The head of FCM Travel Australia, Renos Rologas provides his tips for staying connected and charged in the sky amidst new portable charger requirements, which he says are likely to increase for travellers in the near future. Earlier in the year, multiple international carriers (i.e. Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Korean Airlines, EVA Air, Asiana, Scoot) tightened policies around on-board battery pack usage and storage. But a recent mid-air fire sparked Virgin Australia to review its policies around battery and charging pack usage on board.
Portable chargers and power banks have become a carry-on essential to keep devices charged up for work while travelling. But, with airlines changing battery policies, travellers are being urged to be aware of new requirements and rely on other measures to keep connected in-air.
FCM Travel general manager ANZ Renos Rologas said several international carriers that operate in and out of Australia had begun introducing the new requirements this year, and he expected it was just a matter of time before others follow suit. “A lot of Asian carriers are introducing the new requirements, so it’s important that travellers understand these new restrictions and the impact they will have on them,” Rologas said.
“Safety is the priority, but there are workarounds and other strategies to make sure you’re keeping charged and connected, particularly on the longer haul trips.”
FCM Travel’s tips for staying connected and charged up amidst the new portable charger requirements include:
Make sure you are familiar with your airline’s specific policies before you travel – these are available on each carrier’s website and vary across airlines and are beginning to change.
Get on the flight with a fully charged device – and if you are using your phone, laptop or tablet while you’re at the airport waiting to board, try to find a charging port to keep the battery full while you wait to fly.
Pack a charging cord in your carry-on that has a USB connection. Most planes, particularly on those longer-haul flights, will have USB plugs that you can plug into directly to charge while you fly.
Make use of the in-flight infotainment systems when they are available. Rather than draining your battery watching a movie on your own device, use the built-in systems where possible. It is important to be aware of where you are plugging in, though. Public USB ports can be compromised by cybercriminals, and places like airports can be hotspots for this.
Make sure you are purchasing certified power banks from reputable manufacturers to ensure you and your fellow passengers are not at risk.
Never pack your portable charger in your checked luggage. By aviation requirements globally, they must always be carried in the cabin with you.
“My biggest tip is to consider the best device for your journey – laptops are hard to charge on the go, and are a bulky, heavier option. I prefer to have a tablet in my carry-on that has similar functionalities to a laptop, but it’s easier to charge onboard and travel with.
“We’ve seen at least several airlines begin introducing restrictions on using and charging portable charging devices in the aircraft, and I expect we will see others follow suit within time.”
Power banks must be carried in cabin baggage on all flights, according to international aviation regulations, and not stored in checked-in luggage, but this new requirement set by airlines to safeguard passengers takes this to a new level.
