MANILA -- Power banks, regardless of power capacity, cannot be used inside the aircraft, several airlines have told passengers Wednesday ahead of the anticipated influx of flyers for the Holy Week.

This policy follows the regulations from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), which has said that powerbanks with 100 Wh and below are allowed inside the aircraft, but beyond that either a permit is needed or it may not be allowed at all. 

CAAP Spokesperson Eric Apolonio has said power banks cannot also be stored inside checked in bags or even in hand-carry bags that will be placed in the overhead bin.

Power banks can also be stored inside a bag that will be placed under the seat, but they should be easy to reach, but shouldn’t be used inflight. This new policy surfaced after some incidents of smoke inside the cabin in other countries. Power banks were blamed for some of the cases.

AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head FO Steve Dailisan said they want to ensure the safety of the passengers. Though he recognized the importance of power banks, he said there will be certain limitations inside the aircraft.

“Yung allowable lang is hanggang 100 watt-hour. Makikita naman nila yun sa label. In flight kailangan lang nila istore sa seat pocket in front of them or sa kanilang hand carry na baggage or item na nasa ilalim ng kanilang seat o upuan,” he said.

A 10,000 mAh or 20,000 mAh power bank mostly fall in the 100 Wh and below category and are allowed inside the aircraft. Airlines also provide a conversion to ensure that the power bank can be permitted on board.

Dailisan said passengers can just charge their phones at their home or inside the airport before the flight. CAAP’s Apolonio meanwhile said there are aircraft that has its own power charging port and that is allowed.

Cebu Pacific has also issued a similar policy with AirAsia, while Philippine Airlines said it will soon announced its own guidelines.