By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Prompted by a series of dangerous incidents, including a fire on an Air Busan jet, Japan’s transport ministry will implement new regulations for power banks on flights. Starting mid-April, passengers will be limited to carrying a maximum of two power banks, regardless of their watt-hour capacity. Furthermore, charging power banks onboard aircraft will be prohibited, and passengers will be strongly advised against using them during flights. These measures are expected to lead to an effective ban on the in-flight use of these devices, aligning with anticipated international guidelines.
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Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is set to implement a new regulation in mid-April that will effectively ban the use of power banks during flights. This comes as a direct response to a series of concerning incidents involving these portable chargers, highlighting a growing concern for aviation safety.
The proposed changes to the Civil Aeronautics regulations are aligned with anticipated new international rules from the International Civil Aviation Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, which are expected as early as March. This forward-thinking approach by Japan suggests a proactive stance on adapting to evolving international aviation safety standards.
Currently, under Japan’s existing rules, power banks are categorized as “spare batteries” and are strictly prohibited in checked luggage. For carry-on bags, there are specific limitations: batteries exceeding 160 watt-hours (Wh) are outright banned, while those between 100 Wh and 160 Wh are limited to two units per passenger. Importantly, there has been no quantity limit for spare batteries with a capacity of 100 Wh or less.
The upcoming regulation will introduce a more consolidated approach to spare batteries, including power banks. Passengers will be permitted to carry a total of two spare batteries, encompassing power banks within this limit. While batteries under 100 Wh will still not have a specific quantity limit, power banks themselves will be capped at two units, irrespective of their power capacity.
Crucially, the new rule will explicitly prohibit the charging of power banks onboard aircraft. Furthermore, it is being “recommended” that passengers refrain from using their power banks altogether during flights. This recommendation, coupled with the prohibition on charging, effectively translates into a ban on their in-flight usage, as domestic airlines are expected to enforce this directive, ensuring passengers cease using these devices.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t entirely unprecedented, as many international flights and several other countries have already implemented similar restrictions on power bank usage. The reasons behind these measures are quite clear: the volatile nature of lithium-ion batteries, especially those produced by less reputable manufacturers, poses a significant fire risk. One commenter specifically recalled an incident where a power bank reportedly exploded during a flight, underscoring the real and present danger.
While the prospect of being unable to charge devices on board might seem inconvenient, it’s important to remember that many modern aircraft are increasingly equipped with USB charging ports, and this trend is expected to continue, especially on international routes. This could mitigate the impact of not being able to use personal power banks for many travelers. The concern for safety often outweighs the convenience of constant device charging.
The new rules focus on the *use* of power banks during the flight and the *number* of spare batteries carried, rather than a complete prohibition of possession. The distinction is that passengers can still bring them in their carry-on luggage, but they cannot be plugged in or actively used to charge other devices during the flight. This distinction is critical and seems to be a point of confusion for some, as the article’s wording might be interpreted as a complete ban on carrying them, which is not the case.
For individuals who rely heavily on portable power for various devices, such as photographers or travelers with multiple electronic gadgets, this might necessitate a shift in their travel preparation. Planning ahead to ensure devices are sufficiently charged before boarding, or considering alternatives like bringing physical books or relying on in-flight entertainment systems, will become more important. The rise of e-readers, like the Kindle, which boast extended battery life and carry thousands of books, offers a compelling alternative for those who value prolonged reading without the need for charging.
The emphasis on spare batteries and power banks stems from their classification as lithium-ion batteries, which are known for their high energy density but also their potential to overheat and ignite if damaged or faulty. This risk is amplified in the confined environment of an aircraft cabin. The ban on charging them onboard is a further safety precaution, preventing potential overheating during the charging process while the device is in transit.
Ultimately, this move by Japan, aligning with international aviation trends, prioritizes passenger and crew safety above all else. While it may require some adjustments in how passengers manage their electronic devices during flights, the overarching goal is to prevent the kind of battery-related incidents that have caused alarm and posed serious risks in the past. The focus remains on ensuring that air travel continues to be one of the safest modes of transportation.