Several airlines are tightening safety rules regarding lithium-battery devices, expanding existing restrictions on power banks. Now even AirPods and other Bluetooth earbuds are banned from checked luggage due to the fire risk.
Which airlines introduced the ban?
Three major Taiwanese carriers — EVA Air, UNI Air and Tigerair Taiwan — have updated their safety regulations:
➡️ AirPods and all Bluetooth headphones are no longer allowed in checked baggage.
The New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority issued similar rules, declaring that wireless earbuds must be carried only in cabin baggage.
Why AirPods specifically?
The risk comes from lithium batteries, which can overheat or ignite if damaged. Earbuds are constantly recharged inside their case, making them more prone to thermal runaway.
In the cargo hold, crew members cannot detect smoke or heat early enough — a critical danger during flight.
The New Zealand CAA explains:
“Wireless earbuds such as AirPods must be carried in cabin baggage only. They count as one of the allowed 20 spare batteries.”
What caused the tighter regulations?
Recent onboard incidents involving power banks and lithium devices triggered global changes.
One major event occurred when an external battery caught fire inside an Air Busan aircraft, forcing an emergency response.
Following this:
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Emirates banned power banks entirely (since October 1, 2025)
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Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air introduced similar restrictions
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Cathay Pacific will enforce the rule from April 7, 2025
Now restrictions extend to AirPods and other small gadgets.
Other lithium-powered devices that may face restrictions
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laptops and tablets
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smartphones (especially damaged ones)
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e-cigarettes & vapes
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cameras and camcorders
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electric toothbrushes & shavers
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e-scooters, hoverboards, unicycles (usually fully prohibited)
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portable medical devices with batteries (require airline approval)
Why are lithium batteries so risky on an aircraft?
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They can ignite spontaneously
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Lithium fires are extremely difficult to extinguish
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Smoke spreads fast in the cabin
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In checked luggage fires can go unnoticed
Safety recommendations:
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Keep all lithium-powered devices in hand luggage
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Switch devices fully off
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Avoid charging overheating devices during flight
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Report any battery damage immediately