If you’re one of those travelers who clings to your power bank like a lifeline mid-flight—we’ve got some electrifying news.
Starting April 7, passengers flying out of Hong Kong will no longer be allowed to use power banks during flights, and—here’s the kicker—you can’t stash them in the overhead compartments either.
Yes, you can still bring them on board, but both usage and overhead stowage are now officially banned.
According to the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (CAD), the updated rules are all about in-flight safety.
While most travelers already know that power banks are not allowed in checked luggage, this new move tightens the rules further for cabin safety.
Power banks, especially off-brand or aging ones, can overheat—and in the enclosed space of an aircraft cabin, that risk turns serious, fast.
Think: smoke alarms at 35,000 feet (not fun).
So to play it safe, authorities are not only banning usage, but also prohibiting you from putting your power bank in the overhead bin, where it might go unnoticed if something goes wrong.
What Exactly Is Changing?
Beginning April 7, on all flights departing from Hong Kong:
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Power banks must be kept in carry-on luggage—still allowed
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But they must be stored in the bag or under the seat in front of you, not in the overhead bin
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Using power banks mid-flight is strictly prohibited
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Charging your phone with your power bank during the flight? Not allowed
Cathay Pacific, HK Express, and other local carriers have pledged full compliance and will update their in-flight safety briefings accordingly.
What’s Still Allowed?
You’re not flying into a tech blackout just yet:
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Using in-seat USB charging ports—totally fine
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Charging your phone before takeoff—strongly encouraged
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Some flights may even offer onboard charging lockers for added safety (if you’re lucky enough to be flying fancy)
And yes, your power bank can still come on the trip—just keep it in your bag at your feet and pretend it’s asleep for the whole flight.
What About the Chinese Mainland Flights?
If you’re flying within the Chinese mainland, airlines currently discourage but don’t strictly ban in-flight use of power banks.
That said, with Hong Kong now taking the lead, don’t be surprised if similar bans show up at airports like Shanghai Hongqiao, Guangzhou Baiyun or Beijing Capital in the near future.
So next time you’re packing your tech for takeoff, make sure your devices are juiced up and that your power bank is comfortably seated below deck—right by your feet.
READ MORE: Smartphone Power Banks – Safety Rules You Should Know
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[Cover image by Billy Jiang/That’s]
