Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be banning the use of power banks on flights starting Apr. 1, 2025.
In an advisory posted to Facebook on Mar. 12, SIA said travellers will not be allowed to charge portable power banks via the onboard USB ports, or use power banks to charge their personal devices throughout the duration of the flight.
However, passengers must still carry their power banks in cabin baggage on all SIA flights and are not permitted in checked baggage.
In addition, Customers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval.
SIA said this is in compliance with the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations regarding the carriage of power banks, which are classified as lithium batteries.
Other airlines that have banned the use of power banks include AirAsia and Thai Airways.
Responses
A commenter on the post, believed to be a parent, questioned the move.
The individual was concerned about keeping children entertained during long-haul flights, and asked for USB ports in SIA planes to be upgraded to the increasingly more widely-used USB-C ports to ensure battery-operated devices can be charged efficiently.
Left image via Unsplash, right image via SIA website
