On January 28, a Busan Air flight bound for Hong Kong experienced a cabin fire before takeoff at Gimhae International Airport. The fire was suspected to have been caused by an overheated power bank or other electronic devices. This incident has prompted several South Korean airlines to tighten lithium battery management policies, and starting February 7, passengers will be required to carry power banks and mobile phones with them, strictly prohibiting storage in overhead compartments.
Several South Korean airlines announced that starting from February 7, passengers must carry their mobile phones and power banks with them when boarding, and placing them in the overhead compartment is strictly prohibited. (Photo: Screenshot from Tripadvisor website)
Important Reminder:
Power banks are allowed on flights but must comply with airline regulations, which may vary. Additionally, airport policies may differ by country, so passengers are advised to double-check the rules before boarding.
Airline-Specific Regulations
★ Busan Air (Air Busan)
- Passengers must carry power banks, lithium batteries, and lighters with them and must not place them in overhead compartments.
- Cabin baggage will be checked at boarding, and a “No Battery Inside” sticker will be attached to approved carry-ons. Only tagged baggage will be allowed in the overhead compartment.
- More Info: Busan Air Announcement
★ Eastar Jet
- All electronic devices with lithium batteries and extra power banks cannot be stored in overhead compartments.
- Extra batteries must be carried personally and short-circuit prevention measures must be applied.
Short-Circuit Prevention Measures:
A. Each battery should be individually placed in a sealed plastic bag.
B. Power ports and USB connectors must be covered with insulating tape.
- More Info: Eastar Jet Announcement
★ Jeju Air
- Passengers must acknowledge the following new lithium battery policy before check-in:
- Power banks and lithium batteries must be carried personally and kept visible.
- Storage in overhead compartments is strictly prohibited.
- Announcements will be broadcast in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.
Quantity Restrictions:
- Power banks under 100Wh or 2g → Max 5 units per person.
- Built-in lithium batteries in laptops, cameras, etc. → Max 15 devices per person.
- Power banks 100Wh-160Wh or 2g-8g → Max 2 units per person.
- Power banks over 160Wh or 8g are strictly prohibited.
- More Info: Jeju Air Announcement
★ Korean Air
- Power banks under 100Wh → Max 20 units per passenger.
- Power banks 101Wh-160Wh → Max 2 units per passenger.
- Power banks over 160Wh are strictly prohibited.
- Passengers must store power banks in the seat pocket, and the airline is considering providing dedicated storage pouches.
- More Info: Korean Air Restricted Items
★ T’way Air
- Power banks must be carried personally and cannot be placed in overhead compartments.
- Batteries must be individually wrapped to prevent short circuits.
- If a power bank overheats, immediately notify flight attendants.
- More Info: T’way Air Announcement
★ Air Seoul
- In-flight announcements will remind passengers that power banks, lighters, and mobile phones must not be placed in overhead compartments and must be carried personally.
- More Info: Air Seoul Announcement
★ Asiana Airlines
- Passengers must not store power banks in overhead compartments.
- Increased safety announcements will be made in-flight.
- More Info: Asiana Airlines Restricted Items
Passengers are strongly advised to comply with these new regulations to ensure flight safety and prevent incidents like the Busan Air fire. If traveling soon, check with your airline before departure for the most updated guidelines.
