▲ Jeju Air Carry-On Regulations Sign (Source: Ohmyphoto)

On January 28, a fire broke out on an Air Busan plane at Gimhae International Airport. The exact cause has not been found, however, MOLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport) as well as the airline, suspect that a passenger’s portable battery was the primary cause. This is because lithium-ion batteries often expand or explode spontaneously. Following the incident, some airlines independently reinforced their regulations on carrying portable batteries in-flight. However, there is criticism that each airline applies different policies, with the lack of clear, prompt notification causing confusion amongst passengers.

MOLIT enforced a, “Standard plan for strengthening in-flight safety management” on March 1. This standard plan reflects a proactive approach to preventing fire during flight by including both portable batteries and electronic cigarettes. Additionally, storing batteries in overhead compartments is prohibited, and passengers are required to carry them on their person at all times.

These are the main points of in-flight regulations as they relate to the risks of portable batteries. First, the capacity and quantity of batteries are limited. Portable batteries and electronic cigarettes can’t be placed in checked baggage. Whether batteries can be carried on board depends on their watt-hour (Wh) rating and quantity. Second, measures to prevent short circuits are enforced. Passengers must take one of the following options: storing batteries in a plastic bag or protective pouch, alternatively, covering the battery terminal with insulation tape or protective caps. Third, the process for carrying batteries on a flight is reinforced. At the check-in counter, short-circuit prevention measures are inspected, and an approval sticker is attached to the batteries. Only batteries with this sticker are allowed on the flight. After boarding, passengers must either carry the battery on their person or store it in the seat pocket in front of them. Fourth, charging portable batteries directly in-flight is prohibited. While passengers can use portable batteries to charge their phones, connecting them to the seat’s USB port or another battery isn’t allowed. Additionally, if the batteries overheat or expand, passengers must immediately notify the flight crew to ensure protective measures are taken.

Whether MOLIT’s enforcement of the standard plan can resolve passengers’ confusion is crucial. After the incident, airlines strengthened battery regulations, starkly, there are differences between them. Korean Air’s flight crew confirms whether passengers carry batteries with them and requires them to carry them on their person in-flight. While Air Busan’s flight crew personally inspects passengers’ baggage, attaches a sticker to baggage that doesn’t contain batteries, allowing storage in the overhead compartments. T'way Airlines stipulates that only batteries in a clear ziplock bag are allowed on board. In this way, each airline has some variation of in-flight regulations, therefore, passengers who use numerous airlines often experience confusion.

Several passengers have complained of inconvenience due to airlines’ unclear guidance on regulations. Bing Si-heon, a university student who traveled to Japan with Eastar Jet in February, stated: “After boarding, the flight crew informed me that the portable battery must be kept on my person.” Additionally, “I wasn’t aware of this rule beforehand, so it was inconvenient to take the battery out of my packed bag.”

Another passenger, Jang Yun-yi, a university student, said, “The carry-on policy varies depending on the battery’s capacity (Wh), but I didn’t know how to check whether mine was allowed, so I was confused.” She added, “In December last year, I was also informed only after boarding, that laptops couldn’t be stored in the overhead compartment.” She complained about the lack of clear airline guidance on carry-on regulations. Both Bing and Jang stated: “It is important to take extra precautions for passenger safety.” They emphasized that, “Airlines need to provide clear and advanced notice to reduce confusion, offering more systematic guidance.”

MOLIT and respective airlines are exploring various proactive measures to prevent in-flight incidents. However, passengers have experienced confusion due to differing carry-on regulations amongst airlines. Therefore, for the standard policy to be effective, authorities must apply it consistently, while ensuring strict monitoring and continuous improvements. As a result, the policy should be a guideline that clearly explains the regulations to the public. Especially as demand for overseas travel continues to rise despite flight incidents, clear guidance and communication from airlines as well as the caution and cooperation of all passengers, will be crucial in the success of preventing future accidents that put lives in jeopardy.

By Lee Ye-rim, cub-reporter  sopiayerim@gmail.com

<저작권자 © The Campus Journal, 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지>