Travellers flying with Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and AirBorneo (formerly MASwings) should take note of new regulations concerning power banks that will come into effect on April 1, 2025. The airlines announced these updated rules in a statement on March 17, emphasizing that passenger safety is the primary reason behind the stricter measures.

Power Bank Rules for Malaysia Flights

However, AirAsia Malaysia has yet to announce its rules, which should be similar to those of other local airlines. Thai AirAsia and AirAsia Philippines have announced their new policy, which allows the carriage of not more than two power banks, each not exceeding 100 watt-hours.

These new power bank rules follow a cabin fire on board a South Korean aircraft on Jan 28, 2025, which evacuated all 176 passengers and crew before the aircraft took off on a flight to Hong Kong.

Video of a Power Bank fire in the overhead cabin for a China Southern Airline.

Power bank fire on board China Southern CZ3539, Feb 25 2018. pic.twitter.com/cby6E62qRv

— ChinaAviationReview (@ChinaAvReview) February 25, 2018

Power Bank Rules for Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and AirBorneo (MASWings)

• Carry-On Only: Keep power banks in your carry-on bag under the seat or in the seat pocket; not allowed in checked baggage or overhead storage.
• No Use Onboard: Charging or using power banks is not allowed during the flight.
• Limit: Max two power banks per passenger (100-160Wh or 27,000mAh to 43,000mAh).

Power Bank Rules for Batik Air Malaysia

• Carry-On Only: Keep power banks in your carry-on bag under the seat or in the seat pocket; not allowed in checked baggage or overhead storage.
• No Use Onboard: No mention by Batik Air Malaysia.
• Limit: Max two power banks per passenger (100 Wh or 27,000 mAh).

Power Bank Rules for AirAsia Malaysia

• Carry-On Only: 26 March Update: Guests may only carry power banks that are not more than 100 watt-hours (Wh) or 20,000 milliampere-hours (mAh)
• No Use Onboard: Power banks are prohibited from being used throughout the flights, and charging other portable electronic devices is also prohibited.
• Limit: Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval at the check-in counter
• Visit the AirAsia Newsroom for the Announcement on the AirAsia Power Bank Flight Regulations.

Why Are These Changes Being Made?

Lithium-ion batteries, which power most portable chargers, pose a fire risk if damaged or improperly handled. By requiring passengers to carry power banks in their hand luggage, airlines can quickly respond to any potential issues. Restricting their use and charging further minimizes the chances of overheating incidents during flights.

Power Bank Regulations for Malaysian Flights

Under the revised guidelines, passengers must follow these strict rules when carrying power banks on board:

1. Hand-Carry Requirement: Power banks must always be carried in hand luggage. Storing them in checked baggage or overhead compartments is strictly prohibited.
2. Usage Restrictions: Passengers cannot charge power banks during the flight. Additionally, their use is restricted during taxiing, takeoff, or whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated.
3. Capacity Limits: Each passenger may carry up to two power banks, with a capacity between 100 and 160Wh.

Aligning with International Standards

Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and AirBorneo’s new policy follows a trend among other airlines implementing stricter safety measures regarding lithium-ion batteries. Airlines such as Thai Airways, Batik Air, Singapore Airlines, and Scoot have also introduced similar policies to prevent potential fire hazards associated with power banks.

Another recent video of a power bank on fire on board Scoot Airline from Taiwan to Singapore

What Should Passengers Do?

To ensure a smooth travel experience, passengers should:

• Check the capacity of their power banks before travelling.
• Labels indicating the WH and mAh should be on the power bank for staff to identify.
• Keep power banks in their carry-on bags at all times.
• Do NOT put the power bank in your cabin bag or the overhead compartment.
• Most airlines will not allow the use or charging of power banks throughout the flight.

International Airlines Power Bank Rules

• Singapore Airlines & Scoot: Power banks up to 100Wh are allowed. Those between 100 and 160Wh require approval. Above 160Wh is banned.
• South Korean Carriers: Up to five 100Wh power banks are allowed. Above 160Wh is banned. They must be carried in person, not overhead bins, and kept in protective pouches or plastic bags.
• Thai Airways: Power banks are banned from 15 March, except in carry-on bags. They must not exceed 160Wh. Only two units between 100 and 160Wh are allowed.
• Eva Air (Taiwan): Power banks banned. Charging them on board is also prohibited.
• AirAsia Philippines: Power banks with a maximum of 100Wh are allowed on flights. They should also not be checked in but placed in a hand-carry bag.
• Cebu Pacific: 2 power banks with a capacity of 100Wh or less are allowed on board. Old and worn-out power banks are not allowed.
• Philippine Airlines: The limit is 100Wh per battery or power bank, which should be insulated and put in a container. For power banks between 100 Wh and 160 Wh, passengers must obtain approval from the airline before travelling.
• China Airlines: No use or charging of power banks allowed on board from 1 March 2025.

Conclusion

With these power bank changes set to take effect or may change later, passengers are encouraged to stay informed and comply with the new rules for a safer and more seamless journey. If unsure, you should double check with the check-in counter before flying.

For those clueless about the power bank rules for Malaysia flights, we suggest you visit the airline website or social media and ask them directly. If you have one of those older types of power banks or those without labels, you’d better get a new one before flying.