Airlines are now enforcing restrictions on passengers carrying common electronic gadgets in their checked baggage, following widespread bans on power banks. In recent years, several airlines have prohibited the use of power banks during flights due to safety concerns related to potential fire hazards. Notably, Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific have implemented bans on power banks. Additionally, some airlines are now cracking down on Bluetooth earbuds, including popular devices like Apple AirPods, being placed in checked luggage due to similar safety concerns regarding flammability.
Bluetooth earbuds, like power banks, contain lithium batteries, which can pose a fire risk, especially when constantly charging. The New Zealand Aviation Authority has introduced strict rules prohibiting the packing of AirPods and other wireless earbuds in checked luggage within its jurisdiction. Passengers are advised by the authority to carry wireless earbuds and AirPods in their carry-on luggage and not in checked baggage.
Moreover, specific regulations allow each passenger to bring a total of 20 spare batteries or power banks in their carry-on luggage, with the wireless earbuds/AirPods charger considered one of the allowed items. Airlines like Air New Zealand specify that wireless earbuds/AirPods chargers must only be carried in carry-on luggage, not checked baggage.
Incidents involving fires on planes linked to malfunctioning power banks have prompted airlines to reconsider the use of portable chargers on flights. Air Busan was the first airline to impose a ban on battery packs after an incident in January that caused significant damage. Emirates, a major airline, has announced a forthcoming ban on power banks effective from October 1, 2025.
Authorities such as the UK Civil Aviation Authority recommend passengers carry lithium batteries and power banks in hand luggage, ensuring they are turned off to reduce fire risks. Guidelines emphasize separating the heat-generating component from the battery to prevent short circuits, with removed batteries needing proper protection. Currently, no UK airlines have outright restrictions on Bluetooth earbuds being carried in hand luggage.
Airlines like Tigerair and UNI Air have specified that portable electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries, such as earphone charging cases, should only be carried in hand-held or carry-on formats for flight safety reasons. UNI Air has explicitly stated that Bluetooth earphones and their charging cases are not allowed in checked baggage and must be carried in hand luggage instead.
