South Korea Tightens Power Bank Rules On Airlines From March 1, 2025

South Korea is instituting new rules on what type of power banks passengers can bring on board airplanes from March 1, 2025.

These new rules are due to an Air Busan plane catching fire in late January at the Busan Airport, although the cause of the incident has not been confirmed yet.

Passengers are not allowed to check in power banks, and they are not allowed to be kept inside luggage in overhead compartments.

Passengers are also not allowed to charge power banks during flights, and the number of power banks each passenger can bring on board is limited to five.

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport & Korea Transportation Safety Authority released the following guidelines:

1. Spare Battery Carrying Limits

• The table specifies the allowed watt-hour (Wh) limits for different types of spare batteries.
• Limits:
  • Up to 100Wh → Allowed (for personal use only).
  • 100-160Wh → Requires airline approval.
  • Above 160Wh → Prohibited on flights.

2. Guidelines for Handling Spare Batteries

• Keep batteries in separate protective cases to prevent short circuits.
• Avoid placing them in checked baggage.
• If carrying multiple batteries, ensure they do not come into direct contact.
• Batteries must be stored in carry-on baggage (not checked luggage).

3. Passenger Regulations for Battery-Operated Devices

• On Public Transport (buses, trains, airplanes):
  • Electronic devices must be turned off when instructed.
  • Avoid placing devices near flammable materials.
  • Damaged or swollen batteries should not be carried.

4. Emergency Response Measures

• If a battery overheats or catches fire:
  • Immediately alert the transport staff.
  • Use non-flammable materials (such as sand or a fire extinguisher) to smother flames.
  • Do not use water to extinguish battery fires.

My Power Banks

Conclusion

Mainland China is pretty much the only country that pays great attention to the power banks that you bring on board, and that is why I have made sure not to buy any power banks greater than 26800 mAh.

Let’s see if other countries start paying greater attention to the power banks you bring on board.

I keep these power banks inside my computer bag, which I place inside the overhead compartment. I am not sure how cabin crew can police and ensure that passengers don’t place them there.

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