Cheyenne Suarez

AirAsia to strictly enforce regulations on power banks

AirAsia staff simulate a fire scenario involving a power bank explosion inside an aircraft in Pasay City on March 25, 2024, as part of the airline's readiness campaign during the expected influx of passengers for the Holy Week. The airline estimates a hundred thousand guests traveling to destinations outside Metro Manila for Holy Week. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Arthur Fuentes

ABS-CBN News

<div><br/></div><p>MANILA — AirAsia Philippines said it will strictly enforce the new guidelines on the use of power banks during flights.</p><p>The airline said under the new rules set by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the use of power banks during flights is strictly prohibited due to safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries.</p><p>&quot;AirAsia Philippines’ new policy still allows the carriage of not more than two power banks, each not exceeding 100 watt-hours,&quot; the budget carrier said in a statement.</p><p>A typical 20,000 mAh power bank that delivers 3.7 volts is rated at 74Wh, while a similar-capacity power bank that deliver 5 volts is rated at 100Wh.</p><p>AirAsia added that power banks must not be stored in overhead compartments and should instead be kept with guests’ personal belongings under the seat or in the seat pocket in front.</p><p>&quot;While we understand that power banks are now part of travel essentials for our guests, safety always comes first at AirAsia. We highly encourage our guests to charge their electronic devices prior to boarding and ensure maximum compliance that is enforced by our highly trained on ground and inflight crew,” said Steve Dailisan, AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head.</p><p>The company said it will remind travelers of this policy before boarding.</p><p>&quot;Passengers found using power banks onboard will receive a warning, and if still non-compliance persists, the device will be confiscated and returned upon landing.</p><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7R2ZEVO15zs?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>