Singapore Airlines will be introducing new restrictions regarding the carriage of power banks on its flights.
From 1 April 2025, Singapore Airlines passengers will no longer be allowed to charge power banks via the onboard USB ports.
Nor will passengers be allowed to use power banks to charge their personal devices, throughout the duration of their flight.
SAFETY REGULATIONS
Power banks are in fact classified as lithium batteries.
The SIA Group is thus complying with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations regarding the carriage of power banks.
The ruling will also apply to Singapore Airlines’ low-cost carrier Scoot.
POWER BANKS ON SINGAPORE AIRLINES FLIGHTS
With this new requirement coming into place, passengers are still able to carry small power banks with them on flights.
Passengers may carry power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval.
However, larger power banks, of between 100Wh and 160Wh, will require prior approval by the airline.
As such, power banks must be carried in cabin baggage on all of the airline’s flights and are not permitted in checked baggage.
POWER BANKS PRESENT DANGERS
The carriage of power banks on flights has come into the spotlight this year.
This came after an Airbus aircraft operated by a Korean low-cost carrier caught alight before takeoff in January.
Following the fire that destroyed the aircraft, the South Korean budget carrier amended rules regarding carrying power banks.
Air Busan no longer allows carry-on luggage containing portable chargers to be stored in overhead bins.
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