A sign with information about new regulations for carrying power banks stands outside the entrance to the security check at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport on March 3, 2025. (Lee Seung-wook/Hankyoreh)
Laptop in or out? Shoes on or off? These are some of the questions many travelers ask when they’re headed through security at an airport. But a new regulation in Korea has added yet another variable to security screenings, this time regarding portable power banks. On Monday, travelers were asking a volunteer about how to handle battery packs at the check-in counter at Terminal 1 at Incheon International Airport.“How many battery packs do you have? You have to put each of them in a plastic bag when boarding the plane,” the volunteer said.Some travelers were taking photographs of notices that had been posted about the battery pack rules.“The new rules went into effect three days ago, so a lot of people still have questions,” one volunteer said.Numerous travelers are unaware that, as of March 1, power banks and electronic cigarettes have to be kept in a plastic bag while onboard an airplane.“I heard about the battery pack rules on the news, but I forgot to take care of that on my way to the airport,” said Moneka Shiraishi, a 25-year-old who was returning to Japan on Tuesday.“I didn’t realize I’m supposed to keep my power bank in a plastic bag. I’m headed to the bookstore to buy one now,” said a 30-year-old surnamed Kim.New rules for the safe handling of battery packs and electronic cigarettes went into effect last weekend in response to an incident in which an airplane operated by Air Busan caught fire at Gimhae International Airport on Jan. 28.Under the new rules adopted by Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, battery packs and electronic cigarettes cannot be placed in checked luggage. When brought aboard a plane, they have to be placed in a clear plastic bag or have insulated tape placed over the terminals to prevent a short circuit. In addition, the bag must be placed somewhere visible to the passenger or carried on their person.
