AIR passengers are being advised to charge their electronic devices before boarding their flight as using power banks while airborne is no longer allowed.
“While we understand that power banks are now part of travel essentials for our guests, safety always comes first. We highly encourage our guests to charge their electronic devices prior to boarding and ensure maximum compliance that is enforced by our highly trained on ground and inflight crew,” AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head, First Officer Steve Dailisan said.
He added: “AirAsia Philippines will remind guests of this policy before boarding. Passengers found using power banks onboard will receive a warning, and if still non-compliance persists, the device will be confiscated and returned upon landing.”
Dailisan said they continue to bolster their commitment to global aviation safety standards by strictly enforcing the new guidelines set by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on the use of portable electronic devices, particularly power banks.
Citing CAAP’s Advisory Circular No. 18-005, he said the use of power banks during flights is strictly prohibited due to safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries.
Under its new policy, AirAsia Philippines still allows passengers to carry not more than two power banks, each not exceeding 100 watt-hours (Wh).
Power banks must not be stored in overhead compartments and should instead be kept with guests’ personal belongings under the seat or in the seat pocket in front, while use of power bank inflight is not permitted.
