A major airline has announced a new policy on a common travel item over fears of fire and explosions.
Travellers jetting off with Emirates will soon not be allowed to bring power banks with them on flights.
A power bank is a portable device that can charge items like mobile phones and tablets.
Despite being popular with many passengers using them to keep their batteries topped up on the go, a safety review raised concerns over the tech.
As a result, the new rule will come into place on Emirates flights from October 1.
They are already banned from being carried in hold luggage, but this change will apply to carry on items too.
Passengers will be allowed to bring one power bank onboard as long as it meets specific conditions.
However, they won’t be allowed to use the tech while in the aircraft cabin.
A major airline has announced a new policy on a common travel item over fears of fire and explosions
Travellers jetting off with Emirates will soon not be allowed to bring power banks with them on flights
Despite being popular with many passengers using them to keep their batteries topped up on the go, a safety review raised concerns over the tech
This means they will not be able use the power bank to charge their devices or charge the tech using the planes’ power.
Passengers will only be permitted to bring a power bank that is under 100 Watt Hours and it must have capacity rating information.
While any power banks brought on board the plane must be kept in the seat pocket or inside a bag under the seat in front of the passenger.
They are not allowed to be stored in the overhead storage.
Emirates 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.’
The airline explained how power banks usually contain lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries.
Inside the battery, the lithium ions are suspended in an electrolyte solution that flow through the electrolyte during charging and discharging.
However, problems can arise when the tech is damaged or overcharged.
As a result, the new rule will come into place on Emirates flights from October 1
Passengers will be allowed to bring one power bank onboard as long as it meets specific conditions
Such situations can create a ‘thermal runaway’ which can result in a very fast temperature rise, with sometimes dangerous consequences such as explosions, fire and toxic gases being released.
Emirates added: ‘Safety is one of Emirates’ core values, and a cornerstone of all operations and practices.
‘Emirates is committed to maintaining and improving levels of safety on an ongoing basis, safeguarding customers and staff at all times.’
Other airlines who have taken similar measures include Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways.
