Two major airlines have announced that they will ban the use of power banks and battery packs during flights as part of their new safety measures.
Power banks are classified as lithium batteries that pose fire risk because they can generate extreme heat. Currently, airline passengers must have two spare batteries that exceed the 2 grams of lithium metal, or a watt-hour rating of over 100 WH, which must be carried on carry-on baggage only.
However, both Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways have introduced new rules that prohibit passengers from using power banks and battery packs during their flight period.
Singapore Airlines says the new rules will take effect from April 1st. This means that passengers cannot bill personal devices via portable power banks, nor can they charge power banks using onboard USB ports from this point. Airlines say that power banks must be carried in carry-on bags and are not permitted in check bags.
In an update on passengers, Singapore Airlines added: This means that all SIA flights require the power bank to be carried in cabin luggage and not permitted on checked luggage.
“Customers can provide power banks with capacity up to 100WW without special approval, but airline approval is required between 100WH and 160WH. We look to our customers for understanding that safety is always our number one priority.”
Additionally, Thai Airways prohibits passengers from using or charging power banks (spare batteries) throughout the flight. The new rules came into effect on March 15th and were implemented to “ensure the highest level of safety for all passengers and crew.”
Passengers cannot carry the power bank with checked luggage, but can do so in carry-on baggage provided certain requirements are met.
The airline said: “Strict security measures were imposed in accordance with the guidelines set by IATA for dangerous items, including spare batteries. Details are as follows:
“Spare battery for carry-on baggage.
Thais allow spare batteries in carry-on baggage with 100 WH.SPARE batteries with battery capacity of less than 20,000 millim hours (MAH) or 100-160.
“Spare batteries are prohibited from being loaded at baggage check-in in all cases.”
