In New Zealand, a charging case for earbuds is considered a miniature 'power bank' and is completely prohibited in checked baggage. Meanwhile, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) allows headphones to be carried only in the cabin and forbids placing them in the aircraft's hold.
Taiwanese airlines EVA Air, UNI Air, and Tigerair have banned carrying wireless headphones—such as 'AirPods'—in checked luggage due to their lithium-ion batteries, which are flammable.
This decision follows incidents of fires on airplanes caused by exploding power banks, prompting aviation authorities to re-evaluate the transportation of small electronic devices with batteries.
Tigerair clarified that safety considerations require prohibiting portable electronic devices with batteries (like Bluetooth headphones and handheld fans) from checked baggage, allowing them only in the cabin.
UNI Air confirmed that a charging case for earbuds is classified as a Portable Electronic Device (PED), and therefore it is forbidden to place it in checked luggage.
British authorities warn that devices not presented for inspection will be confiscated, stating: 'If the device does not work when requested, it may not be allowed on the plane.'
