Power bank rules set to change on Japanese airlines with immediate effect
New regulations that impact how power banks/portable batteries are carried on flights with Japanese airlines are set to come into force imminently.
These new rules, a joint initiative by the Scheduled Airlines Association of Japan and the Japanese government’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, have been introduced following a significant incident earlier this year.
In January, an Air Busan airliner at South Korea’s Gimhae International Airport experienced a fire in an overhead compartment as it was preparing for takeoff.
The fire, which necessitated an emergency evacuation and resulted in injuries to several passengers, was later traced to a mobile battery located inside a passenger’s carry-on bag.
To prevent similar situations, the new regulations now prohibit placing power banks/portable batteries in overhead compartments.
As these batteries are already not permitted in checked luggage, passengers must now keep them in carry-on bags under their seats or in seatback pockets.
This measure is designed to allow cabin crew to more quickly notice and address any issues, such as a battery smoking or catching fire.
If a power bank is being used to charge another device or is itself being charged via onboard power outlets, it must remain in an accessible location where its condition can be easily monitored.
These regulations will be enforced on flights with the 19 airlines that are members of the Scheduled Airlines Association of Japan.
This includes major carriers such as:
- J-Air
- Peach
- ANA Wings
- Air Japan
- ANA
- Zipair
- Skymark Airlines
- Jetstar
- FDA
- JTA
- Starflyer
- NCA
- Ibex
- JAC
- Japan Airlines/JAL
- Solaseed Air
- Spring Japan
- Air Do
While it’s currently unclear if these rules will apply to flights operated by these airlines entirely outside of Japan, they will certainly be in effect for all international flights to and from Japan, as well as domestic flights within the country.
These new regulations are scheduled to go into effect from July 8th, 2025, so if you’re travelling by air to/from Japan after this date, its best to be aware of the changes before packing your bags.
Source: Scheduled Airlines Association of Japan
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