Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways have both announced that passengers will be banned from using power banks and battery packs during flights from this summer

Using a power bank to charge a phone
Many travellers use power banks and other portable chargers to keep their devices going when flying, but two major airliners are banning their use(Image: Getty Images)

Two major airlines, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways, are introducing a ban on the use of portable power banks and battery packs during flights as part of enhanced safety measures.

As lithium batteries, power banks pose a fire risk due to their ability to generate extreme heat. Under current regulations, airline passengers are limited to carrying two spare batteries with over 2g of lithium content for lithium metal or a watt-hour rating over 100Wh, which must be stored in carry-on luggage.

However, from April 1, Singapore Airlines will prohibit passengers from using power banks or battery packs throughout flights. This means passengers will no longer be able to charge personal devices using portable power banks or charge power banks via onboard USB ports.

Power banks must be stored in carry-on luggage and are not allowed in checked bags. Both airlines fly thousands of passengers to southeast Asia each year, with daily flights from Manchester Airport, London Heathrow and Gatwick.

Airport scanner, baggage
Passengers will be banned from charging devices with portable power banks during flights(Image: (Image: Getty))

Singapore Airlines stated: “The SIA Group complies with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations regarding the carriage of power banks, which are classified as lithium batteries. This means power banks must be carried in cabin baggage on all SIA flights and are not permitted in checked baggage.

“Customers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval. We seek customers’ understanding that safety will always be our top priority.”

Additionally, Thai Airways has now banned passengers from using or charging their power banks during flights in an enhanced safety measure which took effect on March 15, aiming to “ensure the highest level of safety for all passengers and crew members”.

Passengers aren’t allowed to pack power banks in checked baggage but can carry them on board as long as they adhere to specific regulations, reports the Express.

The airline said: “Strict security measures had been imposed in compliance with guidelines set by IATA regarding dangerous items, including spare batteries. Details are as follows:

“Spare batteries in carry-on baggage.

  • THAI allows spare batteries in carry-on baggage, with battery capacities of less than 20,000 milliamp-hours (mAh) or 100 Wh.
  • Spare batteries with capacities of 20,000-32,000 mAh or 100-160 Wh, passengers can take up to two packs in a carry-on baggage.
  • A spare battery of more than 32,000 mAh or 160 Wh is prohibited in carry-on baggage.

“A spare battery is prohibited to be loaded in baggage checked-in in all case.”

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