HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — Travelers planning to fly with Vietnam’s flag carrier are facing new safety protocols after the airline moved to prohibit the in-flight use of lithium-ion batteries on every route it operates. The measure, first reported by Saigon Giai Phong and surfaced on EIN Presswire, underscores the accelerating global crackdown on battery-related cabin fires and has direct implications for passengers who rely on power banks, laptops or other rechargeable devices to stay connected while airborne.
What the New Ban Covers
“Vietnam Airlines has announced a ban on the use of lithium-ion batteries across all its flights, citing international aviation safety standards and the need to minimize risks.” That policy, in place since the carrier’s September 9 statement, applies equally to its subsidiaries Pacific Airlines and Vasco. It means:
- Passengers must declare every lithium battery at check-in.
- Batteries must remain in visible locations inside carry-on baggage “for easier inspection and monitoring.”
- No lithium-ion power bank may be used to charge devices during any phase of flight.
New On-Board Fire-Containment Gear
Vietnam Airlines has equipped its fleet with “specialized safety tools such as heat-resistant gloves and fireproof, smoke-proof containment bags.” According to the carrier, these items are supplied by “leading global manufacturers and approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.” Crew members have already completed training designed to let them “handle emergencies involving lithium batteries quickly and effectively.”
Enhanced Screening at Airports
The airline is working “with Vietnam’s Immigration Department (A08) under the Ministry of Public Security to strengthen screening at major international airports, including Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat.” The coordination aims to “detect risks before boarding and further reduce in-flight hazards,” aligning Vietnam’s gateways with best-practice safety checks now seen in hubs from Singapore to Dubai.
How Screening Will Affect Check-In Flow
Expect more questions about battery watt-hours, serial numbers and device types at the counter. Staff have the authority to refuse carriage of undeclared or damaged power banks, even if they meet International Air Transport Association (IATA) limits. Travelers running tight connections through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City may wish to arrive earlier than usual to allow for added inspection time.
The Global Context
“Lithium-ion batteries are strictly prohibited in checked baggage under international aviation safety standards due to the danger of explosion if damaged or overheated.” Airlines worldwide continue to log smoke and fire incidents—often triggered by power banks wedged between seat cushions or crushed under reclined seats. In one particularly stark indicator of escalating concern, “on September 1, 2025, a major tech company was forced to recall a 20,000mAh backup battery model globally due to overheating risks that could lead to explosions.”
This year alone, the crackdown has widened: “China Airlines, Korean Air, Hong Kong Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Emirates” have each “banned the use of external lithium power banks during flights.” Vietnam Airlines’ new policy thus places it squarely in the mainstream of carriers intent on eliminating mid-air charging risks.
Why Cabin Fires Are Such a Threat
Unlike galley or lavatory fires that crews are trained to isolate quickly, lithium-ion battery fires can reach temperatures exceeding 1,100 °F within seconds, emitting toxic fumes and reigniting even after an initial flame-out. The specialized containment bags now on board Vietnam Airlines aircraft are designed to smother those flames, but the airline’s new policy seeks to prevent ignition entirely by removing passenger access to power banks.
What Travelers Should Know
- Declaration is mandatory. Even a lipstick-sized USB charger must be declared at check-in. Failure to do so can lead to confiscation or denied boarding.
- Visible placement matters. Devices go in seat-pocket or overhead bags, not in handbags under other items. Cabin crew must see them without rummaging.
- Charging is off-limits. You may carry a power bank that meets IATA’s 100 Wh limit, but you cannot plug it in once the cabin door closes.
- Checked baggage ban stands. The prohibition on stowing lithium-ion devices in the hold predates the new rule and remains in full effect.
- Extra screening time. Arrive 20–30 minutes earlier than usual, especially at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat, where pilot screening projects are under way.
Real-World Scenarios for Tourists and Business Fliers
A backpacker hopping from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang with multiple action-camera batteries must now pull each cell out at security, label it clearly and keep it in a transparent pouch. A corporate traveler on a long-haul connection from Hanoi to Paris—historically reliant on an in-seat power bank—will need to pre-charge devices or use the aircraft’s USB outlets only. The policy also impacts families: a parent using a power bank to run a tablet in kids’ mode must switch to airline-provided in-flight entertainment or offline downloads.
Comparing Vietnam Airlines to Regional Peers
While Singapore Airlines already enforces a strict no-charging rule for external power banks, it permits passengers to bring them on board undeclared if under 100 Wh. Vietnam Airlines goes further by mandating verbal or written declaration and visible storage. Cathay Pacific requires a similar declaration but allows use during cruise at crew discretion—another contrast that travelers connecting through Asia should note.
Tips for Travelers
Seasoned road warriors recommend the following tactics to stay compliant and powered up:
- Invest in high-capacity internal batteries. Laptops with “all-day” cells reduce the need for power banks altogether.
- Download entertainment in advance. With external charging banned, offline video and e-books become essential on long sectors.
- Use airline USB outlets sparingly. Most seats on Vietnam Airlines’ Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s offer 5-volt USB ports that charge a phone slowly but safely.
- Label batteries by watt-hours. Clear labeling speeds inspection and shows you are an informed passenger.
- Carry a small fire-retardant pouch. Some frequent fliers pack their own containment sleeves for peace of mind, even when airlines supply them.
Looking Ahead
Although no incident prompted the immediate ban, Vietnam Airlines’ move aligns with an industry-wide trend to mitigate a fast-growing threat. As aircraft cabins fill with ever more electronics—from smartwatches to electric toothbrushes—carriers may introduce additional limits. Regulators in the United States, European Union and Asia-Pacific are already studying stricter state-level mandates on battery carriage.
For now, travelers should monitor pre-flight emails and airline apps closely. Policy language can evolve quickly, and what holds on Vietnam Airlines today could become standard on other carriers tomorrow. By understanding the precise requirements—declaration, visibility and non-use of lithium-ion batteries—passengers can safeguard both their travel plans and cabin safety without surrendering the practical benefits of portable power.
