More airlines introduce strict ban on travel item in overhead lockers due to safety fears

The Sun

a day ago

POWER banks have been banned from even more airlines following concerns for passenger safety.
China's aviation regulator and Japan's transport ministry have both announced new rules for carrying power banks on planes.
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On July 3, 2025, Japan's transport ministry announced new air safety regulations requiring passengers to keep power banks in sight at all times while travelling.
Japan will ban passengers from storing power banks in overhead compartments on all flights operated by All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines and other domestic carriers.
Under Japan's new regulation, the following rules will apply on all domestic flights and on international flights operated by Japanese airlines.
The Japan Airlines website states that in accordance with the new rules "portable chargers (power banks) for smartphones and other devices cannot be checked in".
It adds that they should be "carried onboard as carry-on luggage".
It continues with two points that travellers should "avoid storing power banks in overhead compartments".
In-flight charging is allowed, but passengers are required to keep devices under constant supervision and in sight in case there's a sign of overheating or malfunction.
The new rules will come into effect on July 8, 2025, and are to lessen the risk of fire on planes.
This will affect Brits travelling with the airlines, many of which operate from London Heathrow.
Chinese authorities recently announced that passengers will be banned from carrying certain power banks on flights.
Major airline introduces strict new luggage ban forcing travelers to keep item in 'plain sight'
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China's aviation regulator has banned passengers from carrying power banks without Chinese safety certification markings on June 29.
The rules apply to anyone boarding a flight in China, following a series of incidents globally involving lithium battery products, including power banks, overheating on planes.
Earlier this year, Korean airline Air Busan banned passengers from having power banks in their hand luggage after a huge fire broke out onboard.
While no-one was killed in the accident, the plane was badly damaged and taken out of commission.
Back in March, Eva Air passengers announced it would no longer be able to use power banks onboard.
Instead passengers need to use the onboard power outlets, with AC and USB-A ports available.
China Airlines introduced the same rule from March 1.
Starlux Airlines and Tigerair have already banned passengers from using power banks while in the cabin. They are still allowed in hand luggage.
Thai Airways and AirAsia also don't allow passengers to use or charge their power banks onboard.
And here's more information on the banning of power banks when flying from the UK.