What travellers should know before packing a power bank

An plane operated by IndiGo was evacuated on Tuesday after a passenger’s power bank caught fireplace shortly after touchdown in Chandigarh. The system, reportedly saved in a seat pocket, emitted smoke after an obvious inner explosion, prompting an emergency evacuation. While the crew managed to douse the flames, the incident highlights a rising security concern round lithium-ion batteries onboard flights. Here’s what you should know before packing a power bank in your subsequent journey.

Why are power banks harmful on airplanes?

Power banks use lithium-ion batteries. If they’re broken, faulty, or uncovered to warmth or strain, the battery can develop an inner quick circuit. This could cause it to warmth up shortly and, in some instances, enter thermal runaway—a chain response the place the temperature retains rising by itself. As the battery breaks down, it might launch warmth, gases and, at occasions, flames, together with dense smoke. In an enclosed plane cabin, even a single battery incident can fill the realm with smoke shortly, which is why airways strictly regulate how power banks are carried and dealt with.

What are the foundations for carrying power banks on planes?

Power banks are allowed on flights, however solely in cabin baggage. They usually are not permitted in checked baggage in order that any incident may be dealt with shortly. Here’s what main Indian airways enable:

Air India

• Maximum capability: 100 Wh (roughly as much as 20,000 mAh)
• Up to 2 spare batteries per passenger
• Lithium steel content material should not exceed 2 grams
• Batteries should be protected in opposition to quick circuits
• Must be stored accessible, not in overhead bins

IndiGo

• Maximum capability: 160 Wh (should be clearly marked)
• Use of power banks through the flight is just not permitted
• Must be stored accessible, not in overhead bins

SpiceJet

• Typically permits as much as 30,000 mAh
• Use of power banks through the flight is just not permitted
• Must be stored accessible, not in overhead bins