Airline-Approved Power Bank Rules Every Pinoy Must Know Before Flying!

Travelling soon? If you can’t go anywhere without your trusty power bank, you might want to check the latest airline rules before packing your bags. A recent fire incident on an Air Busan flight has sparked stricter airline policies on carrying power banks onboard. Some airlines are tightening restrictions, and in Air Busan’s case, completely banning power banks from overhead bins.

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But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the do’s and don’ts of bringing power banks on flights, so you can stay powered up without any airport hassles.

Also read: 15 Travel Tips and Secrets These Travellers Learned By Word Of Mouth

Can you bring a power bank on a plane?

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Yes, but with conditions. Since power banks contain lithium-ion batteries, they are considered a fire risk if not handled properly. This is why most airlines require them to be in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Power banks under 100Wh (watt-hours): Allowed in your carry-on without approval.

• Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh: Usually need airline approval before your flight.

• Power banks over 160Wh: Completely banned from flights.

• Quantity limit: Most airlines allow only two power banks per passenger.

• Usage onboard: You can charge your phone, but charging your power bank on the plane is not allowed.

Each airline has slightly different rules, so always check before flying.

Air Busan’s new rules after the in-flight fire incident

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Following a recent fire caused by a power bank, Air Busan now prohibits storing power banks in overhead bins. Starting February 7, 2025, all carry-on bags will be inspected at the boarding gate. Only bags without power banks will be tagged and allowed in overhead compartments. Passengers must carry power banks with them at all times to ensure quick action if overheating or fire occurs.

Additionally, Air Busan is enhancing its fire safety measures by:

• Training cabin crew to handle fire-related emergencies.

• Increasing fire containment equipment onboard.

How to calculate if your power bank is allowed

Ever noticed that power banks are usually labelled in mAh (milliampere-hours) instead of Wh (watt-hours)? Since airline restrictions use Wh, you’ll need to do a quick conversion:

Formula:

Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × Voltage (V)

For example, a 20,000mAh power bank with 3.7V: (20,000 ÷ 1000) × 3.7 = 74Wh

Since 74Wh is below the 100Wh limit, you can bring it without airline approval.

Power bank safety tips for travel

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To avoid airport troubles and keep your power bank safe, follow these tips:

Buy high-quality power banks

Not all power banks are created equal, and low-quality ones can be risky. Cheap, uncertified brands may overheat, short-circuit, or even explode, posing a serious fire hazard, especially on aeroplanes. To ensure safety, choose reputable brands with certifications like UL, CE, or FCC, which guarantee rigorous testing.

Look for power banks with built-in safety features such as overcharge protection, short-circuit prevention, and temperature control. While high-quality options may cost more, they greatly reduce the risk of malfunctions that could endanger you and other passengers.

Store power banks properly

• Keep your power bank in a protective case to prevent damage.

• Don’t pack it with metal objects (keys, coins) that could cause a short circuit.

• Keep it easily accessible for security checks.

Avoid extreme temperatures

• Never leave your power bank in direct sunlight or near heat sources.

• Store it in a cool, dry place when not in use.

Also read: 11 Money Tips If You’re Not Earning Well Enough to Build a Travel Fund

Final thoughts: Stay charged, stay safe

Power banks are lifesavers when travelling, but they come with risks. With airlines enforcing stricter policies, it’s best to stay informed to avoid airport hassles. Always check airline regulations, keep your power bank in your carry-on, and follow safety precautions.

Now that you know the rules, you can confidently pack your power bank and enjoy a hassle-free trip.