Okay, so… remember that terrifying fire incident on an Air Busan flight a few months ago? Yep, that one where a portable charger basically went full fireball mode mid-air? Yikes.
If that story made you rethink everything in your carry-on—you’re not alone. But don’t panic. Today, we’re diving into the must-know travel rules for 2025 that’ll help you avoid drama at 30,000 feet. And hey—this isn’t meant to scare you. We’re keeping it light, helpful, and hey—maybe even a little fun, even if we are talking about banned items.
This is Part 1 of a mini travel series of the banned items at the airport that I’m rolling out to make sure you’re more prepared than ever for your next adventure. So, if you’ve got flights planned—or you’re just nosy like me and love knowing weird airline rules—stick around. We’ve got some surprising stuff ahead.
Banned Items: Portable Chargers and Power Banks
Let’s start with the biggie banned items: portable chargers and power banks. You know, those little lifesavers you carry around so your phone doesn’t die while you’re trying to watch Netflix at the gate?
Well, here’s the deal: after that Air Busan fire, some Asian airlines have updated their policies—big time. You can still bring your power bank, but using it mid-flight? That’s now a no-go on certain carriers.
You heard that right. If you’re flying on those airlines, you can’t even plug your phone into your portable charger mid-air. Not even a sneaky top-up for banned items. Apparently, a few of these little gadgets decided to spontaneously combust. Seriously—mid-flight fireballs. No thanks.
And it wasn’t just one or two faulty power banks—several overheated during flights. Experts think it could be cheap manufacturing, battery defects, or just plain overheating. But whatever the reason, airlines are cracking down.
So here’s the new travel reality for banned items: some airlines now require your power bank to be stored in your personal item bag—the one that goes under the seat. No tossing it in the overhead bin. And absolutely no checking it in with your suitcase. That’s a hard nope.
Why? Because of something called thermal runaway. Sounds like a sci-fi movie, but it’s real. That’s when a battery overheats, catches fire, and spreads heat to other batteries. It’s like battery dominoes—but on fire.
Banned Items: Don’t Worry
Now don’t worry—you don’t have to throw away your charger. But you do need to be more selective. A safe bet is to stick with trusted brands. I personally recommend Anker—not sponsored, just a solid brand I’ve used without any “meltdown moments.”
My current one is a low-heat-output model that maxes out at around 100.4°F, or 38°C for my Celsius folks. It doesn’t get uncomfortably hot to the touch, which is a big deal when you’re crammed into a middle seat, sweating over your phone.
Also, a good rule of thumb: keep your power bank under 100 watt-hours. That’s the FAA limit for lithium-ion batteries. You don’t need a 20,000 mAh brick unless you’re charging a laptop or running a small country. For most phone users? 10,000 mAh is plenty. It’s lighter, safer, and won’t slow you down going through security.
Banned Items: Bloating and Leaking
Another thing when it comes to banned items? If you notice your charger feels bloated, gets crazy hot, starts smoking, or—please no—leaks, it’s time to part ways. No heroic charging attempts. Just unplug it and alert a flight attendant if you’re mid-flight. They’re trained for this kind of thing and carry fire-resistant gloves and lithium battery kits on board.
Now let’s break this loop: yes, you can still pack your power bank, just not in your checked luggage. Keep it close, keep it cool, and know the airline rules. And while we’re here, there are a few more banned items for 2025 that might surprise you.
Banned Items: No Alcohol
First up: high-proof alcohol. Anything over 140 proof? It’s one of the banned items that most people know about. It is not allowed in your carry-on or checked bags. Turns out, highly flammable booze and pressurized cabins are not a good match. So if you were planning to bring that backwoods moonshine on board… maybe rethink that.
Banned Items: Bear Spray and Pepper Spray
Then there’s bear spray and pepper spray. Yep. These are completely banned items. Doesn’t matter if you’re heading to Alaska—leave the spicy defense mist at home. It’s not just dangerous; it’s basically pepper-spray on steroids, and one accidental leak could take out an entire row of passengers.
Banned Items: Pool Chlorine
And this next one really made me laugh—pool chlorine. Who’s bringing chlorine tablets on a plane?! Apparently someone did, because now it’s one of the banned items too. The FAA says no to bleach bombs in the cabin.
Now, if you’re ever unsure about what’s allowed in your bag—especially if it’s something medical, electronic, or strangely specific—there are two places you should always check:
For Banned Items: Visit TSA Website
First, visit TSA.gov and tap on the “What Can I Bring” section. It’s super helpful. You just type in whatever item you’re curious about, and boom—it tells you whether it’s allowed in carry-on, checked baggage, or banned altogether.
For More Banned Items: Visit Airline Website
The second place? Your airline’s website. Just Google your airline’s name plus “lithium-ion battery policy.” Trust me—it’ll save you from getting stopped at security and holding up the line while everyone behind you mutters in frustration.
And don’t forget: airline rules and banned items can vary a lot, especially for international flights. Some airlines are stricter than others, so always double-check if you’re flying with a foreign carrier. The last thing you want is to have your $60 power bank confiscated in Tokyo.
Banned Items: Recap
So here’s your quick reality check for 2025:
✅ Power banks = yes.
⚠️ Using them mid-flight on certain airlines = no.
❌ Packing them in checked bags or overhead bins = no-go.
💡 Keeping them in your personal item = smart and safe.
Still nervous about flying with electronics? I get it. But don’t worry—I’ve got your back. And if you want to level up your travel game, I’ve got two amazing freebies for you.
Digital Download
First, grab my FREE eBook called Top 5 Travel Scenarios and How to Solve Them. It’s like a troubleshooting manual for common travel headaches—and it’s totally free.
And if you want to take things further, check out my Digital Travel Bundle. It’s packed with insider tips, ninja-level travel hacks, and secrets for making your trips smooth, stress-free, and actually enjoyable. No more sweaty panic at the gate.
This is your host Cheryl, saying bye for now—until the next article.
See you soon!
