If you’re used to packing a power bank for long flights, there are a few new guidelines to keep in mind before your next trip.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has rolled out updated rules on how passengers can carry and use power banks on planes. These changes are part of a broader effort to address safety risks linked to lithium batteries, which are commonly found in portable chargers and mobile devices.
Photo: Towfiqu Barbhuiya/Pexels
Under the new guidelines, passengers are limited to bringing a maximum of two power banks each. Using them mid-flight is no longer allowed—this includes both recharging the power bank itself and using it to charge your devices while on board.
Airline crew members are still allowed to carry and use power banks, but only in line with specific operational requirements.
Why the stricter rules on power banks?
Lithium batteries can pose fire risks if they’re damaged or their terminals short-circuit. This is also the reason why power banks have long been prohibited in checked baggage and must be kept in the cabin.
ICAO says the updated restrictions reflect new safety insights and are intended to reduce the risk of incidents while improving overall passenger confidence.
What airlines are doing so far
Although the guidelines took effect on March 27, 2026, implementation may vary by airline.
Singapore Airlines, for example, has announced it will begin enforcing the updated rules on April 15, 2026. It also reiterated existing limits on battery capacity:
- Power banks up to 100Wh don’t need prior approval
- Those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval
- Anything above 160Wh is not allowed on board
The airline also emphasized that power banks should remain in cabin baggage, be easily accessible, and not be stored in overhead compartments.
Meanwhile, some airlines and airports have already started applying the changes. Hong Kong International Airport has begun enforcing the new requirements, alongside carriers like China Airlines and EVA Air.
What to check before your flight
With different airlines rolling out the rules at their own pace, it’s a good idea to double-check your carrier’s latest guidelines before heading to the airport.
For now, the key takeaway is simple: bring fewer power banks, keep them within reach, and expect stricter rules about when—and if—you can use them in flight.
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