A growing number of international airlines—particularly in Asia—are tightening the screws on power bank use onboard, leaving travelers to rethink how they keep their devices charged mid-flight. Sparked by safety concerns over lithium-ion batteries, this wave of restrictions is reshaping airline policies worldwide, with Asian carriers like Taiwan’s EVA Air and South Korea’s Korean Air. Mainland Chinese airlines have long enforced strict lithium battery rules, like Air China and China Southern which I personally had been on, bans the use of power bank onboard. Here’s what you need to know about the latest bans.
The Catalyst: A Fiery Wake-Up Call
The push for stricter power bank rules gained momentum after a dramatic incident on January 28, 2025. An Air Busan Airbus A321, bound for Hong Kong from Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, caught fire just before takeoff. The blaze, traced to a power bank in an overhead bin, forced an emergency evacuation of all 176 passengers and crew. While no fatalities occurred, the aircraft was severely damaged, prompting Air Busan to ban power bank use onboard shortly after. This incident lit a fuse, igniting a broader reassessment of lithium battery safety across the aviation industry.
Asian Airlines Take the Lead
By March 1, 2025, several Asian carriers had followed suit, implementing bans on power bank use during flights. Here’s a rundown of the key players:
- EVA Air (Taiwan): Starting March 1, EVA Air prohibited the use and charging of power banks and spare lithium batteries throughout flights. Passengers can still carry them in hand luggage, but they must remain off and stored to prevent damage. The airline encourages using onboard AC and USB-A ports instead.
- China Airlines (Taiwan): Also effective March 1, China Airlines introduced a similar ban, urging travelers to rely on seat-side charging options rather than personal power banks.
- Korean Air & Asiana Airlines (South Korea): South Korean carriers joined the crackdown on March 1, banning power bank use and adding a twist: these devices can’t be stowed in overhead bins. Passengers must keep them at their seats, ideally in a seat pocket, with terminals insulated to avoid short circuits.
- Air Busan (South Korea): The airline that started it all banned power bank use in early February, requiring them to stay with passengers rather than in overhead compartments.
- Starlux Airlines & Tigerair Taiwan: Starlux has prohibited power bank use since its 2018 launch, while Tigerair mirrors this policy—both allow them in carry-on baggage but not in use.
These moves reflect a regional trend, driven by a shared focus on mitigating fire risks from lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat or combust if mishandled.
Mainland Chinese Airlines: A Mixed Picture
Mainland Chinese airlines, regulated by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), haven’t rolled out a uniform ban on power bank use as of March 3, 2025—but their approach is far from lax. The CAAC has long enforced strict lithium battery rules, and while not all carriers explicitly prohibit in-flight use, practical restrictions are widespread:
- Air China: Power banks up to 100Wh are allowed in carry-on baggage without approval; those between 100-160Wh need airline permission (max two per passenger). While Air China’s website doesn’t ban use outright, crew often enforce a no-use policy during flights, citing CAAC safety concerns.
- China Eastern Airlines: Following a 2023 incident where a power bank fumed after falling into a seat gap, the airline reminded passengers not to use them onboard. Official policy permits carry-on power banks (up to 100Wh standard, 160Wh with approval), but in-flight use is discouraged and frequently prohibited by crew.
- China Southern Airlines: Similar to its peers, China Southern adheres to CAAC limits (100Wh standard, 160Wh max with approval) and bans power banks from checked baggage. While not formally banning use, passenger reports suggest crew instructions often forbid it.
Unlike their Taiwanese and South Korean counterparts, mainland Chinese airlines haven’t issued sweeping March 1-style bans. However, the CAAC’s stringent oversight—coupled with airport security’s habit of confiscating unlabeled or overcapacity power banks—means in-flight use is effectively curtailed on many flights. Travelers to or from China often hear announcements prohibiting power bank use, reflecting a cautious stance even without a formal policy shift.
Beyond Asia: A Global Ripple?
Western airlines like Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, and major U.S. carriers haven’t yet followed Asia’s lead with in-flight use bans. They stick to International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines: power banks (up to 100Wh without approval, 100-160Wh with approval) are restricted to carry-on baggage, but use is generally permitted. However, the Asian crackdown could signal a tipping point. With lithium battery incidents on the rise—think the 2019 Royal Brunei explosion or the 2023 Scoot fire—global regulators and airlines may soon tighten rules further.
What It Means for Travelers
If you’re flying an Asian carrier or transiting through China, here’s the takeaway:
- Pack Smart: Power banks are still allowed in carry-on luggage (not checked bags), but check capacity limits—100Wh is the safe bet, 160Wh max with approval.
- No Charging: On affected airlines, don’t plan to use your power bank mid-flight. Charge devices before boarding or use onboard outlets where available.
- Stay Vigilant: Keep power banks with you, not in overhead bins, especially on South Korean flights. Insulate terminals to avoid trouble.
- China Specifics: Expect rigorous security checks. Unmarked or overcapacity power banks might be confiscated, and onboard use could be a no-go, even if not officially banned.
- Buy Reliable: If you must bring a power bank, make sure you buy a reliable one from a reputable maker and seller. There are many dupes online—a dependable power bank might cost slightly more, but safety isn’t cheap. Cheap knockoffs are more prone to overheating or failing, raising the risk of incidents that these bans aim to prevent. Below is a highly recommended power bank from Amazon.
- Anker PowerCore 10000 (US)
- Anker PowerCore 10000 (AU)
The Bigger Picture
This crackdown underscores a balancing act: convenience versus safety. Power banks have been a lifeline for travelers, but their fire risk—exacerbated by cheap knockoffs or damaged units—can’t be ignored. As newer planes roll out with built-in charging ports, reliance on personal batteries may wane. Until then, airlines are betting on proactive bans to keep the skies safe.
For now, the Asian carriers are leading the charge, with mainland Chinese airlines enforcing a quieter but equally firm grip. Whether this spreads globally remains to be seen—but one thing’s clear: the days of casually plugging in your power bank at 30,000 feet are fading fast. Charge up before you board, and stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.