The number of portable chargers a passenger can carry on a flight from April 20 will be limited to two (maximum capacity of 160Wh), with their use to charge electronic devices or power banks to be strictly prohibited. (Yonhap News)

By Lee Jihae

The number of portable chargers a passenger can carry on a flight from April 20 will be limited to two (capacity of 160 watt hours or less).

Charging a power bank using the plane's power outlet or using it to charge another electronic device during the flight will be strictly prohibited.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on April 8 said the International Civil Aviation Organization on March 27 approved these safety-reinforcing proposals submitted by Korea as international standards.

Large batteries exceeding 160 watt hours will stay banned. All portable chargers must be carried on board and cannot be checked in as baggage regardless of capacity.

The lack of unified global standards has confused travelers worldwide due to varying regulations by country and airline.

jihlee08@korea.kr