Sept. 1: Stricter portable battery rules on flights take effect

Airlines across Asia are tightening rules on portable batteries carried by passengers, with the broadest wave of restrictions taking effect on September 1, 2025. Several major carriers will expand existing bans on the in‑flight use and charging of power banks, citing a rise in lithium battery incidents and new guidance from international aviation bodies. The move affects most flights to and from East Asia and will bring stricter checks at gates and during boarding. While North America and Europe will not ban in‑flight use, regulators there are stepping up enforcement of size limits and carry‑on rules.

The policy shift began earlier this year. On March 1, EVA Air, Korean Air, and Asiana Airlines started enforcing bans on using or charging power banks during flights. Passengers on those carriers must board with devices already charged and may only plug into in‑seat power if the aircraft offers it.

From September 1, 2025, more Asian airlines and some international partners operating in the region will adopt the same approach, with stronger penalties for breaking the rules.

Why airlines are changing rules

Behind these changes lies a clear safety trend. Aviation authorities and airlines report a sharp increase in battery‑related events on planes this year—at least 46 cases of smoke, fire, or extreme heat so far in 2025. Lithium battery fires are hard to put out at cruising altitude, so operators are moving fast to reduce risk.

Standard battery size limits still apply worldwide:

• Up to 100 watt‑hours (Wh): May go in carry‑on without special approval.
• 101–160 Wh: Requires airline approval and is capped at two per passenger.
• Over 160 Wh: Banned from passenger flights.

Power banks and all spare lithium batteries remain barred from checked baggage everywhere.

Regional differences

In the United States 🇺🇸, Canada, and Europe, there is no blanket ban on using power banks during flight, but airport screening and gate checks are tighter than before.

• Carriers and regulators are reinforcing the long‑standing carry‑on only rule and size limits.
• Cabin crews are reminding travelers to follow instructions if any battery shows heat, smoke, or damage.
• Travelers may see mixed rules on multi‑leg trips (e.g., permissive use on a North American leg, then an outright ban on an Asian carrier connection).

Policy changes overview

Several policies now work together; passengers should expect consistent enforcement:

• Use and charging bans on many Asian airlines: Effective March 1 on EVA Air, Korean Air, and Asiana Airlines and expanding widely on September 1, 2025. These bans forbid using or charging power banks during flight. Devices must be charged before boarding; in‑seat power (if available) is allowed.
• Carry‑on only: All spare lithium batteries and power banks must go in carry‑on baggage. They are not allowed in checked bags under any circumstances.
• Size limits:
  • Up to 100 Wh: Allowed in carry‑on without airline approval.
  • 101–160 Wh: Allowed only with airline approval; maximum two per passenger.
  • Over 160 Wh: Prohibited on passenger flights.
• Condition and protection: Batteries must be free from swelling, dents, or leaks. Terminals should be protected—taped over or stored in original cases—to prevent short circuits.
• Enforcement measures: Airlines are adding gate screening, visual checks by cabin crew, and clear in‑flight announcements. Penalties for violations may include confiscation of items, fines, and denial of boarding.

The FAA has reiterated its PackSafe guidance for travelers on or to/from the United States, stressing that spares and power banks belong in carry‑on only and must meet watt‑hour limits. For official U.S. guidance, see FAA PackSafe.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged countries and carriers to align rules, but some differences remain—especially around in‑flight use bans in Asia versus enforcement‑focused policies in North America and Europe.

Impact on international travelers and airlines

For frequent flyers in Asia—students heading back to campus, families taking long‑haul trips, and business travelers who rely on portable batteries—the new bans will change habits. Many have grown used to topping up devices mid‑flight; on a growing list of Asian carriers, that’s no longer allowed.

• If your seat lacks outlet power, you’ll need to start the flight with enough charge to get you through meals, connections, and immigration lines.
• Airlines say the goal is simple: cut the chance of a thermal runaway event in the cabin.
• Aviation safety experts support the changes, citing this year’s run of at least 46 battery incidents as a warning.
• Consumer groups worry mixed regional rules will confuse travelers and are pushing for clearer notices at booking, on boarding passes, and at gate screens.

