Air Premia bans in-flight use of portable batteries starting Feb. 1

Air Premia announced on Jan. 27 (Korea time) that it will impose a full ban on the use of portable batteries on all of its flights starting next month.

Under the new policy, passengers will no longer be allowed to charge personal electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets using portable batteries while on board. The airline clarified, however, that bringing portable batteries onto aircraft will not be prohibited.

Passengers must comply with South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport guidelines, which limit portable batteries to up to five per person with a capacity of 100Wh or less. In addition, travelers are required to take precautions to prevent short circuits by covering battery terminals with insulating tape or storing each battery separately in a plastic bag or individual pouch. Batteries must also be kept in a visible location, such as the seat pocket in front, rather than being placed out of sight.

Air Premia said it immediately disposes of any lithium battery-related lost items found on board in accordance with the ministry’s aviation safety management standards.

Several other Korean carriers, including Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul—all part of the Hanjin Group—implemented a full ban on portable battery use on board starting Jan. 26. Jeju Air introduced the restriction on Jan. 22, while Eastar Jet has barred in-flight use of portable batteries since October last year.

Other airlines that have not yet enforced the policy—such as T’way Air, Aero K and Parata Air—are also expected to adopt similar measures.

International carriers have taken comparable steps as well. Germany’s Lufthansa Group began banning the use of portable batteries on board starting Jan. 15, while UAE-based Emirates has prohibited in-flight use since October last year.