Important Update: AirAsia Power Bank Policy Effective April 1, 2025
Updated: 8 April 2025
Heads up, AirAsia flyers! Please be aware that AirAsia has implemented significant changes to its power bank policy, effective April 1, 2025. These new regulations restrict the use and carriage of power banks in the cabin, aligning with increased aviation safety concerns and mirroring similar moves by other airlines in the region. This update supersedes the previous policy, so it’s crucial to understand these changes before your next AirAsia flight.
Previously, as detailed below, AirAsia generally allowed power banks up to a certain capacity in the cabin. However, following a recent fire incident involving a power bank on a Batik Air Malaysia flight in March 2025, coupled with growing industry-wide concerns about lithium battery safety, AirAsia has adopted a more stringent approach.
AirAsia’s Previous Power Bank Policy
For those who have traveled with AirAsia before, you might be familiar with their previous stance on power banks. Previously, AirAsia generally permitted passengers to carry power banks in their cabin baggage, provided they met the 20,000mAh capacity limits.
The key consideration under the old policy was often the watt-hour (Wh) rating, which is calculated using the formula: Wh = (mAh x Voltage) / 1000. Power banks with a Wh rating under 100Wh were generally acceptable without airline approval.
AirAsia’s Updated Power Bank Policy
The new policy implemented by AirAsia on April 1, 2025, introduces stricter regulations for the safety of all passengers and crew:
- No In-Flight Use or Charging: The use and charging of power banks are strictly prohibited during all phases of your AirAsia flight.
- Watt-hour (Wh) Capacity Limits:
- Power banks with a capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh) or less are allowed in carry-on baggage without prior approval.
- Power banks with a capacity between 100 Wh and 160 Wh may require prior approval from AirAsia. It is essential to contact AirAsia directly before your flight to seek this approval.
- Power banks with a capacity exceeding 160 Wh are strictly forbidden and will not be allowed on board.
- Carry-On Baggage Only: All power banks must be carried in your hand luggage (carry-on baggage). They are not permitted in checked baggage under any circumstances.
- Storage During Flight: While onboard, even if your power bank meets the carriage requirements, it must be stored safely in the seat pocket or under the seat and should not be placed in the overhead compartments.
Why the Change? Increased Focus on Lithium Battery Safety
This significant shift in AirAsia’s policy is primarily driven by growing global concerns regarding the safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which power most power banks. Lithium batteries can overheat and potentially cause fires due to manufacturing defects, damage, short circuits, or other factors.
The recent fire incident on a Batik Air Malaysia flight in March 2025, where a passenger’s power bank ignited mid-air, has likely heightened these concerns within the aviation industry in the region, prompting airlines like AirAsia to take more stringent preventative measures.
This move also aligns with recommendations and evolving regulations from international aviation safety bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which emphasise the need for careful management of lithium batteries in air transport.
How Does This Compare to Other Airlines?
AirAsia’s new policy mirrors the approach taken by several other airlines, particularly in Asia, following the increased focus on power bank safety:
- Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air Malaysia, Firefly, MASwings, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Thai Airways, EVA Air, China Airlines, and various South Korean airlines have also implemented restrictions on the use and charging of power banks during flights and have specific guidelines on their watt-hour capacity and carriage in carry-on baggage only.
This indicates a growing industry trend towards stricter regulations to mitigate the potential risks associated with these devices during air travel.
Practical Advice for Travelers Flying AirAsia After April 1, 2025:
- Check Your Power Bank’s Watt-hour (Wh) Rating: Before your flight, locate the Wh rating on your power bank. It’s usually printed on the device itself. If only mAh and voltage are provided, use the formula: Wh = (mAh x Voltage) / 1000.
- Plan Your Charging Accordingly: Since you cannot use or charge your power bank during the flight, ensure all your devices are adequately charged before you travel. Consider bringing a portable charger for use at your destination.
- Contact AirAsia for High-Capacity Power Banks: If you need to travel with a power bank between 100 Wh and 160 Wh, contact AirAsia well in advance to understand their approval process and requirements.
- Carry Your Power Bank in Your Hand Luggage: Always pack your power bank in your carry-on baggage. It is strictly prohibited in checked luggage.
- Be Prepared at Security: Airport security personnel have the final say on what is permitted on board. Ensure your power bank complies with AirAsia’s policy to avoid confiscation.
