Cathay Pacific Power Bank Ban on Crew Sparks Backlash Over ‘Double Standards’
HONG KONG – April 7, 2025 — A new policy by Cathay Pacific Airways prohibiting pilots and cabin crew from carrying power banks on duty has sparked frustration among aircrew and criticism from industry unions, who argue the airline is enforcing a “double standard” compared to passengers.
The ban — effective from Monday, April 1 — was communicated to crew members in an internal notice and is part of broader lithium battery safety regulations issued by Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department (CAD). The policy aims to enhance flight safety by mitigating fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
“Operating crew are prohibited from carrying power banks with them on duty,” the notice stated, emphasizing the move was to “enhance safety.”
Crew Voices Concern Over Inconvenience and Safety Needs
However, the airline’s Flight Attendants Union has pushed back, calling the policy impractical and inconsistent.
“We don’t understand why there is a double standard when passengers are allowed to bring their power banks but aircrew are forbidden,” said Brenda Cheng, vice-chairwoman of the union.
Cheng highlighted that aircrew rely on power banks, especially during layovers, power outages, or emergency situations, to keep communication devices operational — a critical part of performing their duties safely and effectively.
“We understand the safety rationale, but crew need reliable ways to charge devices during layovers or emergencies,” she said, proposing secure onboard storage as a compromise.
The Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association echoed the union’s concerns, calling the measure “unnecessary” and inconsistent with the actual risk posed by trained crew members.
“If the goal is to ‘lead by example,’ then the rule should apply to passengers too. Otherwise, it becomes a case of policy optics, not real safety enhancement,” the association said in a letter to Cathay.
New Passenger Rules Also Restrictive
Passengers aren’t entirely off the hook either. Under the CAD’s new regulations, fliers can still bring power banks aboard but must:
- Not store them in overhead bins
- Not use or charge them during the flight
- Keep them in hand luggage under the seat or in seat-back pockets
In-flight USB ports remain the only approved charging method.
While some travelers expressed confusion or annoyance, others supported the safety-first approach. Liane Hui, a passenger flying to San Francisco, agreed with the new rules, saying:
“Safety should always come first — but airlines need to clearly communicate the reasons so people understand.”
Background: Fire Risk from Lithium Batteries
Lithium battery fires, while rare, have prompted growing global concern. Overheating power banks stored in overhead bins have sparked cabin fires on various airlines in the past, prompting many regulators to impose stricter carriage and usage rules.
Despite the safety logic, critics say Cathay’s crew ban could impact operational efficiency, especially in irregular operations, natural disasters, or flight delays — moments when mobile connectivity is crucial.
