Inconvenience is expected for some long-haul flight passengers starting next month. This is because Eastar Jet is implementing a measure to completely ban the charging of personal devices using portable power banks on all domestic and international routes, effective October 1st. This is a proactive safety enhancement measure intended to prevent the increasing number of fire accidents related to power banks.
A 'Strong Measure' for Safety, but Passengers Express Discomfort
Eastar Jet's decision is largely influenced by a power bank fire incident that occurred on a flight from Fukuoka to Incheon on the 14th. At the time, white smoke appeared from a passenger's power bank just before landing, but quick action by the flight crew prevented a major accident. An Eastar Jet official stated, "The number of lithium-ion battery fire incidents is increasing globally, and since most in-flight fire accidents occur during use, such as charging, we have introduced our own internal regulation for safe operation."
Consequently, Eastar Jet passengers are now permitted to carry or store power banks that are allowed in the cabin, but all use, including charging, is strictly prohibited throughout the entire flight, including takeoff and cruising. This measure is planned for a three-month pilot operation, and the airline intends to minimize confusion by repeatedly announcing it at airport counters, gates, and on board.
However, there are complaints, particularly among passengers who frequently use low-cost carrier (LCC) aircraft, which often lack power outlets at each seat. Passengers who use personal devices for extended periods during long-haul flights are reacting that preventing charging is "excessive, even if it's for safety." Online communities are seeing reactions such as, "How can they stop us from using [the devices] if we can't even charge them on the plane?" and "This is a major inconvenience for long-haul passengers."
Spread to Other Airlines 'Not Yet,' Ministry Also Accelerating Safety Measures
It is currently known that Eastar Jet's move is not yet planned to spread to other airlines. Other airlines maintain that if the current regulation of 'direct possession' of power banks is strictly adhered to, initial fire suppression is entirely possible, and they have stated, "We do not believe that normal use itself causes immediate safety issues."
Nevertheless, as in-flight power bank-related fires increase, the need for stronger regulations is continually being raised. In response, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) has been implementing the 'In-flight Safety Management Measures for Power Banks' since the 1st of this month. Key measures include: △ Providing insulating tape (to prevent short-circuiting) at airline counters and gates; △ Mandating the stocking of at least two 'isolation bags' in the cabin; and △ Attaching temperature-sensitive stickers to the outside of overhead bins.
Current International Aviation Safety Regulations
Under current international aviation safety regulations, power banks are prohibited in checked baggage. Up to five power banks under 100Wh are allowed in the cabin, and up to two between 100Wh and 160Wh are permitted with airline approval. An airline industry official urged, "Not only the airlines but also individual passengers must strictly adhere to power bank safety guidelines to prevent 'small sparks in the sky.'"
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