Due to the increasing number of incidents involving power banks exploding and catching fire, passengers are now being advised not to store them in their bags placed in overhead compartments.
Photo via TikTok (@mrturboprop)
A TikTok user, @mrturboprop, who is also a pilot, recently shared an important reminder for airline passengers. He urged travellers to avoid keeping power banks inside their bags if they are stored in the overhead bin.
Instead, he advised passengers to either carry their power banks in hand or keep them in their pockets while on the flight. While power banks can be kept inside a bag, he emphasised that the bag should be placed under the seat in front rather than in the overhead compartment.
The reason for this is simple – in case of an emergency, cabin crew can respond much more quickly if the power bank is within easy reach rather than stored above passengers’ heads.
What If a Power Bank Explodes in Your Pocket?
A common concern raised in the comments section of the video was whether keeping a power bank in one's pocket poses a safety risk.
Addressing this question, the pilot explained that power banks typically heat up before exploding. If passengers feel their power bank getting unusually hot, they should immediately alert the cabin crew so that appropriate action can be taken.
With many airlines now enforcing stricter rules on power banks, always follow airline regulations and never pack your power bank in your check-in luggage. This is because if a power bank overheats and catches fire in the cargo hold, it would be much harder for the crew to extinguish the flames in time to prevent serious danger.
