A MAJOR airline has become the latest to ban a popular travel item.
Emirates – one of the world’s biggest airlines – has banned the use of portable power banks on all its flights.
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The new ban comes after fears that the devices could possibly explode whilst in the air.
The airline’s ban on power banks is the latest in a string of airlines to restrict the use of power banks on flights.
Yet, Emirates’ new rule goes a step further.
The ban will be introduced on October 1 and from this date any passenger travelling with Emirates will be unable to use a power bank onboard the flight.
This will include charging their devices or using an in-seat power supply to charge a portable charging bank.
Additionally, each passenger will only be allowed one power bank.
They then must be kept in the seat pocket, or in a bag that is under the seat in front of the passenger.
Passengers will not be able to store them in the overhead bins, nor can the power banks exceed 100 Watt Hours.
The airline has shared that the new rule to ban all passengers from using power banks comes after a “comprehensive safety review“.
Recently, a power bank caught fire on an Airbus A321, in South Korea .
The portable bank overheated in the overhead locker as passengers were still boarding the plane.
Flight staff were then unable to put out the fire and had to conduct an emergency evacuation of the aircraft.
The reason why so many airlines are adding restrictions on power banks is because they use lithium-ion batteries, which can be prone to overheating.
When they do overheat, they can create a fire which is difficult to extinguish.
The airline said in a statement: “Emirates’ new regulations will significantly reduce risks associated with power banks by prohibiting their use while onboard the aircraft.
“Storing power banks in accessible locations within the cabin ensures that in the rare event of a fire, trained cabin crew can quickly respond and extinguish the fire.”
Other airlines that already have power bank restrictions in place include Lufthansa.
Lufthansa’s restrictions mean that passengers cannot charge a power bank using the in-seat power supply.
The airline insists that power banks must also be kept within easy reach and sight, if being used to charge another device.
Just last week, Turkish Airlines also became the latest to enforce a ban on smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries in the hold.
On its website, the policy on smart bags now states: “Smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries cannot be transported as cabin baggage or checked baggage.
“The lithium battery has to be detached from the smart baggage, carried as cabin baggage and cannot be reinserted until the destination is reached.
“To protect the detached lithium battery from short-circuiting, the battery should be placed in its original packaging, or its terminals should be insulated, or the battery should be placed in secure plastic bags.”
And back in July, Japan ‘s transport ministry also enforced rules that passengers need to keep power banks in sight at all times whilst travelling.
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