Full List of 15 Airlines That Have Banned Power Banks on Flights

Power banks, once considered an essential travel accessory for keeping devices charged during long flights, are now facing tighter restrictions worldwide. Several major international carriers have introduced strict bans or limitations on their use due to growing safety concerns over lithium-ion batteries.

TJ News Nigeria reports that while most airlines still allow passengers to carry power banks in their cabin baggage, many now prohibit their use during flights. Storing them in checked luggage remains strictly forbidden under international aviation safety rules.

Why Airlines Are Restricting Power Banks

• Fire Hazard: Lithium-ion batteries can overheat, leading to thermal runaway, a dangerous chain reaction that can cause smoke, fire, or even explosions.
• Regulatory Alerts: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has repeatedly warned airlines about the dangers. As of August 2025, at least 50 verified battery-related incidents had been recorded in commercial aviation.
• Global Standardization: Aviation regulators are urging carriers to enforce consistent policies for passenger safety.

New guidelines now require passengers to keep power banks visible, unplugged, and unused during the entire flight.

Airlines With Power Bank Bans or Restrictions

Here are 15 airlines that have implemented bans or restrictions on the use of power banks:

1. Vietnam Airlines – Allowed only in cabin baggage; must remain unplugged.
2. Vietjet Air – Carry-on only; no in-flight use.
3. Emirates – Full ban on carrying and using power banks.
4. Singapore Airlines – Permitted in hand luggage but prohibited from in-flight use.
5. Scoot – No charging or use allowed on board.
6. EVA Air – Strict restrictions on both carrying and usage.
7. Thai Airways – Full ban on power banks.
8. AirAsia – Carry-on only; no use permitted during flight.
9. Tigerair – Carry-on only; unused during flight.
10. Starlux Airlines – Prohibits all onboard use.
11. China Airlines – Carry-on only; cannot be used mid-flight.
12. Air Busan – Cabin baggage only; no charging allowed.
13. Malaysia Airlines – Must be stored under seats; no in-flight use.
14. Firefly – Same as Malaysia Airlines.
15. MASwings – Carry-on only; no charging allowed in-flight.

What This Means for Travellers

For passengers, these restrictions highlight the need to plan ahead:

• Always carry power banks in hand luggage, never in checked baggage.
• Check the airline’s specific rules before flying, as restrictions vary.
• Charge devices fully before boarding, since in-flight charging may not be allowed.
• Invest in FAA-approved, smaller-capacity power banks that meet aviation standards.

FAQs

Why are power banks banned on flights?
Because they use lithium-ion batteries, which pose a fire risk if they overheat.

Can you carry a power bank in checked baggage?
No. Aviation rules prohibit storing power banks in checked luggage.

Which airlines have full bans?
Emirates and Thai Airways are among the airlines with outright bans on power banks.

Can you still bring power banks on board?
Yes, but most airlines require them to remain unused and unplugged throughout the flight.

Disclaimer

This article is based on publicly available airline safety guidelines and regulatory updates as of 2025. Passengers are strongly advised to check directly with their airline before travel, as policies may change.