Passengers flying with two more international airlines will soon no longer be allowed to charge power banks using onboard USB-ports
Singapore Airlines and its budget subsidiary Scoot announced the ban will come into effect on April 1.
Passengers will also banned from from using power banks to charge their personal devices while inside the aircraft.
‘The SIA Group complies with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations regarding the carriage of power banks, which are classified as lithium batteries,’ an airline statement read.
‘We seek customers’ understanding that safety will always be our top priority.’
The IATA’s guidelines state power banks must be carried in cabin baggage and are not permitted in checked baggage.
The airlines will continue to allow customers to bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require approval.
Power banks with larger power capacities are not permitted on flights.
Singapore Airlines announced passengers won’t be allowed to charge power banks from April 1
Customers will no longer be allowed to charge their devices from a power bank either
Passengers will also still be able to recharge their individual devices, including phones with the onboard USB ports.
The airline indicated it would be enforcing the rules.
‘Our crews are trained to remain vigilant and ensure that customers comply with in-flight safety procedures,’ a spokeswoman said.
The announcement comes after Thai Airways banned passenger use of power banks when onboard their planes, which comes into effect this Saturday.
‘This measure is implemented to ensure the highest level of safety for all passengers and crew members. We kindly ask for your cooperation and apologise for any inconvenience caused,’ the airline said last week.
Airlines in Taiwan and South Korea have also banned in-flight usage of power banks.
Passengers flying with Singapore Airlines (flight attendant pictured) will also be banned from charging electronic devices while onboard
Australian airlines Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar currently have no restrictions on the charging of power banks from in-seat power sources.
That is provided the devices are not in use during taxi, take-off, or landing.
‘While we don’t recommend passengers use power banks onboard, they’re not prohibited from doing so, except during take-off and landing, in line with aviation regulations,’ a Jetstar spokeswoman said.
