Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Ban In-Flight Power Bank Use

Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air have introduced a new safety measure banning the use of power banks during flights, citing increasing risks associated with lithium battery incidents. Under the updated policy, passengers are no longer allowed to use portable chargers to power or recharge devices on board. Power banks must be removed from carry-on bags before boarding and kept visible throughout the flight, while charging them via the aircraft’s USB ports is also prohibited.

The airlines’ decision reflects global concern over lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries, which, despite their high energy density, are sensitive to heat, impact, and rapid pressure changes. Such conditions heighten the risk of short circuits, overheating, and in rare cases, fire or explosion. This danger is even more pronounced in aircraft cargo holds, where fluctuating temperatures and limited monitoring can allow a malfunction to escalate undetected.

While power banks remain permitted in limited quantities as carry-on items, both carriers continue to enforce a strict ban on transporting them in checked baggage. Current aviation rules allow passengers to bring up to ten batteries with a capacity of 100 watt-hours or less per person. For larger units between 100 and 160 watt-hours, the limit drops to two per passenger, and any power bank exceeding 160 watt-hours is completely prohibited.

Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet urge travelers to verify the specifications of their devices before flying and to comply with all safety guidelines. The new restrictions are designed to minimize in-flight risks and safeguard passengers, crew, and aircraft.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, laotiantimes.com