Latest news with #DangerousGoodsRegulations
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Two leading airlines ban power banks and battery packs on flights
Passengers are now forbidden from charging devices with portable power banks and battery packs while travelling on these two major airlines. Two leading airlines have announced new safety measures which bans passengers from using power banks and battery packs during flights. Power banks come under lithium batteries which pose a fire risk as they can generate extreme heat. Despite this they are generally allowed in your carry-on luggage. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) states that power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) are allowed in carry-on bags, but spare batteries are strictly prohibited in checked luggage to stay in line with safety procedures. Airline passengers are forbidden from carrying more than two spare batteries exceeding two grams of lithium content for lithium metal, or a watt-hour rating exceeding 100 Wh, on board and these must strictly be kept in carry-on luggage only. However, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways have both introduced new policies that now prohibit passengers from being able to use power banks or battery packs throughout the duration of flights. Singapore Airlines introduced the ban from April 1, meaning passengers can no longer charge their personal electronic devices with a portable power bank or charge power banks using onboard USB ports during flights. The airline states that passengers must keep power banks in carry-on luggage and are not allowed in checked bags, the Express reports. In an update for passengers, Singapore Airlines added: '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 seek customers' understanding that safety will always be our top priority.' Thai Airways has also banned passengers from both using or charging power banks (spare batteries) during entire flights. Their new rule came into effect on March 15 and was implemented to 'ensure the highest level of safety for all passengers and crew members'. Passengers are not permitted to carry power banks in checked baggage, but they can do so in their carry-on luggage providing it meets certain requirements. The airline states: '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.'
South China Morning Post
25-03-2025
- South China Morning Post
Power banks on flights: which airlines and regions have tightened rules?
Hong Kong is the latest aviation hub to tighten the use of power banks on flights, resulting in local airlines joining several other Asian carriers with more restrictions. Advertisement The Civil Aviation Department on Monday said the new measures for Hong Kong carriers followed recent safety incidents involving passengers using lithium power banks during flights. Some airlines have moved to prohibit the carrying and the use of power banks on aircraft given recent incidents. The International Air Transport Association's Dangerous Goods Regulations state power banks must be carried in cabin baggage. In general, spare lithium batteries can be stored in carry-on bags if each does not exceed two grams in lithium content or each one does not exceed rating of 100 watt-hours. Advertisement For batteries rated from 100Wh to 160Wh, each passenger is limited to two and they must be stored separately and protectively. Batteries exceeding 160Wh are banned from aircraft.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
Factbox-Airlines that have updated their lithium battery policies
By Lisa Barrington SEOUL (Reuters) - Several airlines in Asia have updated their guidance on carrying lithium batteries onboard. The batteries are in devices such as cellphones and e-cigarettes, and can malfunction to produce smoke, fire or extreme heat. In 2024, three incidents every two weeks of overheating lithium batteries on planes were recorded globally by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, compared to just under one a week in 2018. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Aviation has long recognised the batteries as a safety concern, and rules are periodically tightened in response to accidents. AIRLINES IN SOUTH KOREA In January an Air Busan plane was consumed in flames while preparing to depart South Korea. Investigators have not issued a final report into the cause of the fire, but the transport ministry said on March 14 that a power bank was the possible cause. Air Busan was the first to change its policies to disallow power banks in overhead cabin bins, saying passengers should keep them on their person, to more easily spot any problems. From March 1 South Korea tightened rules for all South Korean airlines, including keeping power banks and e-cigarettes with passengers and not in luggage bins, and not charging devices onboard. SINGAPORE AIRLINES AND SCOOT Singapore Airlines, which includes budget airline Scoot, said on March 12 customers would not be allowed to charge portable power banks via onboard USB ports, or use power banks to charge personal devices during flights from April 1. The airline told Reuters it regularly reviews in-flight procedures and regulations and safety is the company's top priority. EVA AIR Taiwan's EVA Air prohibited charging and using power banks and spare lithium batteries on flights starting on March 1. It advised that most plane seats are equipped with USB power outlets if passengers need to charge other devices. CHINA AIRLINES Taiwan's China Airlines said from March 1 power banks and spare lithium batteries must not be used or charged during flights. It also recommended passengers to not store power banks in overhead bins. THAI AIRWAYS Thai Airways from March 15 prohibited the use and charging of power banks and portable batteries during flights. IATA GUIDELINES Airlines generally follow the lithium battery guidance in the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, which state power banks must be carried in cabin baggage, not in checked baggage, and sets limits on the amount and strength of batteries that can be carried. European airline group Lufthansa said it adheres to IATA guidance, which has not changed. IATA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Air India said it constantly reviews policies based on industry events and regulatory recommendations. "As change from current practice may introduce new risks and there is no clear consensus on the best approach, Air India policy remains unchanged at this juncture," a spokesperson said.
Khaleej Times
13-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Singapore Airlines bans use of power banks during flights from April 1
Passengers flying with Singapore Airlines will soon not be allowed to charge portable power banks via onboard USB ports, or use power banks to charge their personal devices during their flight. The new change will be effective from April 1, 2025, the airline announced recently. Power banks will only be allowed to be carried in cabin baggage on all SIA flights and are not permitted in checked baggage. Customers can bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval. These power banks are classified as lithium batteries as per the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations which the SIA Group complies with, the airline further stated.
