Travel smart in Taiwan: two power banks only, charging forbidden

Have you ever wondered while packing for a flight: Can I check in my power bank? Or do I have to carry it in my hand luggage? How many power banks can one person bring?

Taiwan's Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) has confirmed that new International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rules on in-flight lithium battery safety took full effect on April 8, limiting passengers to a maximum of two power banks and prohibiting their use or charging during flight.

The CAA noted that while most Taiwanese and foreign airlines already prohibit the use and charging of power banks onboard, the main change under the ICAO rules is the limitation on the number of units each passenger can carry. To ensure compliance and flight safety, the CAA convened meetings with airlines, airport authorities, and aviation police to coordinate guidance and public outreach prior to the full implementation.

Travelers are also reminded to handle power banks safely, which means pack them securely, protect them individually, and avoid collisions or short circuits. Passengers also must not use or charge power banks onboard to maintain safety.

Key rules for Taiwan airlines

Passengers traveling with Taiwanese airlines must carry power banks in their hand luggage, as checked baggage is strictly prohibited due to fire risks. Each traveler is allowed to bring a maximum of two power banks on board. 

Capacity restrictions apply: batteries with 100 Wh or less can be carried without airline approval, while those between 101–160 Wh require prior approval from the airline, and any power bank exceeding 160 Wh is not permitted on passenger flights. In addition, the use or charging of power banks during the flight is strictly forbidden.

Below is a summary of the specific regulations for each major Taiwanese airline:

China Airlines

• Power banks must be carried in hand luggage; checked baggage is prohibited.
• ≤100 Wh: up to 20 units per passenger without approval.
• 101–160 Wh: approval required; maximum two units.
• 160 Wh: prohibited.
• Bluetooth devices with built-in batteries (earbuds, headphones) cannot be checked.

EVA Air

• Power banks and spare lithium batteries cannot be used or charged during flight.
• ≤100 Wh: up to 20 units per passenger without approval.
• 101–160 Wh: approval required; maximum two units.
• 160 Wh: prohibited.
• Bluetooth devices: carry-on only; checked baggage prohibited.

STARLUX Airlines

• All power banks must remain in carry-on and cannot be used or charged onboard.
• ≤100 Wh: up to 20 units per passenger.
• 101–160 Wh: approval required; maximum two units.
• 160 Wh: prohibited.

Tigerair Taiwan

• All flights prohibit in-flight use of power banks.
• ≤100 Wh: up to 20 units per passenger.
• 101–160 Wh: approval required; maximum two units.
• 160 Wh: prohibited.
• Bluetooth devices and small electronics with lithium batteries can only carry-on.

UNI Air & Mandarin Airlines

• Generally follow EVA/China Airlines policies: carry-on only, two-unit limit, no in-flight charging.
• Check airline notices for route-specific rules.

Power bank safety on Taipei Metro

In addition to airline regulations, passengers on the Taipei Metro are advised not to use power banks anywhere inside the system — from ticket halls and customer service counters to areas beyond the fare gates. Although the guideline is currently advisory and not legally enforced, power banks should be properly stored to prevent fire risks.

Over the past three years, the Taipei Metro has recorded five incidents of power banks catching fire. Lin Rong-Hui (林榮輝), the Director of Taipei Metro’s Safety and Hygiene Department, stated that if the use or improper storage of a power bank causes a fire and poses a threat to public safety, authorities will take legal action and pursue compensation for any resulting damages, including operational losses.

Other domestic rail services have similar safety measures: Taiwan High-Speed Rail advises passengers to charge power banks in hand or on a visible surface and to stop use immediately if overheating occurs. Taiwan Railways prohibits placing power banks in checked baggage and cautions against using them while charging to avoid drops or impacts.