Korean Air to ban in-flight use of portable batteries

Korean Air and four other airlines under Hanjin Group will ban the in-flight use of portable batteries starting Monday, as part of its preemptive move to prevent fire accidents caused by lithium-ion power banks, the airline said Friday. Under the updated safety policy, passengers will not be allowed to use portable battery packs while on board any flight operated by not just Korean Air, but Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul. The power banks can be carried into the cabin, but their use and charging are strictly prohibited. Passengers also must cover metal charging ports with electrical tape or place each battery in a separate plastic bag or pouch to prevent possible short-circuiting. Starting next week, all batteries should also be kept in the seatback pocket or under the seat in front, never stored in the overhead bins, according to the new safety rule. “The ban on the in-flight use of power banks is a necessary measure to ensure the highest standards of flight safety, and passenger cooperation is essential,” a Korean Air official said. “Korea Air remains fully commi