Flying with Power Banks: New UK Rules Explained

For many modern travellers, a portable power bank is as essential as a passport. Keeping our devices charged on the go, especially during long journeys, has become second nature. However, if you're planning to fly soon, you might need to rethink your approach to these handy gadgets. Following a series of concerning incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, particularly power banks, airlines worldwide, predominantly in Asia, are rapidly implementing stricter rules regarding their carriage and use on aircraft. What was once a simple convenience is now a critical safety consideration, and understanding these evolving regulations is paramount for a smooth and safe journey.

These changes aren't arbitrary; they stem from a growing number of thermal runaway events, where lithium batteries overheat, producing smoke, intense heat, and even fire. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the USA alone has reported a staggering 388% increase in lithium battery fires on flights since 2015, with power banks being the prime culprit in 43% of these incidents. This alarming trend has compelled airlines to act, prioritising passenger safety above all else. So, before you pack your power bank, let's delve into what you need to know to ensure compliance and peace of mind.

The Evolving Landscape of In-Flight Power Bank Rules

The landscape for carrying and using power banks on flights is shifting, and rapidly so. What was acceptable just a few months ago might now be prohibited on certain carriers. The core issue lies with lithium-ion batteries, which are found not only in power banks but also in mobile phones, laptops, and e-cigarettes. These batteries, while efficient, pose a significant fire risk if they malfunction due to overcharging, physical damage, manufacturing defects, or a short circuit. When heat builds up uncontrollably, it can lead to a 'thermal runaway', a chain reaction that can quickly escalate to smoke, fire, or even an explosion.

A spate of incidents in early 2025 has been the catalyst for many airlines to review and revise their policies. Most notably, a terrifying fire on an Air Busan Airbus A321 in January 2025, suspected to be caused by a faulty power bank, destroyed the aircraft, though thankfully all passengers and crew were evacuated safely. This severity prompted Air Busan, and subsequently all South Korean airlines, to introduce stringent new rules. Other incidents, like a Batik Air flight filling with smoke in March due to an overheating power bank and a Hong Kong Airlines flight diverting after a battery fire in an overhead bin, further underscore the urgency of these changes.

Airlines Leading the Charge (or Ban!)

While global regulators like ICAO and IATA haven't yet altered their universal guidance for lithium battery carriage, many individual airlines, particularly those based in Asia, have taken proactive steps. It's crucial to remember that rules can vary significantly between carriers, so always check with your specific airline before you fly. However, a clear pattern has emerged, with many now banning in-flight use and, in some cases, overhead storage of power banks.

Here's a detailed look at some of the airlines that have confirmed changes to their power bank policies:

It's worth noting that while many airlines are now prohibiting the *use* of power banks in flight, some, particularly South Korean and Hong Kong carriers, have gone a step further by banning their storage in overhead lockers. This is a critical distinction, as the rationale is that a malfunction can be more rapidly identified and dealt with if the device is kept on your person, preferably in a seat pocket, rather than out of sight above you. All South Korean airlines, including Air Premia, Air Seoul, T’Way Air, and Jeju Air, have adopted this 'keep on person' policy. Similarly, all Hong Kong airlines, including Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines, will enforce this from April 7th.

Why the Crackdown? Understanding the Risks

The increased scrutiny on personal charging devices isn't an overreaction; it's a direct response to a clear and present danger posed by thermal runaway in lithium batteries. This phenomenon occurs when the heat generated inside a battery exceeds the amount that can be safely dissipated, creating a dangerous chain reaction. The internal temperature can soar, weakening the separator between the battery's anode and cathode, which increases the risk of an internal short circuit. As the temperature continues to rise, the battery can swell, release toxic and flammable gases, and ultimately ignite or explode.

Several factors can trigger this dangerous process, including overcharging, physical damage to the battery, an internal or external short circuit, or even inherent manufacturing defects. The FAA's data clearly illustrates the escalating problem: lithium battery fires on US flights have risen by 388% since 2015, with incidents reported almost twice a week. Power banks are the leading cause of these reports, accounting for 43% of all incidents, followed by e-cigarettes at 20%, and then laptops, phones, and other devices at around 12%.

