Airlines are now taking strict measures against passengers who pack commonly used electronic devices in their checked luggage, following a series of bans on power banks. Concerns over the potential fire hazard posed by power banks have led multiple airlines, such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific, to prohibit their use on flights. Similarly, Taiwanese airlines EVA Air, UNI Air, and Tigerair have now extended this ban to Bluetooth earbuds, including popular brands like Apple AirPods, due to safety concerns related to the lithium batteries they contain.
The New Zealand Aviation Authority has also implemented regulations prohibiting the placement of AirPods and other wireless earbuds in checked baggage on flights within its jurisdiction. Passengers are advised to carry such items in their carry-on luggage to prevent any safety risks associated with these devices. Airlines like Air New Zealand have specified in their terms that wireless earbuds and AirPods chargers must only be carried in carry-on luggage and not in checked baggage.
Incidents involving fires attributed to faulty power banks have prompted airlines to reassess the use of portable chargers onboard. The aviation industry is taking precautions to prevent such incidents, with the UK Civil Aviation Authority recommending that lithium batteries and power banks be carried in hand luggage and switched off during flights. Guidelines also detail the proper handling of lithium battery-powered devices to reduce fire risks.
While some airlines have restrictions on the placement of Bluetooth earbuds in hand luggage for safety reasons, no UK airlines have implemented a complete ban on these devices. Tigerair and UNI Air have emphasized the need for passengers to carry portable electronic devices like Bluetooth earphones in their hand luggage rather than in checked baggage to ensure flight safety.