Airline passengers may soon need to rethink how they keep their devices charged mid-flight, as more airlines are choosing to prohibit the use of power banks on board.
The latest airlines to put forth the change are Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air.
The two airlines recently announced new restrictions that will essentially ban the use of power banks while on board.
What the new rules mean
Under the updated policies, travellers are still allowed to bring power banks into the cabin, but they cannot use them during the flight. The devices must remain visible and cannot be connected to seat power ports. Importantly, they are not permitted in checked luggage, only hand baggage.
The decision follows growing global concern about lithium battery safety in the air. Power banks, which use lithium-ion cells, have been linked to incidents of overheating and even fire risk.
Safety concerns driving the ban on power banks
According to the Daily Mail, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently renewed its warnings after documenting 50 separate incidents involving power banks on planes. In its notice, the FAA explained that batteries stored in overhead bins or packed bags may be harder to monitor, delaying detection if they overheat, a risk that could quickly escalate in-flight.
Power banks have become a go-to travel essential, but aviation authorities worldwide are increasingly treating them as a safety hazard.
Not just Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet
Vietnam Airlines, which operates flights between London Heathrow and cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, is one of many carriers adopting these rules.
Emirates, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Tigerair, and Starlux have all introduced similar bans or restrictions on the use of the charging devices in-flight.
For passengers, this means a shift in how they stay connected and powered during long journeys. While most airlines still offer in-seat charging options, relying on personal power banks in the cabin is becoming less of an option.
