Key Takeaways
• As of July 2025, power banks and spare lithium batteries banned from overhead lockers and checked luggage.
• Smart water bottles and non-removable battery smart luggage face strict bans due to fire risks.
• Compressed gas cartridges, encrypted hard drives, and powders over 12 ounces also face travel restrictions.
As of July 2025, travelers around the world are facing new and stricter rules about what they can put in overhead lockers and carry-on bags. Major airlines, especially in Asia and the United States 🇺🇸, have started banning or restricting several popular items, including power banks, lithium batteries, smart water bottles, and more. These changes come after a series of safety incidents and growing concerns about fire risks, hidden electronics, and even cybersecurity threats. If you’re planning to fly soon, it’s important to know what’s allowed and what’s not, so you don’t risk having your items taken away or being denied boarding.
Why Are Airlines Banning Items from Overhead Lockers?
The main reason for these new bans is safety. Lithium batteries, which are found in power banks, smart luggage, and some water bottles, can catch fire if they get damaged or overheat. There have been several incidents where batteries have started fires on planes, leading to emergency landings and putting passengers at risk. In 2024, a fire on a Busan Airlines flight caused a major scare and led to even stricter rules in 2025.
Airlines and safety authorities like the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) have also pointed out that some electronic devices can be hard to screen properly. This makes it easier for dangerous items to get through security. On top of that, some countries have started worrying about data security, especially with encrypted external hard drives.
What Items Are Banned or Restricted in Overhead Lockers?
Let’s break down the main items you need to watch out for:
Power Banks and Lithium Batteries
What’s changed?
Airlines like Eva Air, China Airlines, Busan Airlines, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Air Asia have all introduced new rules in 2025. Power banks and spare lithium batteries are no longer allowed in checked luggage or overhead lockers. Instead, you must keep them under the seat in front of you or in the seat pocket. You’re also not allowed to charge or use power banks while on the plane.
Why?
Lithium batteries can catch fire if they’re damaged, get too hot, or are packed with metal objects that can cause a short circuit. Fires in overhead lockers are especially dangerous because they’re harder to reach and put out quickly.
What happens if you break the rule?
If you’re found with a power bank or spare lithium battery in the overhead bin, the airline may take it away, or you might not be allowed to board until you move it to the right place.
Where is this happening?
These rules started in Asia but are spreading quickly. By the end of 2025, most airlines around the world are expected to have similar bans.
Smart Water Bottles with Electronics
What’s changed?
Smart water bottles—those with Bluetooth, temperature sensors, or wireless charging—are now on the extra screening list for the TSA and many international airlines. Some airlines are banning them from overhead lockers, and some won’t let you bring them on the plane at all.
Why?
These bottles have hidden lithium batteries and wires, which can be a fire risk. There was even an incident at Atlanta Hartsfield airport where a smart bottle set off alarms because of a lithium cell inside.
What should you do?
Stick to regular, non-electronic water bottles when you fly. If you have a smart bottle, check with your airline before you pack it.
Smart Luggage
What’s changed?
Smart suitcases with non-removable lithium batteries are banned from both overhead lockers and checked baggage. Only smart luggage with batteries you can remove is allowed, and you must carry the battery in the cabin (not in the overhead bin).
Why?
Again, it’s all about fire risk. If a battery can’t be removed, it’s harder to deal with if something goes wrong.
Compressed Gas Cartridges (Including Beauty Gadgets)
What’s changed?
All pressurized cartridges—like CO2 canisters, beauty misters, travel razors, mini airbrushes, and SodaStream canisters—are banned from overhead lockers unless they’re declared, labeled, and within strict size limits. If the gas capsule can’t be removed, security will take it away.
Why?
Pressurized gas can explode or leak, which is dangerous in a closed space like an airplane cabin.
Encrypted External Hard Drives
What’s changed?
Some airlines, especially in China 🇨🇳, Russia, and a few other countries, have started banning encrypted external hard drives from carry-on bags and overhead lockers. They may take these away or require you to declare them.
Why?
There are concerns about cybersecurity and the possibility of hiding illegal data.
Powders Over 12 Ounces
What’s changed?
The TSA and several international airlines now restrict powders over 12 ounces (about 340 grams) in carry-on bags and overhead lockers unless they’re sealed in their original packaging. This includes protein powder, baby formula, and powdered drink mixes.
Why?
Powders can be used to hide dangerous items, and large amounts are harder to screen.
Airline-Specific Announcements in 2025
Here’s a quick look at some of the biggest airlines and what they’ve announced:
- Eva Air, China Airlines: Power banks and spare lithium batteries banned from overhead lockers since March 2025. Must be stored under the seat.
- Busan Airlines: Power banks and lithium batteries banned after a fire in 2024. Strict enforcement in 2025.
- Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air Asia: Similar bans on power banks and lithium batteries in 2025.
- Multiple US and EU Airlines: Smart water bottles with electronics are either banned or require extra screening.
- Global (TSA, IATA): Smart luggage with non-removable batteries only allowed if the battery is removable and carried in the cabin.
- US and International: Compressed gas cartridges (including beauty gadgets) banned unless declared, labeled, and within size limits.
- Select International Airlines: Encrypted external hard drives banned or require declaration.
- US and International: Powders over 12 ounces must be in original packaging or may be taken away.
