Stories
Carrying a Power Bank on Flight? Know 5 Rules to Avoid Danger
- •An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad after smoke emerged from a passenger's electronic device.
- •Power banks and lithium-ion batteries are strictly prohibited in check-in baggage and must be carried in cabin baggage.
- •Airlines do not permit charging mobile phones or other electronic devices using a power bank during the flight.
- •Damaged, swollen, or cracked power banks must never be brought on board an aircraft.
- •Generally, power banks up to 100 watt-hours are allowed in cabin baggage, while higher capacities require special approval.
Key Questions Answered
Power banks and lithium batteries are strictly prohibited in check-in baggage and must be carried in cabin baggage. According to airline policies, they must remain visible to the passenger and should never be stored in overhead cabins where smoke or overheating cannot be immediately detected.
No, passengers are not allowed to use power banks to charge smartphones, laptops, or other electronic gadgets during a flight. This restriction applies to both direct device connections and in-seat charging ports.
Generally, batteries up to 100 watt-hours are permitted in cabin baggage without special approval. Batteries ranging from 100 to 160Wh require airline approval, while those exceeding 160 Wh are completely prohibited on regular passenger aircraft.
