Airlines ban AirPods and wireless headphones in luggage: what passengers need to know

Several airlines have introduced a ban on carrying wireless headphones — including Apple AirPods — in checked baggage. The reason is the same as with power banks: the risk of lithium battery fires.

Who has already banned headphones in checked baggage

Taiwanese airlines EVA Air, UNI Air and Tigerair were the first to introduce restrictions. Following them, the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand established similar rules, officially equating AirPods and their charging case to power banks.

“Wireless headphones and the charging device for AirPods are a type of power bank,” the official statement says.

Why headphones are dangerous in the cargo hold

Wireless headphones use the same lithium batteries as power banks. A particular risk is that the headphones continuously charge inside the case — increasing the risk of sudden fire. In the aircraft cargo hold, such a fire is extremely difficult to detect and extinguish in time.

Can you take AirPods in carry-on luggage

Yes. All current restrictions apply only to checked baggage. Bringing wireless headphones into the aircraft cabin is still allowed.

What happens next

There are currently no such bans in Europe, however the power bank situation shows that restrictions may spread to other regions. Before each flight, it is advisable to check the current rules of the specific airline.

Source: express.co.uk via unian.net