand luggage only.
Non-lithium batteries or power banks could stay in the bag with an option to be a part of either carry-on or checked baggage.
Interestingly, United Kingdom-based airlines have not yet followed suit, with most still allowing power banks in hand luggage and their use during flights.
British airline Ryanair allowed passengers to carry a maximum of two spare lithium-ion batteries in carry-on baggage.
However, these power banks need to be individually protected to prevent short circuits.
Ryanair also emphasised that power banks are not allowed in checked luggage due to fire risk.
In 2023, a taxiing aeroplane in Taiwan had to return to the gate after a power bank caught fire and filled the cabin with smoke.
That same year, two passengers were injured on a Scoot flight from Singapore to Taipei when a power bank exploded.
Another fire recently broke out in the overhead lockers on an Asiana Airlines flight.
Another gadget-related flight risk is accidentally dropping phones down the side of a seat.
While harmless, experts warned that if a phone gets caught in the seat recline mechanism, it could ignite or explode.
Retired engineering professor Lo Kok-Keung highlighted the risks of carrying power banks or items with lithium-ion batteries during flights.
'If it creates a short circuit, it can create a high temperature, burn the internal materials, and create a fire that can burn clothing in the baggage,' Professor Lo shared.
To minimise the risk of such incidents, passengers were advised to keep power banks and phones with them at all times.
As we continue to enjoy the convenience of modern travel and technology, it's crucial to stay informed about these new airline regulations regarding mobile devices.
Before you embark on your next flight, make sure to check the latest guidelines regarding power banks and other electronic devices to ensure a safe journey.
