Aviation authorities and airlines around the globe are tightening rules around personal rechargeable electronic devices following growing safety concerns over lithium batteries that could overheat or catch fire mid-flight.
The decision comes after several in-flight fire incidents linked to exploding power banks.
Taiwan’s leading carriers, EVA Air, UNI Air, and Tigerair Taiwan, announced last week that it no longer allows passengers from placing wireless earbuds with rechargeable cases such as Apple’s AirPods in their checked baggage.
Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) containing lithium batteries, like earbud cases and handheld fans, pose a considerable fire risk due to short-circuiting.
The move mirrors changing international aviation practices aimed towards greater safety. In the United Kingdom, passengers may have devices confiscated if they cannot be powered on during security checks, as they are deemed faulty and may pose a security risk.
New Zealand classifies earbud charging cases as small power banks, strictly banning them from checked luggage. Similarly, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) permits wireless earbuds only in carry-on bags.
UAE carriers-Emirates, Etihad and FlyDubai- banned the usage of power banks on board in October, preventing passengers from charging their personal devices with a power bank, recharging the portable battery using the airlines' electric supply, and storing power banks in overhead lockers.
Japan Airlines (JAL) also announced similar measures, citing safety risks.
International travellers are advised to check their airlines’ policies before their flight to comply with updated measures.
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