Singapore Airlines, Scoot to ban use and charging of power banks on flights

Starting in April, passengers flying with Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Scoot will no longer be allowed to use power banks to charge their devices during flights. This includes charging their power banks using the onboard USB ports. Both airlines made the announcement in a Facebook post on Wednesday (March 12).

Passengers can still bring power banks on board, but there are some rules. Power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh can be brought on the flight without needing approval from the airline. However, power banks with a capacity between 100Wh and 160Wh will require the airline's approval. Power banks with a capacity above 160Wh are not allowed on any flight.

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The SIA Group explained that they are following the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, as power banks are considered to be lithium batteries. Passengers must keep their power banks in cabin baggage, as they are not allowed in checked baggage.

Other airlines, such as South Korea's Air Busan, have already implemented similar rules for power banks. Taiwan's EVA Air has completely banned the use and charging of power banks during flights, advising passengers to fully charge their devices before boarding.

Thai Airways also announced that starting March 15, passengers won’t be able to use power banks onboard their flights. This is being done to make sure the flight is as safe as possible for everyone on board.

In 2023, a power bank caught fire on a Scoot flight from Taipei to Singapore. The power bank overheated while the plane was on the ground, which led to the incident.