Virgin and Qantas to ban power bank use

[AuSammy]

They already do that.

Ive never been asked to remove a power bank for scanning from carryon yet.

 

[Rayesfeg]

What will be of concern is if we had to follow the Chinese model where they check serial numbers… that could potentially make security wait times unworkable. In china they just have to search a chinese data base, a worldwide data base might contain thousands of brands and serial numbers,

I dont think thats the case. Just got back from a China trip which included domestic legs. It's true they inspect the power bank for the 'CCC' logo (which I understand has to be printed on the power bank, not just a sticker), nobody input the serial number anywhere.
The power bank inspection happened at the security screening area and was inspected twice: once by the staff before your items go through the X-ray machine, and again by another staff member after its gone through the X-ray.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I dont think thats the case. Just got back from a China trip which included domestic legs. It's true they inspect the power bank for the 'CCC' logo (which I understand has to be printed on the power bank, not just a sticker), nobody input the serial number anywhere.
The power bank inspection happened at the security screening area and was inspected twice: once by the staff before your items go through the X-ray machine, and again by another staff member after its gone through the X-ray.

Post #34 of this thread indicated that if they’re not satisfied with the CCC label, or suspect it might be fake, they look up the serial number.

That would be unworkable on an international scale.

 

[justinbrett]

Post #34 of this thread indicated that if they’re not satisfied with the CCC label, or suspect it might be fake, they look up the serial number.

That would be unworkable on an international scale.

It’s like anything. Policies are set, that gets you 90% compliance because most people are honest.

You then inspect a certain amount for the compliance mark and capacity, of those check a smaller sample randomly and/or if it looks suspect.

Nothing about airport security is 100%. They’ve had the rule you must be able to demonstrate your electronic device works (ie no flat battery) but they’re obviously not checking every device.

The other thing is legal liability. If your powerbank causes a fire and it doesn’t comply with the rules, you might need a good lawyer.

The ban on using inflight is completely unenforceable - some might even say it’s safer for it to be permitted on the tray table so at least a fire could be identified. If people try to hide it in luggage that’s a greater risk. I guess it will be like having to turn airplane mode on your phone. They can’t enforce that and many break it routinely.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

The ban on using inflight is completely unenforceable - some might even say it’s safer for it to be permitted on the tray table so at least a fire could be identified. If people try to hide it in luggage that’s a greater risk. I guess it will be like having to turn airplane mode on your phone. They can’t enforce that and many break it routinely.

That’s not a good advertisement for continued carriage of powerbanks.

Seems to suggest we’ll need to ban them outright, picked up at security.

Pax are going to have to manage battery use, and maybe not the best of ideas for airlines to be removing seat back entertainment and asking lax to rely solely on their devices.

 

[justinbrett]

That’s not a good advertisement for continued carriage of powerbanks.

Seems to suggest we’ll need to ban them outright, picked up at security.

Pax are going to have to manage battery use, and maybe not the best of ideas for airlines to be removing seat back entertainment and asking lax to rely solely on their devices.

Nah, they’ll just start adding screens to power banks and call them mini tablets.

Are they going to ban charging from other devices? Laptops, tablets, other phones. I doubt it.

Might just be a new title premiering for Security Theatre.

 

[downgraded]

So I wonder then how would it be enforced?

Unfortunately government (at all levels) seems too scared of losing votes to enforce rules (aka laws) to ensure public safety or general well being. Vic seems particularly bad but not unique.

For me, it’s about taking responsibility for managing MY device battery levels. If I know I need to use my device after the flight, then I stop using it during the flight to save sufficient charge for arrival needs. Using my device in-flight is optional and completely my decision and 100% within my control. In my personally experience there is never a situation that I NEED to use my device in-flight to the degree that I MUST charge it during the flight. It is my responsibility manage my device charge levels during the flight and it is 100% within my ability to do that.

I basically agree with you but then the airline takes away the IFE and expects you to use your own device and doesn't upgrade or maintain its aircraft to provide adequate power sources to run these devices...

 

[jb747]

What's the penalty for non compliance?

Well, at one extreme you could kill everyone on board. Of course the chance of that is miniscule, but I doubt that many people would consider it reasonable for random people to be making that sort of decision.

And at the other end, you'll be in breach of a cabin crew directive, and that could have all sorts of outcomes. Most of which aren't all that pleasant. And, of course, that would brand you as being one of "those" people.

I was thinking more like failure to follow directions of crew member instructions.

If I was in charge, I would mandate all power banks be at less than full charge before boarding. Maximum 2 bars on battery level display.

And if I was in charge they wouldn't be on the flights at all. And I say that as the owner of a couple.

That would be unworkable on an international scale.

Why? It would only require a bit more security theatre and longer wait times. Really a growth opportunity for the security industry.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Why? It would only require a bit more security theatre and longer wait times. Really a growth opportunity for the security industry.

Of course it is ‘doable’, but this is referring specifically to have to check serial numbers on power banks to guard against fakes.

China might be able to do that for their homegrown products (and who’s going to argue?) But on the world stage, with probably hundreds of brands, dozens of countries of manufacture, and new products coming out daily. Unless they send those with power banks to their own lane.

 

[Tiki]

I'm fine with not using it or charging it on the flight. But for those of us who are stuck in the cheap seats and no lounge access, we really need the powerbanks on layovers in the terminal (ever try to find a charging spot in a crowded airport?) and for use in the destination. If you are the type who is out and about sightseeing or out in the bush (like many bird watchers) you understand we need the powerbanks for recharge after a few hours or using apps and taking photos and videos.

 

[Seat0B]

Pax are going to have to manage battery use, and maybe not the best of ideas for airlines to be removing seat back entertainment and asking lax to rely solely on their devices.

totally agree with you on that.

 

[RSD]

Restriction by number and type of power banks at security will be problematical to enforce at those airports who don’t have separate security entrances for different airlines and if the airlines have different restrictions.

...and then there are the airports like BWT that don't have any security screening at all...