A crackdown on passengers carrying common electronic devices in checked baggage has commenced among airlines, paralleling the previous bans on power banks. Concerns over the potential fire hazards associated with power banks have led various airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific, to prohibit their usage during flights. In a similar vein, Taiwanese airlines such as EVA Air, UNI Air, and Tigerair have now disallowed the placement of Bluetooth earbuds, including popular brands like Apple AirPods, in checked luggage due to safety concerns related to lithium batteries that power these devices. These batteries, similar to those in power banks, pose a risk of combustion, especially when constantly recharged. New Zealand’s Aviation Authority has implemented strict regulations prohibiting the inclusion of AirPods and other wireless earbuds in checked baggage on flights under its jurisdiction.
Passengers are advised to carry wireless earbuds and AirPods in their carry-on luggage only, as stated by the Kiwi aviation organization. Each traveler is permitted a maximum of 20 spare batteries or power banks in their carry-on baggage, with the wireless earbuds/AirPods charger counting as one of these allowed items. Several airlines, including Air New Zealand, specify in their terms that these chargers must be in carry-on luggage and not in checked bags.
Recent incidents involving fires on planes, likely caused by malfunctioning power banks, have prompted airlines to reconsider the risks associated with portable chargers, given the potential for extreme heat generation from lithium batteries in case of a short circuit. Air Busan was the first airline to enforce a ban on battery packs following an in-flight fire incident. The largest airline implementing a power bank ban is Emirates, which will enforce the prohibition from October 1, 2025.
Aviation regulators, including the UK Civil Aviation Authority, recommend that lithium batteries and power banks be carried in hand luggage and completely turned off to mitigate fire risks. Guidelines stipulate that the heat-generating component of gadgets powered by lithium batteries should be separated from the battery to prevent short circuits. At present, no UK airlines have outright bans on Bluetooth earbuds in hand luggage. Tigerair and UNI Air have both emphasized the necessity of carrying portable electronic devices like earphone charging cases and electric fans with built-in lithium-ion batteries in hand-held or carry-on formats for flight safety reasons.
In the UK, airlines operating within the country are adhering to safety regulations concerning electronic devices, while those not serving UK airports are also implementing similar safety measures. Travelers are encouraged to share their travel experiences by contacting webtravel@reachplc.com.