The impact of these incidents can be severe. The Air Busan fire in January 2025, believed to be caused by a faulty power bank, resulted in the destruction of the aircraft. More recently, in early March, a Batik Air flight was filled with smoke after a power bank overheated during landing, requiring cabin crew to swiftly contain the device in a safe box. Just days later, on March 20th, a Hong Kong Airlines A320 had to divert shortly after takeoff when a lithium battery caught fire in an overhead bin, directly leading to Hong Kong's aviation authority implementing its ban on overhead storage from April 7th.

These are not isolated events but part of a growing trend that highlights the inherent risks of carrying potentially volatile energy sources in a confined environment like an aircraft cabin. While cabin crew are extensively trained to deal with lithium battery fires and are equipped with safe boxes or containment bags, prevention remains the best defence. With passengers carrying an unprecedented number of battery-powered devices, potentially thousands of lithium-ion batteries could be onboard any given flight, each carrying a risk of fire or explosion.

Capacity Matters: What Power Bank Can You Bring?

While power banks are generally not banned from being brought onto aircraft, their capacity is a crucial factor. Since 2015, airlines have universally banned power banks from checked-in luggage due to the difficulty of detecting and managing fires in cargo holds. This means power banks must always be carried in your hand luggage.

Furthermore, most airlines impose limits on the energy capacity of power banks you can bring onboard. The standard allowance is typically up to 100 Watt-hours (Wh). To translate this into the more commonly seen milliampere-hours (mAh) on power bank labels, for a typical 3.7-volt battery, 100 Wh equates to roughly 27,000 mAh. This capacity is usually sufficient to charge a smartphone multiple times.

Some airlines may allow devices with a capacity between 100 Wh and 160 Wh (approximately 43,000 mAh) with prior airline approval. However, devices exceeding 160 Wh are almost universally prohibited from flights entirely. It is imperative to check your power bank's specifications and your airline's specific guidelines to ensure compliance. If your power bank doesn't clearly state its Wh rating, you can often calculate it using the formula: (mAh * Voltage) / 1000 = Wh. The voltage is typically 3.7V for lithium-ion batteries.

Beyond capacity, airlines are now advising passengers not to use their power bank to charge any devices during the flight, instead directing them to use the aircraft's built-in USB charging ports at their seat, if available. Crucially, passengers are also prohibited from recharging their power bank using the aircraft's USB outlets, as this can also contribute to overheating risks.

Hand Luggage Only: The Rationale Behind the Rule

The long-standing rule that power banks, and indeed any device containing a lithium battery, must be carried in hand luggage rather than checked luggage is a fundamental safety measure. This policy has been in place since 2015, following updated guidance from international aviation bodies like ICAO and IATA.

The primary reason is clear: fires in cargo holds are significantly harder to detect and extinguish than those in the passenger cabin. If a lithium battery were to experience a thermal runaway event in the cargo hold, it could go unnoticed for a critical period, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences. There have been tragic incidents illustrating this risk, such as the 2010 UPS Boeing 747 crash and the 2011 Asiana Airlines Boeing 747 cargo aircraft crash, both attributed to fires originating from lithium batteries in the cargo hold.

By requiring these devices to be in the cabin, any malfunction, such as smoke or heat, can be immediately identified by passengers or cabin crew. This allows for rapid intervention, using fire extinguishers and specialised containment bags or 'safe boxes' designed to control lithium battery fires. While it might seem inconvenient, this rule is a vital layer of defence against in-flight emergencies and is applied to all portable electronic devices containing lithium batteries, including laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and camera equipment, not just power banks.

