MANILA – AirAsia Philippines announced on Thursday its updated guidelines on power banks and electronic devices, aiming to further mitigate safety concerns, Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.
The stricter policy, it said, is aligned with global aviation safety standards to reduce the risk of battery-related incidents during flights.
Every passenger is allowed to carry up to two power banks, with each unit not exceeding 100Wh capacity. These shall be stored properly either under the seat or in the seat pocket. Defective units will be confiscated.
Power banks shall be treated separately from spare batteries, which must be carried in cabin baggage and individually protected to prevent short circuits.
Meanwhile, electronic devices such as watches, calculators, cameras, mobile phones, laptops, and camcorders are still allowed onboard.
Devices powered by lithium or lithium-ion batteries exceeding 100Wh but not more than 160Wh may be carried for personal use, subject to airline approval.
E-cigarettes and self-balancing battery-powered devices remain strictly prohibited in checked baggage, AirAsia said.
To recall, a fire broke out in a Hong Kong-bound foreign airline from Busan last year.
The fire was seen from an overhead compartment, suggesting that an electronic device or power bank could have caused it.
— BERNAMA-PNA
