U.S. and international aviation authorities have issued fresh guidelines for passengers flying with rechargeable lithium-ion portable battery chargers, known as power banks, in response to a string of smoke and fire incidents on aircraft, the Associated Press reported June 4.
The devices, which come in protective enclosures of various shapes and sizes, are commonly used to recharge phones and other portable electronics while traveling. But after multiple incidents involving overheating and combustion, regulators and airlines are imposing stricter rules on their carriage.
The Associated Press report, which serves as a consumer guide, details the latest restrictions that passengers will encounter at security checkpoints and during boarding. Airlines have begun tightening their own policies in line with the updated guidance, the report said.
The new requirements cover where power banks may be placed — typically in carry-on luggage rather than checked bags — as well as limits on battery capacity and requirements for protecting the device terminals from short circuits. Specific allowances vary by airline and destination, and travelers are advised to check with their carrier before flying.
The AP report noted that the guidance applies to all major carriers and routes, with enforcement increasingly standardized across the industry. The move is part of broader efforts by aviation safety regulators to mitigate fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in the passenger cabin and cargo holds.