Air passengers reminded to follow rules on power banks
INQUIRER.net files
MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) on Wednesday reminded aircraft passengers to comply with the policy on carrying power banks to ensure everyone’s safety.
In a statement, the regulator said the portable lithium-ion battery devices, which are classified as dangerous dry goods, should not be placed in checked-in bags because of the risk of overheating, making it a potential fire hazard.
But passengers can put them in their hand-carry luggage, subject to restrictions under Caap regulations.
READ: Smoke from burning power bank fills plane cabin before Bangkok landing
Power banks up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) may be brought on board without prior approval, but those between 100 Wh and 160Wh require airline approval. Power banks exceeding 160 Wh are strictly prohibited on flights.
The usual power banks have capacities of 10,000 milliamp-hours (mAh) and 20,000 mAh, both of which are below 100 Wh.
Caap Flight Operations Department, James Conner, reiterated the policy, citing “recent aviation incidents where power banks were suspected of causing fires on board aircraft.”
While these were isolated cases, they should serve as a reminder of the importance of following aviation safety regulations, he said.
“Caap strongly urges travelers to check the capacity of their power banks and comply with airline policies before flying to avoid any inconvenience,” the regulator said.
It added that it was working with airlines to “develop an awareness policy and guidelines aimed at educating passengers on the proper handling of dangerous dry goods during air travel.”
AirAsia Philippines, in a statement, said that passengers may carry power banks in their carry-on bags, but these must not exceed 100 Wh.
Electronic devices like cameras, phones, laptops, and camcorders containing lithium-ion cells for personal use are also allowed in hand-carried luggage.
At the same time, the low-cost carrier strongly advised against checking in electronics, gadgets, valuables, and fragile goods.
“If they are checked in, guests agree that such items will be carried at their own risk, including money, jewelry, precious metals, silverware, electronic devices, computers, cameras, video equipment, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, passports and other identification documents, title deeds, artifacts, manuscripts and the like,” AirAsia said.
On its website, Philippine Airlines said that “batteries must be protected from damage and short circuit.”
Cebu Pacific, on the other hand, said that each passenger would be allowed a maximum of two power banks. —with a report from Jerome Aning
