Rules on in-flight Power Banks in South Korea

South Korean Transport Ministry has decided to step up rules on in-flight power banks.

From next month, flight passengers, carrying portable batteries or power banks on Korean airlines with them must abide by the rules. They must either attach insulating tape to the charging terminal or cover the lid. If that’s difficult, they must place their portable batteries in plastic bags.

This is necessary to prevent short circuits that occur when metal comes into contact with the charging terminal. The Director of Aviation Safety Policy, Transport Ministry said that if passengers fail to take preventive measures, the airline staff will provide plastic bags at check-in counters or on the plane.

Passengers will not be allowed to store Power banks in overhead compartments. The item must be carried by passengers or placed in the front seat pocket. The same regulations will apply to e-cigarettes. When there are suspicious signs in batteries such as smoke or swelling, passengers must notify the flight crew immediately.