Aircraft passengers prohibited from bringing specific items onboard
Asian airlines and civil aviation authorities have implemented stricter regulations on power banks due to safety concerns regarding lithium-ion battery fires. Here's an overview of the key rules affecting travelers to popular destinations.
## Key Power Bank Regulations for Asian Airlines
### Singapore Airlines
Passengers are prohibited from using power banks and battery packs during flights. Power banks must be packed in hand luggage and cannot be placed in checked baggage. Charging devices via power banks or using onboard USB ports to charge these devices is also prohibited throughout the flight.
### Thai Airways
Passengers are not allowed to use or charge power banks at any time during the flight. Power banks may be brought in carry-on luggage only. Thai Airways imposes capacity limits, with up to 20,000 mAh (or 100 Wh) allowed in carry-on, 20,000–32,000 mAh (or 100–160 Wh) limited to a maximum of two packs in carry-on, and power banks over 32,000 mAh (or 160 Wh) not allowed in any luggage.
### China (All Airlines, including Domestic and International Flights Departing Mainland China)
Effective July 5, 2025 (with some airlines implementing from June 28), passengers cannot bring power banks unless they have a valid China Compulsory Certification (3C) mark. Non-certified or recalled power banks are strictly prohibited on flights departing mainland China. Power banks with unclear labels, missing 3C marks, or subject to manufacturer recalls are banned.
## Impact on Travelers
These policies aim to reduce fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, following several reported incidents in the region and globally. Travelers will not be able to charge phones or other devices using power banks during flights on Singapore Airlines or Thai Airways. Power banks must not be packed in checked baggage on any of these carriers.
For travelers to or from China, it's crucial to ensure their power banks are 3C-certified and not subject to a recall. Some airlines, such as Thai Airways, enforce capacity restrictions, so it's essential to check your device’s mAh or Wh rating before travel.
## Traveler Tips
- Always check the certification of your power bank, especially when traveling to China. - Pack your power bank appropriately, keeping it in your carry-on luggage, never in checked baggage. - Ensure your devices are fully charged before boarding, as you may not be able to charge them in-flight.
These regulations are rapidly evolving, so always check with your airline before departure for the latest rules.
Travelers planning a lifestyle that involves extended travel in popular Asian destinations should be aware of strict power bank regulations imposed by various airlines and civil aviation authorities. For instance, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways have prohibited the use and charging of power banks during flights, while China has mandated that all power banks on flights departing from mainland China must have a valid China Compulsory Certification (3C) mark starting from July 5, 2025. Therefore, it's essential for travelers to ensure their power banks are certified and within the capacity limits specified by the airlines to maintain a safe lifestyle on their travels.
