Singapore Airlines Bans Power Banks Onboard Flights Starting April 1

SINGAPORE – Singapore Airlines announced Wednesday that it will ban the use of portable power banks on its flights, effective April 1. This decision aligns with growing concerns about fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries, which power these devices.

The airline stated that as of next month, passengers will not be permitted to charge their devices with power banks while onboard, nor will they be able to charge the power banks using onboard USB ports. In its announcement, Singapore Airlines emphasized that the airline complies with the International Air Transport Association‘s Dangerous Goods Regulations regarding these batteries.

Travelers are still allowed to bring power banks in their carry-on luggage, but they must not be placed in checked baggage. Those carrying power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) can do so without prior notification to the airline. However, power banks ranging from 100Wh to 160Wh require special approval, and any power bank exceeding 160Wh is prohibited on flights.

Singapore Airlines’ ban is part of a wider trend among airlines responding to safety concerns about lithium-ion batteries, which have been classified as dangerous goods due to their flammable nature. Since 2016, the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations agency that oversees global aviation regulations, has prohibited all types of lithium-ion batteries from being transported in the cargo holds of passenger planes, necessitating travelers to carry them in the cabin.

As airlines implement these safety measures, there is no uniform industry standard regarding the usage of power banks in the cabin. Thus, some airlines may still allow their use, while others may impose varying restrictions. Passengers are encouraged to check directly with their airline ahead of travel to confirm specific policies.