Background: Why Are These Changes Happening Now?
The problem with lithium batteries isn’t new. Since the late 2010s, there have been several fires on planes caused by batteries in phones, laptops, and other devices. As more people travel with power banks and smart gadgets, the risk has gone up. In 2024, a fire on a Busan Airlines flight made headlines and pushed airlines to act faster.
Smart luggage bans started a few years ago, but in 2025, airlines made the rules even stricter. Now, it’s not just about checked bags—overhead lockers are included, too. Compressed gas and powder restrictions are also part of a bigger push to make flying safer after the COVID-19 pandemic, with new screening tools and more careful checks.
What Do Safety Experts and Airlines Say?
Aviation safety authorities like the TSA, FAA, and EASA say the main reasons for these bans are:
- Fire risk: Lithium batteries can catch fire, and fires in overhead lockers are hard to control.
- Cybersecurity: Some electronic devices, like encrypted hard drives, could be used to hide illegal data.
- Screening complexity: New gadgets are harder to check, which can slow down security lines and let dangerous items slip through.
Passenger groups have warned that the rules aren’t always clear, and airports don’t always have good signs. This can lead to confusion, with people losing their items or missing flights. Airline officials recommend checking the latest rules before you travel, as they’re changing quickly in 2025.
What Should Travelers Do Now?
If you’re flying in 2025, here’s what you need to remember:
- Check your airline’s website and the TSA “What Can I Bring?” tool before you pack. Rules can change quickly, and not all airlines have the same policies.
- Store all power banks and spare lithium batteries under your seat—never in the overhead bin or checked luggage.
- Don’t use or charge power banks on the plane.
- Avoid bringing smart water bottles or smart luggage unless you know the batteries can be removed and carried in the cabin.
- Declare any compressed gas cartridges or beauty devices at check-in, and make sure they’re labeled and within size limits.
- Keep powders in their original packaging and limit how much you bring (under 12 ounces) to avoid problems at security.
- If you have encrypted external hard drives, check if your destination country allows them in carry-on bags.
What Happens If You Break the Rules?
If you don’t follow these new rules, you could face:
- Confiscation of your items: Security or airline staff may take away banned items.
- Denied boarding: You might not be allowed to get on the plane until you fix the problem.
- Delays: Security checks could take longer, and you might miss your flight.
How Are These Rules Being Enforced?
Airlines and airport security are stepping up checks. Some are using new screening machines that can spot hidden batteries or electronics. Others are training staff to look for banned items during boarding. If you’re caught with a banned item in your overhead locker, you’ll be asked to move it or give it up.
Are These Rules the Same Everywhere?
Not yet. While many airlines in Asia and the United States 🇺🇸 have already put these bans in place, others are still catching up. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other groups are working to make the rules the same everywhere, but as of July 2025, there’s no single global policy.
What About the Future?
Experts expect more airlines to adopt these bans by the end of 2025, especially in Asia and the European Union 🇪🇺. There’s hope that better battery technology and new screening tools will make it safer to carry these items in the future, but there’s no set date for when that might happen.
Discussions are ongoing about making carry-on and overhead locker rules the same worldwide, but for now, travelers need to check each airline’s policy before flying.
Official Resources for Travelers
- TSA “What Can I Bring?” Tool: This is the best place to check what’s allowed on flights in the United States 🇺🇸. It’s updated regularly and covers everything from power banks to powders. Check the TSA tool here.
- Your airline’s official website: Always check for the latest carry-on and overhead locker rules.
- EU Air Safety List: For information on airlines banned from EU airspace.
Key Takeaways for Travelers
- Power banks and lithium batteries: Must be stored under the seat, not in overhead lockers or checked bags.
- Smart water bottles and smart luggage: Only allowed if batteries are removable and carried in the cabin.
- Compressed gas cartridges and beauty gadgets: Declare them, label them, and make sure they’re within size limits.
- Encrypted external hard drives: Check if your destination allows them in carry-on bags.
- Powders over 12 ounces: Keep them in original packaging and limit the amount you bring.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these new rules are spreading quickly and are likely to become standard worldwide by the end of 2025. Travelers should stay informed and always check the latest guidelines before packing for a flight.
Final Advice
Traveling with electronics and special items is getting more complicated, but these rules are meant to keep everyone safe. By following the latest airline and TSA guidelines, you can avoid delays, keep your belongings, and have a smoother trip. If you’re ever unsure, ask your airline or check official resources before you fly. This way, you’ll be ready for any new changes and can focus on enjoying your journey.
Learn Today
Power Bank → Portable device supplying electrical power to recharge gadgets during travel or away from outlets.
Lithium Battery → Rechargeable battery common in electronics, capable of overheating and causing fires if damaged.
Overhead Locker → Storage compartment above passenger seats on airplanes used for carrying carry-on items.
Compressed Gas Cartridge → Pressurized container holding gas, used in beauty gadgets and small devices, restricted for air travel.
Encrypted External Hard Drive → Portable storage device with data encryption, restricted due to cybersecurity and data privacy concerns.
This Article in a Nutshell
New 2025 airline rules restrict power banks, lithium batteries, and smart gadgets in overhead lockers. Safety concerns drive bans across Asia, US, and Europe. Travelers must store banned items under seats and declare gases or large powders. These rules aim to prevent fires and improve security during flights worldwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
