Summary of the 2025 rules to keep your power bank from being confiscated 

After a fire incident caused by an exploding power bank on an Air Busan flight in South Korea, airlines around the world have tightened regulations on carrying spare batteries, or power banks, on board. 

In this article, SAWASDEE by AOT provides the latest updates to help keep all passengers safe and avoid the risk of having your power bank confiscated before boarding. 

General Regulations from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) 

• Power banks up to 20,000 mAh (100 Wh): Passengers may carry a maximum of 20 units per person. 
• Power banks between 20,000–32,000 mAh (100–160 Wh): Passengers may carry no more than 2 units per person. 
• Power banks over 32,000 mAh (160 Wh): Not allowed on board under any circumstances. 
• All types of power banks are prohibited from being checked in. Lithium batteries can generate heat buildup that may lead to fire or explosion. If stored in the cargo hold, fires would be much harder to control. 

Airline Regulations – Thailand 

Thai Airways and AirAsia prohibit the use or charging of power banks at any time during the flight. 

Airline Regulations – Singapore 

Singapore Airlines does not allow charging power banks through the in-seat USB ports. 

Airline Regulations – China 

On domestic flights in China, only power banks with the CCC (China Compulsory Certification) safety mark are allowed on board. If the mark is not clearly visible, airport staff may confiscate the power bank. 

Airline Regulations – Japan 

Power banks must remain visible at all times, such as placed at your seat or in the seat pocket. 

They are not allowed in overhead bins and cannot be checked in. 

Airline Regulations – South Korea 

The use or charging of power banks is not permitted during flights. 

Power banks and e-cigarettes cannot be stored in overhead bins and must be kept with the passenger at all times. 

Airline Regulations – Taiwan 

The use or charging of power banks is prohibited during the entire flight. 

Tips for Carrying Power Banks Safely on Flights 

• Never check in a power bank in the checked luggage. 
• Use only certified power banks that meet international safety standards. 
• Always check the capacity of your power bank before flying. 
• Avoid charging or using power banks during the flight. 
• Store them in a separate pouch or case to cover the terminals and prevent friction or short circuits. 
• Review the specific airline and destination country’s rules before your trip. 

Stay tuned for more useful air travel tips like this on the SAWASDEE by AOT app.