By Declan BarryJapan to Restrict Power Banks on Flights from 24 April 2025
Travellers flying on Japanese airlines will face new restrictions on portable power banks starting 24 April 2025. The updated regulations, which apply to all domestic and international flights operated by Japanese carriers, prohibit both charging power banks during flights and using them to charge electronic devices such as smartphones.
What the New Rules Mean for Passengers
Under the new policy, passengers may still bring power banks in their carry-on luggage but cannot plug them into aircraft power outlets or USB ports to recharge them. Additionally, using power banks to charge phones, tablets, or other devices during the flight will not be permitted.
Power banks must remain switched off and disconnected throughout the flight. Passengers who need to charge devices during long-haul journeys should rely on aircraft-provided USB ports or in-seat power outlets instead, where available.
The restrictions do not affect power banks packed in carry-on baggage whilst not in use. Power banks remain banned from checked luggage on all flights due to fire safety concerns related to lithium-ion batteries.
Why Japanese Airlines Are Implementing These Restrictions
The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau has not released detailed reasoning for the timing of this regulation, but the move aligns with broader aviation safety measures concerning lithium-ion batteries. Power banks have been flagged internationally as potential fire hazards, particularly when damaged, counterfeit, or used improperly.
Several incidents involving battery fires on aircraft in recent years have prompted aviation authorities worldwide to tighten rules around portable electronic devices. Japan's new restrictions appear to take a more conservative approach than some other countries, where using (but not charging) power banks typically remains permitted.
Which Airlines and Routes Are Affected
The restrictions apply to all flights operated by Japanese airlines, including:
- Japan Airlines (JAL)
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- Peach Aviation
- Zipair Tokyo
- Other Japanese-registered carriers
This includes domestic routes within Japan and international flights departing from or arriving at Japanese airports. Travellers flying on foreign carriers (such as British Airways, Emirates, or Singapore Airlines) should check with their specific airline, as different rules may apply.
What Travellers Should Do
If you're flying on a Japanese airline after 24 April:
Before your flight: Fully charge your devices and your power bank at the airport. Most Japanese airports offer abundant charging stations in departure lounges.
Pack strategically: Keep your power bank in your carry-on bag where it's accessible but not needed during the flight. Remember that power banks are never allowed in checked baggage.
On long-haul flights: Check whether your aircraft offers in-seat power or USB charging. Most modern wide-body aircraft on international routes do, though availability varies by aircraft type and cabin class.
Prepare offline content: Download films, podcasts, or reading material before boarding if you're worried about battery life on longer journeys.
Travellers on Connecting Flights
Those connecting through Japan on mixed-airline itineraries should pay particular attention. If your first leg is on a non-Japanese carrier but you connect to a JAL or ANA flight, the restrictions apply from your connection onwards. You'll need to stop using your power bank once you board the Japanese-operated segment.
Conversely, if you're flying from Tokyo to London on a Japanese airline and then connecting to a European carrier, you can resume using your power bank (if permitted) once you board the non-Japanese flight.
Enforcement and Penalties
Cabin crew will likely announce the policy during pre-flight safety briefings. Passengers found using or charging power banks during flight may be asked to disconnect them immediately. Repeated violations could result in the device being confiscated for the remainder of the flight.
Japanese aviation authorities have not announced specific fines for non-compliance, but passengers should expect firm enforcement given Japan's typically strict adherence to safety regulations.
International Comparison
Most international airlines currently allow passengers to use power banks to charge devices during flights, provided the power bank meets capacity restrictions (typically 100Wh or 27,000mAh maximum). Charging the power bank itself from aircraft power is often prohibited due to the strain on in-flight electrical systems and safety concerns.
Japan's new rule goes further by banning both activities. This makes Japanese carriers some of the most restrictive globally regarding power bank use.
Practical Impact on Visitors to Japan
For most short-haul domestic flights within Japan (Tokyo to Osaka is 70 minutes, Tokyo to Sapporo is 90 minutes), the restriction will have minimal impact. Modern smartphones typically last several hours on a full charge with the screen off.
The policy will be more noticeable on long-haul international routes. A Tokyo to London flight takes roughly 12 hours, and a fully charged phone may not last the entire journey if used regularly. Travellers accustomed to topping up their devices mid-flight with a power bank will need to adjust.
Business travellers and digital nomads who rely on staying connected should plan accordingly. Bringing a lightweight laptop with long battery life becomes more valuable when phone charging options are limited.
Looking Ahead
It's unclear whether other countries will follow Japan's lead with similar restrictions. Aviation safety standards are often harmonised internationally through organisations like ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), but individual nations retain authority to impose stricter rules.
Travellers should monitor their airline's website closer to their departure date for any updates or clarifications to the policy. As with most new aviation regulations, the practical details of enforcement often become clearer after implementation begins.
For now, anyone flying on a Japanese airline from late April onwards should pack their power bank but plan not to use it until they've landed.