New rules for carrying power banks in-flight 
Here’s what it means for you 

Rules for carrying power banks in-flight in Asia

 

Gone are the days of using a power bank to charge your phone or headphones on a flight. The spike in on-board battery-related incidents has led many airlines and regulatory bodies from around the world to prohibit carrying power banks in checked-in luggage and stop their use mid-air. 

If you’re travelling for work, here’s the short version. Power banks are now almost universally banned from checked baggage. Many airlines no longer allow them to be used or charged during flight, and capacity limits exist, along with where you store them, and how many you’re allowed to carry on board.  

 

Here’s a break down 

Airline Charging your power bank or using it to charge other devices Permitted in checked baggage Where to store in cabin Capacity limit (Watt-hours) Power bank quantity 
Virgin Australia ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Seat pocket/under the seat Under 100Wh  2 
Qantas (including QantasLink) ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Seat pocket/under the seat Up to 100Wh. Approval reqd for 100Wh-160Wh   2 
Jetstar ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Seat pocket/under the seat Up to 100Wh. Approval reqd for 100Wh-160Wh. 2 
Rex ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Seat pocket/under the seat Up to 160Wh 2 
Alliance Airlines ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Seat pocket/under the seat Up to 100Wh 2 
Air New Zealand  ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Seat pocket/under the seat.  

Up to 160Wh 

Approval reqd for 100Wh-160Wh 

2 
Singapore Airlines (including Scoot) ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Cabin only Up to 100Wh.  Approval reqd for 100Wh-160Wh  2 
Etihad ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Seat pocket/under the seat/Cabin Up to 100Wh 1 
Emirates ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Seat pocket/under the seat Under 100Wh 1 
Qatar Airways ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Seat pocket/under the seat Under 100Wh 1 
Cathay Pacific ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Seat pocket/under the seat Up to 160Wh 2 
American Airlines ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Seat pocket/under the seat Up to 100Wh 2 
United Airlines ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Seat pocket/under the seat Up to 100Wh 2 
AirAsia ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Seat pocket/under the seat Up to 100Wh.  Approval reqd for 100Wh-160Wh 2 
Malaysia Airlines  ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Seat pocket/under the seat 

Up to 100Wh 

Approval reqd for 100Wh-160Wh 

2 
China Airlines ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Seat pocket/under the seat 

Up to 100Wh. 

Require CCC certification. 

2 
British Airways ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Seat pocket/under the seat Up to 100Wh 4 
Turkish Airways ❌ Not allowed ❌ Not allowed Seat pocket/under the seat Up to 100Wh 2 

Understanding watt-hours 

Watt-hours (Wh) are calculated by multiplying voltage (V) by amp hours (Ah). For example, a power bank labelled 5V x 10000Ah = 50Wh. 

If you can’t easily find the Wh rating on your device, it’s worth checking before you travel. Unlabelled or unclear batteries are more likely to be confiscated. 

Tips for staying connected and charged up during business trips

For business travellers who rely on their devices for work or entertainment, these restrictions mean planning ahead. 

  • Understand the policy. Check your airline’s specific policy before you travel. Rules vary by carrier and are subject to change.  
  • Board with a full charge. If you use them at the airport, take advantage of charging points in lounges or restaurants before boarding. 
  • Pack a charging cable. Carry a USB-compatible charging cord in your hand luggage. Plenty of aircrafts offer USB charging ports, particularly on long-haul routes. 
  • Prioritise a tablet. If you need a device for work or entertainment, consider using a tablet instead of a laptop. Tablets are easier to charge via on-board USB ports. 
  • Use in-flight entertainment. Where available, opt for the aircraft’s entertainment system to help preserve your own device’s battery. 
  • Choose reputable brands. Stick with certified power banks from trusted manufacturers to minimise safety risks. 

Airline policies can change with little notice and may vary by aircraft type, route, or operating carrier. Always check the airline’s official website before flying, especially for international or codeshare services. 

 

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