Air Busan Prohibits Power Banks in Overhead Bins Starting February 2025

For frequent travellers, keeping a power bank handy is almost a necessity. Whether it’s for charging a smartphone mid-flight or ensuring devices are powered up for the journey ahead, power banks have become essential travel companions. However, South Korea’s Air Busan is shaking things up with a new policy: no more power banks in overhead bins.

This change comes after a recent fire incident that severely damaged one of the airline’s aircraft. As a result, Air Busan is prioritising passenger safety by implementing stricter rules regarding the storage of these portable chargers.

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New carry-on rules: What you need to know

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Starting 7 Feb 2025, Air Busan will enforce a new inspection system for carry-on bags at the boarding gates. Here’s how it works:

Every carry-on bag will be checked before passengers board. Bags without power banks will be tagged and allowed to be stored in the overhead compartments. Power banks must remain with passengers at all times, ensuring that any overheating, smoke, or fire incidents can be addressed immediately.

Initially, these measures will be implemented on select trial routes before being expanded across all Air Busan flights.

Why the Change?

The primary reason for this policy shift is safety. While power banks are convenient, they can also pose a fire risk if they overheat or malfunction. By requiring passengers to keep them in their possession rather than stowed away in overhead bins, Air Busan aims to minimise potential hazards and ensure that any issue can be dealt with promptly.

More safety enhancements on board

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In addition to limiting power banks in overhead storage, Air Busan is enhancing its overall fire safety measures to ensure a more secure flying experience. One of the key improvements includes enhanced fire training for crew members, equipping them with the skills to manage fire-related emergencies more effectively. This additional training aims to ensure that flight attendants can respond quickly and efficiently should any fire-related incidents arise.

Moreover, Air Busan is reinforcing its onboard fire safety by stocking more fire containment equipment on its aircraft. This step will allow crew members to act swiftly in case of overheating or fire hazards, reducing potential risks and increasing passenger safety. These proactive measures demonstrate Air Busan’s commitment to preventing in-flight emergencies and ensuring peace of mind for all travellers.

How does this affect passengers?

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For travellers flying with Air Busan, this means an extra step at the boarding gate. It’s a good idea to double-check your carry-on bag before you reach security to make sure your power bank is easily accessible. If you’re used to tossing all your electronics into your bag and stowing it away, you’ll need to adjust your habits slightly. Keeping power banks in a small, easily accessible pouch or personal item will make the process smoother.

While this new rule may require a small adjustment for passengers, it ultimately serves to enhance safety on board. Aircraft fires are rare but serious, and Air Busan’s proactive approach ensures a safer experience for everyone. If you’re planning to fly with them soon, just remember: power banks stay with you, not in the overhead bin. Happy and safe travels!