Two major airlines have banned passengers from using power banks and battery packs while flying under new safety measures. Power banks are classified as lithium batteries that pose fire risk because they can generate extreme heat, but are generally permitted in carry-on baggage. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says power banks with capacity up to 100 watts (WH) are permitted in carry-on baggage, but spare batteries are strictly prohibited in baggage checked for safety reasons. Airline passengers must have two spare batteries with a lithium content of more than 2 grams of lithium metal, or a watt-hour rating of more than 100 WH.
However, both Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways have introduced new rules that allow passengers to use power banks or battery packs during their flight periods.
Singapore Airlines introduced new rules from April 1st. This means that passengers are no longer able to claim personal devices via portable power banks, or use onboard USB ports to claim power banks during flights. 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: “The SIA Group complies with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Hazardous Goods Regulations for Power Bank Carriages Classified as Lithium Batteries.
“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.”
