Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and MASwings have joined other aircraft companies in its enforcement of new guidelines regarding the possession and usage of power banks during flights. Following a number of incidents involving the devices on-board flights, airlines such as Batik Air and Singapore Airlines have also introduced new policies on the carrying of these devices.
In its updated guidelines, Malaysia Airlines has specified that, effective 1 April 2025, power banks must be carried with the passengers at all times, as it is not allowed to be stored in either checked-in baggage or in the overhead compartments. Instead, passengers can place it in a bag underneath their seats, or tucked into the seat pockets opposite them.
Additionally, power banks are prohibited to be charged throughout the flight, and passengers cannot use them during taxi, take-off, or when the seat-belt sign is on. A maximum of two per passenger is allowed, capped at a capacity of 100-160Wh.
Power banks were previously allowed to be stored in passengers’ carry-on baggage, defects on such devices, including those caused by age, make them a fire hazard. This is especially true when exposed to changing temperature and pressure, which planes routinely go through, especially during take-off and landing. The US Federal Aviation Administration recorded three cases of power banks overheating every two weeks in 2024.
(Source: Malaysia Airlines, The Star, The Straits Times)
Manisha Dharmendra contributed to this article.
