ATTENTION: This device is being ‘forbidden’ by airlines during flights

In this article, we will tell you of an indispensable device for many travelers, but it is becoming a cause for concern for airlines. The batteries of this device, composed of lithium ions, have already been involved in several incidents and are seen as a potential risk during flights. We talk about portable batteries, commonly known as Powerbanks.

A recent case

A recent case occurred in January on an Air Busan plane, where a fire on board may have been caused by a powerbank. According to the investigators found “several brands of electrical melting in the remains of a battery charger.” This is not an isolated episode: the Federal Aviation Administration has recorded more than 500 lithium -related incidents over the last decades, resulting in extreme smoke, fire or heat within airplanes.

The problem of batteries

The problem lies in the fact that lithium-ion batteries may be overwhelmed and become flammable, especially when damage is overloaded or used incorrectly. This phenomenon, known as “thermal escape”, can cause fires on board.

“Lithium batteries can act as a source of ignition or as a fuel source for a fire started elsewhere. Potential risk as a source of ignition increases when lithium batteries are damaged, swollen, include manufacturing defects, are overwhelmed or overwhelmed,” explains Aerospace Sonya Brown.

Countries with more strict rules

In some countries, such as South Korea, more rigorous rules were implemented. The government has banned passengers from keeping powerbanks and electronic cigarettes in the upper compartments of aircraft. This device continue to be allowed on board, but should be stored under the seat during flights.

Prohibition of loading powerbanks

Another security measure involves the ban on loading powerbanks through USB aircraft entries. In addition, sockets should be protected with tape or placed inside an isolated bag to avoid contact with other metals.

There are companies that already prohibit the use

Several airlines have begun to adopt more restrictive rules regarding the use of these devices. Airasia, for example, prohibited the use of powerbanks during flights. Other companies, such as Eva Air, China Airlines and Uni Air, followed the same line.

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An inconvenience for many passengers

For those who make long trips, lack of powerbanks can be an inconvenient, especially for those who need to work or want to watch movies on their mobile phone or computer. However, concern for safety has led to prohibition of using these batteries becoming increasingly common.

After all, is it possible to travel with powerbanks? Yes, but only in hand luggage, and under certain conditions. Most companies limit this apparatus to two units per passenger during flights and set a maximum capacity limit of 43,000 milliamperes-hours (MAH).

Ryanair’s conditions

Ryanair, one of the companies most used by the Portuguese, defines in its rules that “if the lithium -ion mobility assistant contains a firmly fixed battery”, then it is allowed to “transport in the cabin, at most, a reserve battery that does not exceed 300 WH, or two reserve batteries that do not exceed 160 WH each”.

To get an idea, a 100 WH (about 27,000 mAh battery for a 3.7 volt battery) is enough to charge an iPhone 13 Pro Max about three to four times, according to CNN.

A TAP

TAP, the airline most used by the Portuguese in 2023, also imposes some restrictions. On its official website, the carrier informs that electronic cigarettes cannot be transported in the basement baggage, only in the hand luggage, and that they cannot be loaded during the flight.

As for portable electronic devices that use lithium ion batteries, TAP allows up to 15 units per passenger. However, “metal lithium content cannot exceed 2 GE, in the case of lithium -ion batteries, capacity cannot exceed 100 H.” In addition, no more than two powerbanks per person are not allowed.

A squeeze of rules

With the growing concern for security, it is possible that more companies will tighten the rules on the use and transport of lithium batteries on aircraft. Before traveling, it is always advisable to consult the company’s rules to avoid surprises at the airport.

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