Bluetooth earbuds such as the Apple AirPods are now under the spotlight after several airlines banned them from checked luggage, joining power banks in the growing list of lithium-battery devices subject to stricter aviation rules.
Several Taiwanese airlines, including EVA Air, UNI Air and Tigerair, say Bluetooth earbuds (including their charging cases) must be carried only in hand luggage, never in the hold.
The reason: these devices contain lithium-ion batteries and are often kept charging in their case, creating a potential fire risk.
Bluetooth earbuds join power banks on the no-checked-bag list
These measures follow a spate of incidents involving fires on planes, thought to have been caused by short-circuited or damaged lithium-battery devices.
The risk arises from thermal runaway, when a lithium-ion battery gets too hot or is damaged and rapidly releases energy.
But what does this mean for South African travellers?
While the recent earbud bans refer to overseas airlines, similar rules already apply for power banks in South Africa. For example:
- The national carrier South African Airways (SAA) lists lithium-ion batteries (including power banks) as regulated items: devices under 100 Wh are permitted, but spare batteries and power banks must be carried in hand baggage only.
- Low-cost carrier FlySafair states that lithium-ion batteries for portable electronic devices must follow mainstream aviation dangerous-goods rules and are not permitted in checked luggage.
Hence, if you’re flying from or within South Africa:
- Just keep your Bluetooth earbuds (and their charging case) in your cabin baggage, not in your checked bag.
- The same applies to power banks and spare lithium batteries: they are generally not allowed in the hold.
Why the stricter rules for lithium-batteries now?
Lithium-ion batteries have high energy densities, and if damaged, mishandled or faulty, they can overheat, catch fire or explode.
The confined environment of an aircraft makes even a small fire a serious hazard. Global aviation regulators and carriers have responded by tightening storage, carriage and usage rules.
