Japan Airlines and ANA Update Safety Protocols for Lithium Batteries
Japan's major carriers have tightened carry-on rules for high-capacity lithium batteries to mitigate fire risks during flight.
Traveller Impact
Ensure all spare lithium batteries and power banks are in your carry-on luggage and properly protected against short-circuiting before arriving at the airport.
Why This Matters
In response to recent global aviation safety concerns regarding thermal runaway incidents, Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) have updated their carriage policies for lithium-ion batteries, effective October 2026. The new protocols mandate stricter inspection of power banks and spare batteries carried by passengers. While lithium batteries have long been restricted to carry-on luggage, the airlines are now enforcing a 'protective packaging' requirement, where terminals must be taped or individually sleeved to prevent accidental contact with metal objects.
This move aligns with updated guidance from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regarding the transport of high-watt-hour batteries. The airlines have noted an increase in incidents where improperly stored batteries in carry-on bags caused localized overheating. By standardizing these safety checks at security checkpoints, the carriers aim to reduce the risk of in-flight fires, which are notoriously difficult to extinguish in a pressurized cabin environment.
Who Is Affected
All passengers flying on JAL or ANA, particularly those carrying professional camera equipment, high-capacity laptop power banks, or multiple portable charging devices. Travellers who frequently use third-party, uncertified charging accessories are also subject to increased scrutiny.
What Travellers Should Do
Inspect all spare batteries and power banks to ensure they are clearly marked with their watt-hour (Wh) rating.
Place all spare batteries in your carry-on bag; never pack them in checked luggage.
Use electrical tape to cover the terminals of spare batteries or place each battery in a separate plastic bag to prevent short-circuiting.
Be prepared for additional screening at the gate; if a battery is deemed unsafe or lacks a visible rating, it may be confiscated by security staff.
Makutet Insight
Makutet expects these stricter enforcement measures to become the industry standard across all major Asian carriers by early 2027. We anticipate that airport security checkpoints will increasingly utilize specialized scanners to detect high-density battery packs, leading to longer processing times for tech-heavy travellers. Travellers should prioritize purchasing batteries from reputable manufacturers to avoid issues with unverified or damaged hardware.
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