Two more airlines introduce strict travel gadget ban for hand luggage passengers
TWO more airlines have introduced a strict ban on power banks being used on flights - and Brits will be affected.
Both Thai Airways - Thailand's flag carrier - and AirAsia have confirmed that passengers will have to follow new rules onboard.
From March 15, passengers will not be able to use or charge their power banks onboard, local media reports.
While they can still be taken into the cabin in hand luggage, they must not be used.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) confirmed that they are also still banned in checked luggage.
Brits will be affected by the new rules, with Thai Airways operating flights from London Heathrow.
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The airline said on social media: "Effective from March 15, 2025, the use of power banks will be prohibited on board our aircraft. These measures have been implemented to ensure the highest level of safety for passengers and crew."
While AirAsia doesn't currently have any UK flights, it is often used by Brits travelling around Asia, and was even named the best low-cost airline this year by AirlineRatings.com.
A number of other airlines have introduced the strict rules on power banks, after a plane in South Korea set on fire.
The Air Busan flight, set to take off on January 28, set alight when the power bank caught fire.
While all passengers were evacuated safely, the plane was decommissioned due to the extent of the damage.
In response, the airline became the first in the world to ban passengers from having power banks in their hand luggage.
Instead, passengers must have the gadget on their person at all times, to be able to prevent it from setting fire much quicker.
Following this, a number of other airlines followed suit.
Last month, Eva Air confirmed that while power banks could be taken into the cabin, they were not allowed to be used during the flight.
China Airlines, Starlux and Tigerair also followed as well, with the same rules.
UK airlines are yet to follow this, with power banks still allowed to be used.
However, most airlines now have charging ports built into the seats, so passengers are urged to use them instead.
The danger from power banks comes from if they are cheaply made and not abiding by safety regulations.
Retired engineering professor Lo Kok-Keung told South China Morning Post: "If it creates a short circuit it can create a high temperature and burn the internal materials and create a fire which can burn clothing in the baggage.”
Other accidents have seen similar problems over the years, after a plane in Taiwan was forced to return to the runway after a power bank caught fire.
The same year, a Scoot flight saw two passengers injured after a power bank exploded.
And in 2024, an Asiana Airlines flight saw a fire breakout in the cabin due to malfunctioning power bank in the overhead lockers.
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Even AirAsia had their own power bank explosion during a flight last year, which saw the cabin engulfed in smoke.
When buying one of the gadgets, it is best to buy them from a reputable website and brand.