The stricter rules, now in force at Korean Air also apply to Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul.
Earlier in January airlines from the Lufthansa Group such as Eurowings, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Discover, became the first in Europe to crack down on power bank use.
In December, Virgin Australia banned the use of power banks while in flight. Additionally, the airline decreed passengers must keep the banks and battery-powered items close onboard, stowing them in the seat pocket, under the seat in front, or on the person, rather than in the overhead storage.
While not banning their use, Air New Zealand has also tightened rules, with passengers limited to carrying a maximum of two power banks per person, each no greater than 100 watt-hours (Wh). These portable chargers also must not be be used during takeoff or landing and can not be plugged into in-flight power outlets. They also need to be kept close by, rather than in the overhead bins so surveillance is possible.
Airlines are concerned that the lithium-ion batteries in power banks have previously caught fire on board planes.
The new policies generally allow passengers to continue taking their power banks on board in carry-on luggage, but they may no longer be used to charge phones, laptops, cameras and the like. Charging the power bank itself using the aircraft’s power supply is also prohibited.
The airline may also enforce the following rules with carry-on power banks: Charging ports must be either taped over with insulating tape or the device must be placed in a separate bag or pouch to prevent dangerous short circuits.
As with Virgin’s rules, power banks must not be transported in an overhead bin, but must be kept within reach.
Airlines already stipulate that power banks can only be carried in hand luggage and not in checked baggage, in case of fire in the hold.
“Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium-ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. Spare lithium batteries, which include both power banks and phone chargers, are prohibited in checked luggage,” says the Transport Security Administration in the US.
If you have a more powerful power bank, you may want to check the capacity with your airline’s policy before travelling. A look at the rating label on the back will reveal the capacity of your power bank, typically shown in watt-hours (Wh) or milliampere-hours (mAh).
The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority says power banks “exceeding a Watt-hour rating of 100 Wh but not exceeding 160 Wh” can be carried on board.
For Korean Air, each person may carry a maximum of five batteries with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours each. A maximum of two power banks with a capacity of 100 to 160 watt-hours can be carried. Batteries with larger capacities may not be carried.
Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Thai Airways and China Airlines have also introduced restrictions on power banks. However Europe’s biggest airline Ryanair and rival budget carrier Easyjet have not changed their policy.
