TOKYO: Japan’s transport ministry has announced that air passengers must keep their power banks in plain sight and not in overhead bins, local media reported this week.
From July 8, passengers on board all 23 Japan-based airlines must ensure their portable chargers are visible to cabin staff, reported The Asahi Shimbun.
Passengers may charge their devices only in locations where the condition of the power bank can be monitored by cabin crew, The Japan Times reported.
Currently, the Japanese transport ministry prohibits passengers from checking in power banks.
Batteries exceeding 160 watt-hour (Wh) are banned, while passengers may only bring on board two battery packs rated between 100Wh and 160Wh.
The announcement by Japan is the latest in a series of similar moves by other airlines following a spate of in-flight cabin fires involving power banks. - The Straits Times/ANN
