A MAJOR airline will ban flyers from using power banks on planes from 1 October – and six strict new rules will kick in.
Emirates confirmed the clampdown after a safety review into battery fires, saying passengers may still carry a power bank but cannot use it to charge devices or plug it into the plane’s power supply.
Experts say this can trigger what’s known as thermal runaway – a chain reaction that can cause a fire or even an explosion[/caption]
This comes after a major safety review, with Emirates warning that the growing use of power banks has led to more battery incidents across the aviation industry.
Passengers will be allowed one power bank under 100 Watt Hours, and it must have its capacity rating printed clearly.
They cannot be used to charge phones, tablets, laptops or cameras during the flight.
Charging the power bank itself using the plane’s power outlet is also banned.
Travellers must keep the device in a seat pocket or a bag under the seat in front of them – not in the overhead locker.
The rule against placing power banks in checked baggage remains in place.
An Emirates spokesperson said: “There has been a significant growth in customers using power banks in recent years, resulting in an increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents onboard flights across the wider aviation industry.”
Power banks use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which can overheat if damaged or overcharged.
Experts say this can trigger what’s known as thermal runaway – a chain reaction that can cause a fire or even an explosion.
Emirates said the new rules will make it easier for cabin crew to access and remove a power bank quickly if it overheats.
The airline added that safety was a “cornerstone” of its operations and that the changes would help keep both passengers and staff safe.
Six new rules for Emirates passengers
Emirates Airlines has announced six new rules for its passengers.
All of the rules are related to the use of power bank devices, which are used to charge mobile phones.
The six rules include:
- Emirates customers can only carry one power bank that is under 100 Watt Hours
- Power banks cannot be used to charge any personal devices while onboard
- Charging a power bank using the aircraft’s power supply is banned
- All power banks must have capacity rating information available
- Power banks cannot be placed in the overhead stowage bin onboard the aircraft. It must be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you.
- Power banks are not permitted in checked luggage (existing rule).
Power banks use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which can overheat if damaged or overcharged[/caption]