Essential Tips for Safe Power Bank Travel

If you need to travel with your power bank, adhering to airline rules and adopting safe practices is crucial. Here are some essential tips to minimise risks and ensure a smooth journey:

• Choose Quality Over Cost: Always purchase power banks from reputable brands with established safety certifications. Cheaper, uncertified devices are far more prone to manufacturing defects and malfunction. Professor Neeraj Sharma from the University of New South Wales advises getting devices from reputable manufacturers.
• Pack It Securely: Physical damage significantly increases the risk of a thermal runaway. Ensure your power bank is packed securely in your hand luggage to prevent it from being crushed or corrupted. Some airlines, and common sense, also advise insulating the terminals (e.g., with tape or in a protective pouch) to prevent short circuits if they come into contact with other metals.
• Don't Overcharge: Unplug your power bank once it's fully charged. Overcharging can stress the battery and increase the risk of overheating. Never attempt to charge your power bank on the plane from the aircraft's USB outlets.
• Charge Before You Fly: Fully charged batteries are generally more stable than depleted ones. Try to fully charge your power bank before you get on the plane.
• Avoid 'Pass-Through Charging': Do not use your power bank to charge a device whilst simultaneously charging the power bank itself. This 'pass-through charging' significantly increases the heat load on the battery and the associated risk.
• Keep It Accessible (and Visible): While not all airlines mandate keeping your power bank on your person, it's a good idea to keep it in a seat pocket or somewhere easily accessible where you can quickly spot any signs of malfunction (like swelling, heat, or smoke). This aligns with the policy of South Korean airlines.
• Inspect for Damage: Before travelling, visually inspect your power bank for any signs of swelling, punctures, or external damage. If you notice anything unusual, do not travel with it; dispose of it safely according to local regulations.
• Alert the Crew: If you lose your power bank or phone in your seat, do not attempt to retrieve it yourself. Immediately inform the cabin crew and follow their instructions. They are trained to deal with such situations safely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Power Banks on Flights

Are power banks banned from flights entirely?

No, power banks are generally not banned from flights entirely. However, many airlines, particularly in Asia, have introduced restrictions on their use during the flight and, in some cases, their storage in overhead compartments. They must almost always be carried in your hand luggage, not checked baggage, and are subject to capacity limits (typically up to 100 Wh, or 27,000 mAh, without special approval).

Why can't I check in my power bank?

Power banks are prohibited in checked luggage because lithium-ion batteries pose a fire risk. If a fire were to occur in the cargo hold, it would be extremely difficult to detect and extinguish, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences for the aircraft. By keeping them in the passenger cabin, any malfunction can be quickly identified and dealt with by passengers or cabin crew.

Do I need special approval for my power bank?

For most standard power banks (up to 100 Wh or approximately 27,000 mAh), special approval is usually not required. However, if your power bank has a higher capacity, typically between 100 Wh and 160 Wh (up to around 43,000 mAh), you will likely need to obtain prior approval from your airline. Devices exceeding 160 Wh are generally not permitted on flights at all.

Can I use my power bank on a Thai Airways flight?

No, as of March 15, 2025, Thai Airways announced that passengers are no longer allowed to use or charge power banks on their flights. This aligns with a growing trend among Asian carriers to prohibit in-flight use of these devices due to safety concerns.

Why are airlines making these changes now?

The tightening of rules is a direct response to a recent increase in alarming incidents involving lithium battery fires on board commercial aircraft, particularly in early 2025. Events like the Air Busan aircraft fire, and smoke incidents on Batik Air and Hong Kong Airlines flights, highlight the growing risk and have prompted airlines to implement preventative measures to enhance passenger safety.

What should I do if my power bank overheats on a flight?

If your power bank (or any device containing a lithium battery) begins to overheat, swell, smoke, or show any signs of malfunction, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Immediately notify the nearest cabin crew member. They are trained to deal with such emergencies and are equipped with specialised safe boxes or containment bags to manage the situation and prevent a fire from escalating.

Final Thoughts for Travellers

While the new rules surrounding power banks might seem like an added inconvenience, they are unequivocally about your safety. The increasing number of lithium battery incidents on flights underscores the serious risks involved. Until alternative, safer battery technologies become widespread, these restrictions are a necessary measure to protect both passengers and aircraft. Always remember to check the latest guidance from your specific airline before you travel, as rules can change and vary. By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure your journey is as smooth and secure as possible, keeping your devices charged and, more importantly, keeping everyone safe in the skies.

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