- Check AirAsia’s Official Policy: Always refer to the latest official baggage policy on the AirAsia website for the most up-to-date information, as regulations can change.
Conclusion: Prioritising Safety in the Skies
AirAsia’s updated power bank policy, effective April 1, 2025, reflects a commitment to passenger safety in light of increasing concerns about lithium battery incidents. By understanding and adhering to these new regulations, travelers can contribute to a safer and smoother journey for everyone. Remember to check your power bank’s specifications and plan your device charging accordingly before your next AirAsia flight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – AirAsia Power Bank Policy
Q: What is AirAsia’s new power bank policy effective April 1, 2025?
A: Effective April 1, 2025, AirAsia has updated its power bank policy to prohibit the use and charging of power banks during flights. Power banks must be carried in hand luggage only and have a capacity of no more than 100 watt-hours (Wh) without prior airline approval. Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh may require approval. Power banks exceeding 160Wh are not allowed.
Q: Can I use my power bank to charge my phone on an AirAsia flight after April 1, 2025?
A: No, the new policy strictly prohibits the use and charging of power banks on AirAsia flights starting April 1, 2025.
Q: What is the watt-hour (Wh) limit for power banks on AirAsia flights?
A: Power banks with a capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh) or less are generally allowed in carry-on baggage without prior approval. Power banks with a capacity between 100 Wh and 160 Wh may require airline approval. Power banks exceeding 160 Wh are prohibited.
Q: Where should I store my power bank during an AirAsia flight?
A: Power banks must be stored in your carry-on baggage, preferably in the seat pocket or under the seat. They should not be placed in the overhead compartments or checked baggage.
Q: Why has AirAsia changed its power bank policy?
A: The updated policy aligns with international aviation safety regulations and industry best practices concerning the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. The recent fire incident on a Batik Air Malaysia flight in March 2025 also likely contributed to this increased focus on safety.
Q: What if my power bank doesn’t show a watt-hour (Wh) rating?
A: If your power bank only shows mAh (milliamp-hours) and voltage (V), you can convert it to Wh using the formula: Wh = (mAh x V) / 1000. If you are unsure about the Wh rating, it’s best to err on the side of caution or contact the manufacturer.
Q: Can I put my power bank in my checked luggage on an AirAsia flight?
A: No, power banks containing lithium batteries are strictly prohibited in checked baggage on AirAsia flights. They must be carried in your hand luggage.
Q: What happens if my power bank doesn’t comply with the new AirAsia policy?
A: Airport security and AirAsia personnel have the authority to confiscate power banks that do not meet the policy requirements.
Q: Where can I find the official updated AirAsia power bank policy?
A: It is recommended to check the official AirAsia website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date and detailed information on their baggage policies.
Q: Does this new policy apply to other electronic devices with lithium batteries?
A: While this article focuses on power banks, airlines generally have regulations regarding other electronic devices with lithium batteries (like laptops and cameras). It’s always best to check the specific airline’s policies for all electronic devices.
Original article dated 1 August 2018
There has been some confusion over a recent memo issued by AirAsia regarding the use of powerbanks on flights. The memo states, amongst other things, that you are not allowed to carry a powerbank that exceeds 20,000mAh and you’re not allowed to charge your phone via a powerbank in-flight. Here’s the gist of it.
The memo issued on 30 July 2018 entitled “Re: Important Notification on Powerbanks Usage and Restriction on Board”, has since been circulating over social media and chat channels like WhatsApp. It stated that the use and charging of powerbanks are prohibited on board all flights, with immediate effect.
As you know, powerbanks are not allowed in check-in baggage. You are however, allowed to carry powerbank(s) on board aircraft in your cabin baggage.
What’s new are a few additional steps introduced as precautionary measures.
It states to enclose the terminals in the original retail packaging or tape all exposed terminals or place each battery in a separate plastic bag (or protective pouch).
It’s rather over-the-top, to be honest, but apparently it’s for your safety and the safety of other passengers.
Later, AirAsia clarified that the policy has been withdrawn. In summary, there is NO restriction on powerbanks at the moment and you’re free to charge your devices during flights. The restriction on powerbanks in check-in luggage still remains.
Many airlines limit powerbank capacity to 20,000mAh battery so as a general rule of thumb, keep your powerbank(s) to this number or below.
It is unclear if AirAsia will enforce this ruling in the future but if they do let’s hope it won’t involve taping up terminals or anything fiddly like that.
Source: Placesandfoods.com via SoyaCincau