Medical device users need careful planning. CPAP users and travelers with battery packs for ventilators or essential gear must follow the same watt‑hour limits:

• If your battery is 101–160 Wh, request airline approval in advance and travel with no more than two.
• Airlines encourage early contact, especially for long‑haul flights where device power is critical.

Airlines are also investing in staff training and better signage. Expect cabin crew to walk the aisles before takeoff, checking for power bank use and asking passengers to unplug. Gate agents may ask about battery sizes or request to see labels. Damaged batteries will be refused.

According to VisaVerge.com analysis, travelers can reduce stress by double‑checking rules for every leg of an itinerary—especially when combining Asian carriers with North American or European airlines. Mixed policies can surprise even seasoned flyers.

Practical steps before you fly

A few simple checks at home can save time and trouble at the airport. These steps reflect what airlines and regulators expect in 2025:

1. Confirm watt‑hours (Wh): Check each power bank and spare battery for a Wh rating. If only volts (V) and milliamp‑hours (mAh) are shown, use the manufacturer’s listed Wh where possible. Do not guess.
2. Pack in carry‑on only: Keep all portable batteries and power banks with you. Do not put them in checked luggage.
3. Protect terminals: Cover exposed terminals with tape or use original packaging or a protective case to prevent short circuits.
4. Inspect for damage: Leave at home any battery that looks swollen, dented, or leaking. Airlines will refuse damaged batteries.
5. Seek approval for 101–160 Wh: Contact your airline at least 72 hours before departure and remember the two‑battery limit.
6. Do not use or charge power banks on airlines with bans: Follow airline‑specific rules. If your flight bans in‑flight power bank use, charge your devices before boarding and rely on in‑seat power only if provided.
7. Follow crew instructions: If a device overheats or smokes, alert crew immediately and follow their directions.

Consider a typical multi‑leg trip: Manila to Seoul on an Asian carrier, then Seoul to San Francisco on a U.S. airline.

• You may face an outright use ban on the first flight, and stricter—but not prohibitive—rules on the second.
• If gate staff in Manila see a 130 Wh battery without prior approval, they can deny boarding with the item.
• If you apply for approval in advance, you may carry up to two such batteries.
• In the United States, the same size limits apply, but crews may allow in‑flight use of in‑seat power while still banning power bank use if an airline’s policy says so.

For families: load offline content and lower screen brightness to preserve battery.

For business travelers: plan device use around meal service and quieter cabin times.

For medical device users: carry printed approval emails and have batteries easily accessible for inspection.

Warnings, timeline, and likely future developments

Mark the calendar: September 1, 2025 is when the broadest set of Asian carriers fully enforce in‑flight use bans and step up penalties.

Expect more reminders in booking paths, mobile apps, and airport signage as the date approaches. IATA and the ICAO continue to discuss global standards, but full harmonization will take time; regional differences will likely persist through 2026.

If incident rates continue to climb, authorities may consider even tighter limits, including route‑based bans on non‑installed batteries—though no such blanket rule exists today.

Airlines say they prefer education over punishment, but the stakes are high: a single battery fire can divert a flight. Penalties—confiscation, fines, or denial of boarding—are intended to keep cabins safe, not to surprise travelers.

Bottom line — what to remember

• Keep power banks and spare lithium batteries in your carry‑on.
• Stay within the 100 Wh no‑approval limit when possible.
• If carrying 101–160 Wh, get airline approval in advance and bring at most two.
• Do not travel with anything over 160 Wh.
• On routes served by Asian carriers with stricter rules, do not use or charge power banks during flight—charge devices before boarding and use in‑seat power only if available.

The calendar date to mark is September 1, 2025. If your trip touches East Asia around that time, plan your power strategy now and double‑check your airline’s guidance before you pack.