Japan Requires Passengers to Keep Power Banks Within Sight on Flights

Key Takeaways

• Japan requires power banks to stay visible and prohibits overhead bin storage from July 8, 2025.
• Power banks in carry-on only; 100–160Wh units need airline approval; over 160Wh banned.
• Security mandates separate X-ray screening and terminal protection to prevent lithium battery fires.

Japan’s 2025 In-flight power bank regulations: Analytical Overview and Practical Guidance

Purpose and Scope

This analysis examines Japan’s new in-flight power bank regulations, effective July 8, 2025, with a focus on their purpose, implementation, and impact on travelers. The review covers the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) directive, the response from Japan Airlines and other carriers, and the broader context of global aviation safety. The goal is to provide travelers, airline staff, and industry observers with a clear, evidence-based understanding of what these rules mean, why they matter, and how they fit into worldwide trends.

Methodology

This content draws on official statements from the MLIT, Japan Airlines, and other Japanese carriers, as well as international aviation safety guidelines. It uses data from recent incidents, regulatory updates, and expert commentary to present a balanced, factual account. The analysis includes a summary table, step-by-step passenger guidance, and a comparison with similar rules in other countries. All information is based on the latest available sources as of July 3, 2025.

Key Findings Upfront

• Japan will require all airline passengers to keep power banks within sight and prohibit their storage in overhead compartments starting July 8, 2025.
• Japan Airlines and other carriers will enforce these rules, with power banks only allowed in carry-on luggage and never in checked baggage.
• Power banks must be clearly labeled with factory-printed capacity information and protected against short circuits.
• Charging devices with power banks during flight is often prohibited, and security screening now requires separate X-ray scanning of power banks.
• These changes reflect a global trend toward stricter lithium battery controls following several in-flight fire incidents.

Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions

To help readers quickly understand the new requirements, the following table summarizes the main rules for flying with power banks in Japan as of July 8, 2025:

This table shows that Japan’s rules are both detailed and strict, aiming to reduce the risk of fire or smoke from lithium batteries during flights.

Background and Rationale

The new regulations come after a series of incidents in early 2025, where lithium batteries in power banks caused smoke or fire on flights, including those operated by Air Busan and Hong Kong Airlines. These events raised concerns about the safety of storing power banks out of sight, such as in overhead bins or checked baggage. In response, the MLIT issued a directive requiring all Japanese airlines to adopt stricter handling procedures.

Japan Airlines (JAL) announced on July 1, 2025, that it would implement these rules from July 8, 2025. All Nippon Airways (ANA) is expected to follow, although its English-language website had not yet updated its guidance as of July 3, 2025.

Scope of the New Rules

The new rules apply to all flights operated by Japanese airlines, both domestic and international. They cover all passengers, regardless of nationality or ticket class. The main points are:

• Carry-on Only: Power banks are never allowed in checked baggage. Passengers must carry them in their hand luggage.
• No Overhead Bin Storage: Passengers cannot store power banks in overhead compartments. Instead, they must keep them under the seat or in the seat pocket, always within sight and reach.
• Capacity Limits: Power banks up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) are allowed without special approval. Those between 100 and 160Wh require airline approval and are limited to two units per passenger. Power banks over 160Wh are not allowed on board.
• Labeling: Each power bank must have a clear, factory-printed label showing its capacity in either milliamp-hours (mAh) or watt-hours (Wh). Unlabeled or handwritten labels may lead to confiscation.
• Terminal Protection: To prevent short circuits, terminals must be covered with tape, kept in original packaging, or placed in a separate pouch.
• Security Screening: At airport security, passengers must remove power banks from their bags and place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening, similar to laptops. Security staff may ask travelers to show charging cables or power on the device.
• Usage Restrictions: Many airlines, including those in Japan, Hong Kong, and China, do not allow passengers to use power banks to charge devices or recharge the power bank itself during the flight.

Step-by-Step Procedures for Passengers

To comply with the new rules, travelers should follow these steps:

Before Travel:
– Check the capacity of your power bank. If it is 100Wh or less, you can bring it without approval. If it is between 100 and 160Wh, contact your airline for approval (maximum two units). Anything above 160Wh is not allowed.
– Make sure the capacity is clearly labeled on the device. If not, you risk having it taken away at security.
– Protect the terminals with tape, original packaging, or a pouch to prevent accidental short circuits.

At Security Checkpoint:
– Remove your power bank from your bag and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening.
– Be ready to show a charging cable or turn on the device if asked by security staff.

Onboard the Aircraft:
– Do not put your power bank in the overhead bin. Keep it under your seat or in the seat pocket, where you can see and reach it at all times.
– Do not use your power bank to charge devices or recharge the power bank during the flight if the airline prohibits this.

