Thai bans power banks on all flights

[PeterRS2]

May I get back a little more on topic as I’d really appreciate some advice. Whenever the iPhone first appeared there was also an iPod Touch with all the features of the Phone but without the Phone. I got one, primarily for downloading a ton of music which somehow was easy then. Listening on my Shure in-ear speakers was excellent.

First Apple changed the connectors - no problem as mine is in great condition. Then, admittedly some years later, I tried to purchase a new battery. Not possible as they are no longer made, I was informed. Although there is some battery power left - just! - I know I should be able to make it work using a power bank (even if no longer possible on flights).

Does any member happen to know -

1. Of any way of transferring my music on to my iPad (I have been told it’s not possible for some copyright reasons); or

2. of any source where a battery for the original model of the iPad Touch can be located and how it can be installed?

3. Failing that, since I know nothing about power banks, any recommendation for a small sized power bank that would enable a minimum of 6-8 hours of listening.

Many thanks in advance.

[TMax]

Singapore Airlines now as well.

Quote

Effective 1st April 2025, Singapore Airlines customers will not be allowed to charge portable power banks via the onboard USB ports, or use power banks to charge their personal devices, throughout the duration of the flight.

The SIA Group complies with the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations regarding the carriage of power banks, which are classified as lithium batteries.

This means power banks must be carried in cabin baggage on all SIA flights and are not permitted in checked baggage. Customers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval.

We seek customers’ understanding that safety will always be our top priority.

 

[Moses]

On 3/10/2025 at 1:16 PM, PeterRS2 said:

Of any way of transferring my music on to my iPad (I have been told it’s not possible for some copyright reasons); or

[Moses]

On 3/10/2025 at 1:16 PM, PeterRS2 said:

of any source where a battery for the original model of the iPad Touch can be located and how it can be installed?

What model exactly you have?

In any case you will need to visit service, because batteries are part of gadget and must be replaced by qualified technician.

On 3/10/2025 at 1:16 PM, PeterRS2 said:

Failing that, since I know nothing about power banks, any recommendation for a small sized power bank that would enable a minimum of 6-8 hours of listening.

Do you mean power bank for iPod or iPad?

If you meant iPad, then it will be not that small. You'll need 20000 mAh power bank and it will be something like 15x10x3 cm in size and about 0.5 kg in weight.

Something like ROMOSS Sense6F Power Bank 20000mAh 22.5W Fast Charge, it is Chinese brand, cheap but highly reliable, I use them for about 10 years already.

 

 

[a-447]

Singapore airlines has just banned the use of powerbanks.

[omega]

It's really sad / annoying to browse these forums, and see trolls successfully starting arguments.

 

It's understandable why Airlines would want to restrict use of power banks. Lithium fires are nasty, and are very hard to extinguish. Fires on planes are very bad.

Quality power banks are not the problem - they have built in protection to avoid overheating, but cheap ones that would skip the protections can cause issues

[a-447]

It seems the ban is quickly spreading to other airlines.

[macaroni21]

Apparently, it's a recommendation (or requirement?) from IATA. There's a reference to this in this Channel News Asia article about Singapore Airlines' ban - https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-airlines-scoot-power-banks-ban-charger-4995046

The article does make clear though that it isn't carriage that is banned; it is use. "...passengers will not be allowed to use power banks to charge their devices during flights. They will also not be allowed to charge their power banks using the onboard USB ports, the airlines said in Facebook posts on Wednesday (Mar 12)."

Passengers can carry powerbanks in their carry-ons but cannot use them, subject to these limits: "Passengers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require approval. Power banks above 160Wh are not allowed on flights."

For some low-cost airlines, this can be a major problem in one unexpected way. I can't remember which airline it was but this was an airline without screens at the back of seats. Instead, passengers could log in to onboard wifi (for a fee, I vaguely recall) and stream movies onto their own phones or tablets. I guess this business model helped the airline save the cost of installing screens and the weight of all those screens at the back of seats. This cost-conscious airline also didn't provide USBs for plugging one's devices into (save money?). So, passengers might need to charge their devices with their power banks if they streamed too long, and this now won't be allowed.

[floridarob]

Just to stir the shit....

https://loyaltylobby.com/2025/04/06/cathay-pacific-bans-power-banks-from-in-flight-use-cannot-be-stored-overhead-compartment/?omhide=true

Won't be long before they're banned, lol

[PeterRS]

On 3/12/2025 at 11:19 PM, omega said:

Lithium fires are nasty, and are very hard to extinguish. Fires on planes are very bad.

Remembering the self-combustion problems on the then new 787 Dreamliners resulting from Boeing's use of lithium ion batteries, as well as the UPS cargo 747 which crashed in the UAE when lithium batteries in the hold started a catastrophic fire, I am not surprised. 

Yet at the same time I remain amazed that airlines still permit the carriage of items like litre bottles of booze. These can cause death if a passenger decided to go on the rampage. Unlikely I know - and I do not think it has yet happened. But with air rage on the increase . . .?

I realise airport managers would scream if they were banned. Yet, purchasing on arrival prior to customs checks is quite common at some airports. Although not at BKK any longer. On arrival in mid-March i noticed that the small Duty Free shop had disappeared.

[BjornAgain]

On 3/10/2025 at 5:16 PM, PeterRS2 said:

Does any member happen to know -

1. Of any way of transferring my music on to my iPad (I have been told it’s not possible for some copyright reasons); or...

Not sure if you have a PC, if so would recommend Music Match Jukebox (MMJ). I still use it to manage my old iPod Classic (2008).

Allows you to store in .mp3 format, as opposed to Apple's preferred AAC format. So totally bypasses iTunes and any imposed licensing.

Just uses an iPod to USB cable.

MMJ was discontinued in 2007, but you can still find the software online. Works okay on Windows 10, not tried it on Win11 yet.

[Mavica]

On 3/8/2025 at 1:40 AM, reader said:

You may well be correct about interpretation. However, the greatest danger is the transport of lithium batteries in checked luggage.

From CNN

TSA battery rules can be confusing, and summer travel often means long days for both you and your electronics — especially if you’re delayed. If you’re in the market for travel gear, the best way to keep your devices charged is by using a power bank.

But it can be tough to figure out what kind of mobile chargers fit within the Transportation Security Administration or Federal Aviation Administration’s rules so they aren’t taken away at the security checkpoint.

All battery packs face very strict guidelines for air travel. Lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries and portable batteries that contain lithium-ion can only be packed in carry-on baggage. They’re limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery. With airline approval, you can bring two larger spare batteries (up to 160 Wh).

https://edition.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/travel/tsa-battery-rules

 

I was traveling in Mexico for several weeks earlier this year.  I've begun traveling with a battery-operated combination Carbon Monoxide / Smoke Detector this past several years.  Leaving Mexico City I was asked at check-in if there were any batteries in my checked bag.  I said yes, in the CO2 / smoke detector.  Big mistake.  All of a sudden security showed up and I had to unpack my tightly packed bag to retrieve the device which security took and asked me for them to return. 20 minutes later and an angry line of people waiting behind me ... the device was returned.  I was told the batteries were fine, but some devices (not the one I travel with) include objectional / risk possible parts and that was the reason for the inspection.  So much for being honest!  But I learned a lesson and was surprised at the vigilance and professionalism of those at AeroMexico I was dealing with.

[reader]

I. too, travel with portable smoke detector. Not unusual for older hotels and Airbnb's to have inoperative or disconnected hard-wired detectors.