Frequent flyers know the struggle of keeping devices charged on long-haul flights, but that routine may soon need to change.
More and more airlines are deciding to limit how passengers use power banks in the air, and it’s quickly becoming a new industry standard.
Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Lead the Way
The latest airlines to step in with updated rules are Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air.
Both carriers recently confirmed that passengers can still bring power banks on board, but there’s a catch—they can no longer be used during the flight.
What Passengers Can Expect
Under these new policies, travelers must keep their power banks in hand luggage only, never in checked baggage.
They must also remain visible and unplugged throughout the journey, meaning no sneaky mid-flight phone charges.
Seat power ports are still allowed, but personal power banks are off the table once the plane takes off.
Safety at the Heart of the Ban
The shift isn’t random—it’s rooted in safety concerns.
Power banks rely on lithium-ion batteries, which have been linked to overheating and even catching fire.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently renewed its warnings after recording 50 incidents involving power banks on planes.
The big risk? If a battery malfunctions in an overhead bin or packed bag, it may take longer for crew to notice and contain the danger.
Global Airlines Taking the Same Route
Vietnam Airlines isn’t alone. Emirates, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Tigerair, and Starlux are among the carriers that have already placed similar restrictions.
With so many major airlines joining in, it’s clear that this is becoming a wider safety trend rather than a one-off policy.
What This Means for Travelers
For passengers, it’s a bit of an adjustment. Power banks have long been a travel must-have, especially for those juggling phones, tablets, and laptops in transit.
But with in-seat charging becoming more common on modern aircraft, airlines are nudging passengers to rely on built-in power options instead of portable ones.
What’s Next?
As restrictions spread, it’s likely that other airlines will follow suit.
For now, travelers will need to plan smarter—charging up before boarding and keeping charging cables handy for seat ports.
The age of relying on a trusty power bank mid-flight may be slowly coming to an end.