Charging your cell phone in flight will now be more complicated

The rules regarding the use of power banks by passengers to keep devices charged during medium- and long-haul flights are changing, particularly for international airlines, but also for some US domestic carriers.

As reported earlier this week by the Corporate Traveler division of Flight Centre Travel Group and FCM, which also produced a new airline and security guide addressing the issue of staying connected while traveling for business, here’s an overview of the new restrictions.

New Airline Rules

Southwest Airlines has become the first U.S. airline to implement a new policy requiring passengers to keep their power banks and other portable chargers visible while in use.

The goal is to keep the chargers visible to the crew in case the lithium-ion batteries overheat, which could pose a fire risk.

Earlier this year, Lufthansa became the first major European airline to restrict the use of power banks in flight.

Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and China Airlines have each adopted similar restrictions.

South Korea has implemented nationwide bans on portable chargers in flight and has also banned passengers from storing power banks in overhead compartments.

Emirates, the Middle East’s largest airline, will also implement a new policy banning the use of power banks during flights starting this October.

Emirates passengers will be required to store their switched-off power banks in their seat pockets or under the seat in front of them.

Staying Productive in Flight

Many business travelers plan to work during their flights, but even if they don’t, movies and entertainment are essential on long-haul flights.