Starting March 15, 2025, Thai Airways International, Thailand’s state-owned national flag carrier, will implement a comprehensive ban on the use of power banks aboard all its flights, a decision driven by growing concerns over passenger safety. This new regulation, effective across the airline’s extensive network spanning 30 countries, prohibits passengers from using or charging portable battery devices during flights. The move comes in response to a series of in-flight fire incidents reported by international airlines, some of which have been linked to lithium-ion batteries commonly found in power banks. Thai Airways has emphasized that this measure is designed to mitigate the risk of such incidents, ensuring the highest level of safety for both passengers and crew.
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The airline’s announcement clarifies that while the use of power banks will be forbidden during flights, passengers are still permitted to carry these devices in their hand luggage. This aligns with existing regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), which follow standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These guidelines allow power banks in carry-on baggage but impose strict capacity limits to minimize fire hazards. Specifically, passengers may bring up to 20 units with a capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh) or 20,000 milliampere-hours (mAh) or a maximum of two units between 100 Wh and 160 Wh (20,000–32,000 mAh). Devices exceeding 160 Wh are entirely prohibited. Importantly, power banks are not allowed in checked baggage due to the risk of lithium battery overheating, a restriction that has long been in place to prevent uncontrolled fires in cargo holds.
Thai Airways’ decision reflects a broader trend among global airlines tightening restrictions on portable chargers following high-profile safety incidents. For instance, a recent fire on an Air Busan flight in South Korea, suspected to have been caused by a power bank, injured seven people and prompted stricter measures across multiple carriers. Lithium-ion batteries, while efficient and widely used, pose a documented fire risk if damaged, improperly stored, or exposed to unstable conditions like air pressure changes during flights. Thai Airways has cited these concerns as the impetus for its proactive stance, joining airlines in South Korea, Taiwan, and beyond in prioritizing passenger safety over convenience.
Passengers will still have options to charge their electronic devices during flights, as Thai Airways encourages the use of in-seat AC power outlets and USB ports where available. The airline has apologized for any inconvenience caused by the ban, urging travelers to plan ahead by fully charging devices before boarding. To enforce the new rule, spot checks may be conducted at check-in counters or boarding gates, ensuring compliance with both the usage ban and capacity restrictions. This policy builds on Thai Airways’ existing baggage rules, which limit carry-on items to a maximum weight of 7 kilograms and dimensions of 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm, including power banks. The ban underscores the airline industry’s ongoing efforts to adapt to evolving safety challenges posed by modern technology. Thai Airways, known for its commitment to passenger care, operates under a framework that balances convenience with stringent security measures. As the March 15 deadline approaches, travelers are advised to review their power bank specifications and adhere to the updated regulations to avoid delays or confiscation. This measure, while potentially inconvenient for some, reinforces the airline’s dedication to maintaining a safe travel environment amid rising global awareness of lithium battery risks.