Power Banks on Flights: Airline Rules and Restrictions for 2025

📵 Power Banks on Aircraft: New Rules for Carriage and Use by the End of 2025

In 2024–2025, aviation authorities and airlines worldwide revised their regulations regarding the carriage of lithium batteries and portable power banks. These changes were prompted by documented incidents of battery overheating on board aircraft, in some cases accompanied by smoke or localized fires.

As a result, several airlines have clarified or tightened their rules, particularly concerning the use of power banks during flights. These updates are important for both passengers and travel agents advising clients and reviewing itineraries.

🔋 Why Power Bank Regulations Have Been Tightened

The main risk is associated with lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries. If damaged, short-circuited, or overheated, they can ignite. In flight conditions, such incidents require immediate action by the crew.

According to aviation safety authorities, most issues occurred:

• when non-original or damaged power banks were used;
• when devices were charged from power banks during the flight;
• when batteries were carried in checked baggage.

Therefore, the changes focus not on a complete ban, but on strict regulation of carriage and usage conditions.

✈️ Can You Bring a Power Bank on a Plane in 2025?

Yes, power banks are allowed on board, provided all established rules are strictly followed.

General rules for carrying power banks

Hand luggage only

Power banks are prohibited in checked baggage.

Battery capacity limits

• up to 100 Wh — allowed without prior approval;
• 100–160 Wh — prior airline approval required;
• over 160 Wh — prohibited.

Number of devices

In most cases, 1–2 power banks per passenger are permitted.

Condition and labeling

Devices without a clearly indicated capacity or showing signs of damage may be confiscated during screening.

🚫 Using Power Banks During the Flight: What Has Changed

By the end of 2025, more airlines have introduced restrictions specifically on the use of power banks on board, even if carriage is permitted.

The most common measures include:

• prohibition on charging the power bank itself during the flight;
• prohibition or limitation on charging other devices from a power bank;
• mandatory switching off of power banks during takeoff and landing.

At the same time:

• using the aircraft’s built-in USB ports is usually allowed;
• the final decision always rests with the flight crew.

✈️ Airlines That Have Introduced Restrictions

Singapore Airlines and Scoot

• power banks allowed in hand luggage only;
• charging devices from power banks on board is prohibited;
• charging the power bank itself during flight is prohibited;
• capacity up to 100 Wh without approval.

Cathay Pacific

• power banks allowed in hand luggage;
• use during flight may be restricted;
• crew may request the device to be turned off;
• standard limit — up to 100 Wh.

Korean Air and Asiana Airlines

• hand luggage only;
• charging power banks during flight is prohibited;
• charging other devices subject to crew instructions;
• enhanced checks during pre-flight screening.

Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines

• power banks allowed in hand luggage only;
• strict capacity limit — up to 100 Wh;
• use on board may be restricted;
• devices without capacity labeling are often confiscated.

Qatar Airways and Emirates

• power banks allowed in hand luggage;
• charging power banks during flight is prohibited;
• charging personal devices subject to crew discretion;
• use of onboard USB ports is recommended.

🧳 What Passengers Should Keep in Mind

Recommended:

• check the specific airline’s rules before flying;
• inform passengers in advance about usage restrictions;
• follow the strictest rules when traveling on itineraries with connections.

Important to remember:

• a power bank is a potentially hazardous device;
• failure to comply with regulations may result in confiscation;
• crew instructions are mandatory.

By the end of 2025, power banks are not banned, but their carriage and use are strictly regulated. Airlines place a strong emphasis on flight safety, which means limiting the use of battery-powered devices on board.

📌 Before every flight, especially on international routes and itineraries with connections, passengers are strongly advised to review the rules of the operating carrier in advance.