Latest news with #powerBanks
Japan Times
2 days ago
- Japan Times
Japan to require flight passengers to keep power banks within sight
Japan's transport ministry has announced new air safety regulations requiring flight passengers to keep power banks within sight to mitigate fire risks while on board planes. The move, announced Monday, comes in response to a series of incidents involving such battery packs emitting smoke or catching fire during flights. It will go into effect on July 8. Portable battery chargers are often a must-have for travelers. But if handled improperly, the device can pose a fire risk. The lithium-ion batteries used in such devices can overheat or ignite due to a short circuit caused by an external impact or overcharging. The ministry, working with industry groups such as The Scheduled Airlines Association of Japan, will prohibit passengers from storing power banks in overhead compartments. It will also require passengers to charge their devices only in locations where the condition of the battery can be monitored — such as on their laps or in the seat pockets — as part of broader measures to ensure in-flight safety. The precaution aims to ensure that any signs of overheating or smoke can be quickly detected and addressed during flights. Currently, the ministry prohibits passengers from storing power banks in checked baggage, in accordance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization. In addition, batteries exceeding 160 watt-hours are strictly banned due to its potential fire risk, while passengers may only carry two battery packs rated between 100Wh and 160Wh. Earlier this year, a fire broke out on an Air Busan plane at South Korea's Gimhae International Airport, injuring three people. South Korean investigators later said the blaze may have been caused by a power bank. The transport ministry noted that while similar incidents have occurred on Japanese flights, all have been managed without serious injury or damage thanks to early detection.
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Travel + Leisure
08-05-2025
- Travel + Leisure
The TSA's Summer Travel Advisory Reminds You to Not Pack This Common Electronic Gadget In Your Check In
Travelers may want to carefully inspect their suitcase before their next flight to avoid a costly mistake. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is advising passengers not to pack portable battery chargers in their checked luggage. Due to recent incidents where lithium ion batteries have exploded or caused damage, the TSA has reportedly updated its guidance and prohibits the chargers from being checked in bags. According to AZCentral, while the TSA "publicized the new rules on social media to educate flyers ahead of the summer travel season," the rule changes rolled out back in February. A spokesperson from the TSA told Travel + Leisure : "TSA has not 'banned' power banks. However, they are only allowed in carry-on bags." The good news for travelers is they can still bring them on planes in their carry-on bags, which may be more convenient and accessible during flights, and they can be monitored carefully for any type of damage. 'Lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only,' the TSA advisory states. The agency goes on to explain that the passenger isn't totally out of the clear once they pass the checked bag counter. If a passenger has to gate-check their bag due to size or the bins being full, travelers must remove the spare chargers from the bag and bring them on the plane before gate-checking the bag. For travelers who disregard the guidance, the TSA has the ability to charge civil penalties of up to $17,062 per person, per incident, according to the TSA's website. Another penalty for disobeying the rules could be a temporary or permanent suspension of expedited security programs, such as TSA PreCheck. In some instances, the TSA will also make a criminal referral to local or state law enforcement in addition to the fines or program suspensions. The TSA also operates a prohibited items list that provides an exhaustive list of whether items are permitted in either checked or carry-on luggage. The agency shares that knives of any length, including switchblades, are not permitted on board aircraft and through TSA checkpoints. The agency also recommends that consumers regularly check the Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, website for any potential recalls of wireless portable power banks. As recently as April 17, 2025, the agency recalled 429,200 Caesly power banks because of fire and burn hazards.
