Cathay Pacific is now implementing the power bank rule that many Asian airlines, such as Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways, already have in place.
From tomorrow, passengers are not allowed to use power banks in flight or store them in the overhead compartment. They must store them under the seat in front of the passenger (how is this possible in business class?).
You can access Cathay Pacific here.
Cathay Pacific’s Announcement:
New rules on the carriage and use of lithium battery power banks inflight
From 7 April 2025, for safety reasons, strict regulations will apply to the use and storage of lithium battery power banks on all Cathay Pacific flights.
Under Hong Kong law, passengers are prohibited from:
- charging power banks via in-seat power sources;
- using power banks to charge or power their personal electronic devices
Additionally, power banks must not be placed in checked baggage or overhead compartments under any circumstances; they must remain securely placed in carry-on baggage under the seat in front of the passenger.
Further information can be found in the WiFi and Connectivity and Baggage information sections on the Cathay Pacific website.
Passengers may continue to use the in-seat power provided at every seat on all aircraft across our fleet.
Conclusion
It is impossible to police that all passengers remember to have these power banks with them or under the seat instead of the overhead compartment.
How are you supposed to store these under the seat in front of you in the business class?
I wish airlines would ensure that the power ports inside the plane actually work and are not loose.