If Carrying Multiple Power Banks:
– Do not exceed the airline’s limit: usually two units between 100 and 160Wh, or up to 20 spare batteries under 100Wh for personal use.

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Japan’s new rules are not unique. They reflect a global pattern of stricter lithium battery regulations in aviation. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has worked with airlines and governments to create similar rules worldwide. Hong Kong and China have also banned uncertified power banks and in-flight charging, showing a shared concern for safety.

The trend is clear: airlines and regulators want to minimize the risk of fire by keeping power banks within sight, making it easier for crew and passengers to respond quickly if there is smoke or overheating. This approach is supported by aviation safety experts, who say that immediate action can prevent a small problem from becoming a disaster.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

The evidence suggests that Japan’s new power bank rules are a direct response to real safety risks. Lithium batteries can catch fire or release smoke if damaged, overcharged, or short-circuited. When stored in overhead bins or checked baggage, these devices are harder to monitor and reach in an emergency. By requiring passengers to keep power banks within sight and reach, Japan Airlines and other carriers are making it easier to spot and deal with problems quickly.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these measures are consistent with international best practices and are unlikely to cause major disruption for most travelers. The main challenge is making sure passengers know the rules and prepare before they fly.

Limitations and Areas for Further Monitoring

While the new rules are clear, there are some limitations and areas that may need further attention:

• Communication: Not all airlines have updated their English-language websites or customer materials. This could lead to confusion, especially for international travelers.
• Enforcement: The effectiveness of the rules depends on how well airline staff and security officers enforce them at airports and on board.
• Technological Change: As battery technology evolves, the rules may need to be updated to reflect new risks or safer designs.
• Passenger Awareness: Some travelers may not know how to check the capacity of their power banks or understand the labeling requirements.

Official Resources and Further Information

For the most up-to-date and detailed information, travelers should check with their airline before flying. Japan Airlines provides a comprehensive list of restricted items and battery rules on its International Flights Restricted Items page. The MLIT website also offers official announcements and updates on aviation safety.

Practical Guidance and Actionable Takeaways

• Always carry your power bank in your hand luggage, never in checked baggage.
• Keep your power bank within sight and reach during the flight—under your seat or in the seat pocket.
• Check the capacity and labeling of your power bank before you travel.
• Protect the terminals to prevent short circuits.
• Follow security screening procedures and be ready to show your device if asked.
• Do not use your power bank to charge devices during the flight unless the airline allows it.

Comparative Perspective: Japan vs. Other Countries

Japan’s approach is closely aligned with the rules in Hong Kong, China, and many Western countries. The main differences are in the details of enforcement and the clarity of communication to passengers. For example, some countries allow in-flight charging under certain conditions, while others ban it completely. The focus on clear labeling and terminal protection is also becoming more common worldwide.

Stakeholder Impacts

• Passengers: Need to plan ahead, check their devices, and follow new procedures at the airport and on board.
• Airlines: Must update training, signage, and customer communications to ensure compliance.
• Airport Security: Faces increased workload in screening and checking power banks.
• Aviation Authorities: Will monitor the effectiveness of the rules and adjust as needed.

Future Outlook

Experts expect further harmonization of lithium battery rules worldwide. More countries may adopt “within sight” and “no overhead bin” requirements, especially if new incidents occur. Japanese authorities and airlines will likely continue to monitor the situation and refine the rules as needed.

Summary Table: Japanese In-Flight Power Bank Rules (as of July 8, 2025)

Conclusion

Japan’s new in-flight power bank regulations, led by the MLIT and enforced by Japan Airlines and other carriers, mark a significant step in aviation safety. By requiring passengers to keep power banks within sight and banning storage in overhead bins, Japan is addressing real risks and aligning with global best practices. The rules are clear, practical, and supported by evidence from recent incidents. While there may be some inconvenience for travelers, the benefits in terms of safety are clear.

For travelers, the key is preparation: check your devices, follow the rules, and stay informed. For airlines and authorities, ongoing communication and enforcement will be essential to ensure the success of these measures. For more details, always refer to official airline and government resources before you fly.

Learn Today

Power bank → A portable device that stores electrical energy to charge electronic devices like phones and tablets.
MLIT → Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, overseeing transportation policies and regulations.
Watt-hour (Wh) → Unit measuring battery energy capacity, determining allowed power bank size on flights.
Carrier approval → Airline authorization required for transporting power banks between 100 and 160 watt-hours.
Terminal protection → Safety measure where battery terminals are covered or insulated to prevent short circuits during transit.

This Article in a Nutshell

Japan’s 2025 rules ban storing power banks in overhead bins and checked bags to improve aviation safety. Passengers must keep devices visible within reach, with strict capacity limits and security screenings, aligning with global lithium battery safety trends in air travel.
— By VisaVerge.com