Why Power Banks Are BANNED In Checked Luggage: The Hidden DANGER You Must Know!

If you’ve ever travelled by air, you may have noticed that airlines strictly prohibit carrying power banks and certain electronic items in checked-in luggage. Instead, passengers are required to take these devices in their hand luggage (cabin baggage).

This restriction is not arbitrary but is based on essential safety concerns related to fire hazards, lithium-ion battery risks, and aviation regulations. In this article, we will explore why power bank and electronic items with lithium-ion batteries are not allowed in checked baggage, what potential risks they pose, and what travellers should keep in mind when packing for their flights.

The Main Reason: Fire Hazard Due to Lithium-Ion Batteries

1. The Nature of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are used in power banks and most modern electronic devices. These batteries are compact, high-energy, and efficient. However, they are also highly flammable and can catch fire or explode under certain conditions.

Lithium-ion batteries can:

• Overheat quickly when subjected to high pressure, damage, or extreme temperatures.
• Short-circuit if the terminals are exposed or come into contact with metal objects.
• Suffer from thermal runaway, a chain reaction that leads to overheating, fire, or even an explosion.

2. Increased Fire Risk in Cargo Holds

Power bank and lithium-ion batteries cannot be put in checked bags because an aircraft’s cargo hold is not constantly monitored. If a battery burns or heats up in a checked bag, the flight crew personnel might not detect it or be able to put it out before things get out of hand.

• If a power bank starts overheating in the cabin, flight attendants and passengers can take immediate action (e.g., using a fire extinguisher or placing the device in a fire containment bag).
• The fire could go undetected for a long time in the cargo hold, making it more dangerous.

3. Past Incidents and Real-Life Cases

Many flight safety reports have reported instances of lithium-ion battery fires in mid-air. Some of the incidents are as follows:

• 2010 – UPS Flight 6 Crash: A cargo plane crashed in Dubai due to a fire caused by lithium batteries stored in the hold.
• 2016 – Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Ban: The phone was banned on flights worldwide after multiple reports of battery explosions and fires.
• 2017 – FAA Report on Battery Fires: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recorded over 50 lithium battery-related incidents on aircraft within a year.

Such cases have reinforced the importance of strict regulations on battery-powered electronic items in checked luggage.

Aviation Regulations on Power Banks and Electronics

Airline authorities worldwide, including the International Air Transport Association and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have strict guidelines for shipping lithium-ion batteries via air.

1. Guidelines from Major Aviation Authorities

• IATA Regulations:
  • Spares of lithium-ion batteries and power banks should be in carry-on baggage.
  • Checked baggage must not contain power banks or loose lithium batteries.
  • Passengers must declare any battery-powered devices.
• FAA Guidelines (U.S.):
  • Lithium-ion batteries exceeding 100Wh require airline approval.
  • Batteries above 160Wh are wholly prohibited on passenger aircraft.
• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) India:
  • Batteries and power banks cannot be placed in checked baggage.
  • Passengers carrying extra batteries must keep them in their cabin luggage.

2. Airline-Specific Rules

Each airline has specific rules for carrying power banks and electronic items but generally follows international aviation standards. Here are a few airline policies:

• Emirates: Passengers cannot check in spare batteries, power banks, or e-cigarettes.
• IndiGo Airlines: Strictly prohibits power banks from checking luggage and advises passengers to carry them in their handbags.
• American Airlines: Allows power bank up to 100Wh in carry-on baggage but prohibits those over 160Wh.

Always check your airline’s specific policy before flying to avoid any inconvenience.

Additional Safety Precautions for Carrying Power Banks on Flights

If you’re travelling with power banks and other electronic devices, follow these safety guidelines to reduce risks and comply with airline regulations:

1. Keep Power Banks in Your Hand Luggage

• Always place power bank in your carry-on bag.
• Do not leave them loose—store them in a protective case or pouch.

2. Follow the Capacity Limit (Watt-Hour Rule)

• Power banks must not exceed 100Wh (for some airlines, 160Wh).
• If the capacity is above 100Wh, you may need special permission from the airline.
• Check the Wh rating (watt-hour) printed on the device.

3. Avoid Carrying Damaged or Swollen Batteries

• Do not carry damaged, swollen, or expired power banks.
• Dispose of old batteries properly instead of taking them on flights.

4. Prevent Short Circuits

• Tape battery terminals or store them separately to avoid accidental contact.
• Keep power banks away from coins, keys, or other metal objects.

5. Charge Your Devices Safely

• Do not charge your phone or other devices during takeoff or landing.
• Avoid using power banks when they feel hot.

6. Carry Only Approved Power Banks

• Buy certified power bank from reputable brands.
• Avoid cheap, uncertified, or counterfeit battery packs that may pose a fire risk.

Key Takeaways:

Lithium batteries and power banks can overheat or become damaged and cause fire. Fires in the cargo hold are more challenging to detect and thus dangerous. Aviation authorities worldwide prohibit power banks in checked luggage. Passengers must carry power banks as hand baggage and adhere to watt-hour restrictions. Proper battery storage and handling can avoid accidents and ensure a safe trip.

As technology improves and air travel expands, airline safety regulations will improve to keep passengers safe. Until then, knowing airline procedures and packing appropriately will make your flight go as smoothly and quickly as possible.

Conclusion

Limiting the use of lithium-ion batteries and power banks in hand luggage is not a general airline policy; it is a crucial safety precaution to reduce the danger of fire and potential aircraft accidents. Passengers may travel securely without causing unnecessary interruptions at airport terminals by paying attention to the danger and according to airline protocol.