Singapore Airlines, one of the world’s most successful major airlines, has recently announced a ban on the usage of portable power banks onboard their aircraft. Effective from April 1st, travellers flying with the airline will be prohibited from charging their devices with a power bank or charging the bank itself via onboard USB ports.
Joining AirBusan, Eva Air and China Airlines, Singapore Airlines has become the fourth air travel company to implement this restriction since January, when a power bank caused a serious cabin fire inside an AirBusan plane.
Thankfully, no passengers were killed in the accident, but the plane was taken out of commission due to damages and new restrictions were put in place as a result.
Due to their classification as lithium batteries, the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations warn against the use of power banks aboard planes. Other airlines, like Tigerair and Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines, have banned passengers from using such devices onboard but allow them to be stored in hand luggage.
In a statement released on March 12th, Singapore Airlines said “power banks must be carried in cabin baggage on all SIA flights and are not permitted in checked baggage. Customers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval.”
“We seek customers’ understanding that safety will always be our top priority.”
Australian airlines like Qantas and Virgin Australia also have restrictions surrounding lithium batteries onboard their planes. For both airlines, devices with lithium batteries must only be stored in carry-on luggage. Though recommended not to, Qantas passengers are allowed to use power banks during their flights, except during takeoff and landing.
Rather than using power banks, passengers are now being urged to use Singapore Airlines’ onboard power outlets, which include AC and USB-A ports. It is assumed that the airline’s budget carrier, Scoot, will implement the same new rules.
For more information about what you can and can’t bring onboard, click here.
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