In a sweeping shift reshaping the in-flight experience for business and leisure travellers alike, major international airlines have begun implementing new safety restrictions on portable power banks and charging practices onboard. The move—already in effect for several prominent carriers—has prompted FCM Travel, a global leader in corporate travel management, to issue a formal advisory urging travellers to prepare for a new era of energy consciousness in the skies.
According to Renos Rologas, General Manager of FCM Travel ANZ, the new airline safety mandates prohibit using personal portable chargers to recharge devices via onboard USB ports during flights. “We’re seeing at least six major international carriers tightening policies to mitigate fire risks associated with overheating power banks,” he confirmed. “And we believe this trend is just beginning.”
✈️ A New Chapter in In-Flight Safety
As of April 1, 2025, long-haul favourite Singapore Airlines and its low-cost sibling Scoot have joined a growing list of airlines—including Thai Airways, Korean Air, China Airlines, EVA Air, and Asiana Airlines—enforcing stringent new guidelines. While existing aviation law has long mandated that lithium battery-powered devices such as power banks be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked luggage, the new protocols go further.
Some airlines, like Korean Air and Asiana, now prohibit the storage of portable chargers in overhead compartments altogether, instead requiring passengers to keep them on their person during the flight. The rationale? Enhanced control and visibility in the event of thermal runaway or overheating incidents.
These new rules follow a string of mid-air scares where improperly stored or faulty power banks led to smoke or fire incidents onboard, prompting regulators and carriers alike to act with renewed urgency.
⚠️ A Call to Corporate Travellers: Adapt or Be Left Uncharged
The implications are significant for business travellers, who rely heavily on connectivity for productivity and communication. FCM Travel, a division of Flight Centre Travel Group and one of the world’s largest corporate travel brands, urges clients to take proactive steps to stay powered while flying under the new regime.
FCM Travel General Manager ANZ Renos Rologas
“While safety is paramount, staying connected is non-negotiable for the modern executive,” Rologas asserted. “Fortunately, there are smart strategies that can keep you productive in the air without compromising safety or convenience.”
💡 FCM’s 8 Golden Rules to Stay Powered at 35,000 Feet
1. Know Before You Go
Before heading to the airport, travellers should review their airline’s latest portable charging policy. Rules vary, and what’s permissible on EVA Air may be banned on Thai Airways. Most carriers list these policies clearly on their websites.
2. Charge Before Takeoff
Ensure all devices are fully charged before boarding. Use lounges or secure charging ports at the gate, saving battery life for when it matters most.
3. Bring the Right Cables
Always pack USB-compatible cords in your carry-on. While laptops typically can’t be powered via onboard USB, many tablets and smartphones can. These cords are vital backups.
4. Rethink Your Tech
Travellers should consider leaving bulky laptops behind on shorter business trips. Tablets, particularly those with keyboard attachments, offer powerful, lightweight alternatives and are far more USB-friendly.
5. Use the In-Flight Entertainment
If your airline offers seatback entertainment, use it. Streaming your content may be convenient, but it can unnecessarily drain battery life.
6. Beware of Juice Jacking
Cybersecurity experts warn that public USB ports, particularly in airport terminals, can be vulnerable to malware. Stick to outlets you trust—or better yet, bring your power adapter.
7. Buy Certified Products
Always use power banks from reputable manufacturers with proper certification (such as UL-listed). Cheap knockoffs are often the source of overheating issues and are a risk to everyone on board.
8. Cabin Only, Never Check-In
This cannot be overstated: lithium battery-powered chargers must never be packed in checked baggage. Global aviation regulations prohibit this due to the risk of cargo hold fires.
🔍 The Broader Industry Impact
While this shift is rooted in safety, its ripple effects may lead to innovation across aviation and travel technology. Analysts believe airlines may be compelled to upgrade onboard power systems or redesign seat configurations to accommodate safer charging zones.
Simultaneously, the crackdown presents opportunities for premium travel accessories brands to develop next-generation certified chargers, optimized for flight-safe use and equipped with smart sensors that prevent overheating.
The aviation sector—traditionally cautious in the face of safety risks—is responding to consumer demands for seamless, always-on connectivity. Balancing these priorities will require thoughtful policy, technology upgrades, and clear communication with passengers.
🧳 The Traveller’s Responsibility
Rologas concluded with a reminder rooted in practicality and tradition: “Travel used to be about preparation, and perhaps we’ve become a little too casual with our carry-ons. These new rules bring back the importance of packing wisely, planning ahead, and staying alert.”
He added, “At the end of the day, your safety and the safety of everyone onboard comes first. But with the right planning, there’s no reason we can’t still fly smart, stay connected, and be productive.”
Written by Sandra Jones
