Japan To Ban In-Flight Use of Power Banks

Source: Slashdot

Background

Japan will effectively ban the in‑flight use of power banks starting in mid‑April after a recent series of alarming incidents involving mobile batteries catching fire — see reports such as the Asahi Shimbun article and related coverage of fires on flights.

New Regulations

• Mobile batteries in Japan are classified as “spare batteries” and are prohibited in checked luggage.
• Carry‑on bags:
  • Batteries exceeding 160 Wh are banned.
  • Passengers may carry up to two units of batteries over 100 Wh.
  • There is no quantity limit for batteries of 100 Wh or less.
• The new rule will limit passengers to a total of two spare batteries, including power banks, regardless of capacity.
• Carrying power banks exceeding 160 Wh will remain prohibited.
• Charging power banks on board will be prohibited, and it is recommended that passengers not use them at all.

Implications

Domestic airlines are expected to require passengers to stop using power banks during flights, effectively enforcing the ban on in‑flight use.