✈️ Taiwan Airlines Ban Bluetooth Earbuds in Checked Luggage Over Fire Risk
Taipei, Taiwan — November 3, 2025
Major Taiwanese airlines including EVA Air, Uni Air, and Tigerair Taiwan have announced new safety rules prohibiting passengers from placing Bluetooth earbuds and charging cases inside their checked luggage, citing potential fire hazards linked to lithium-ion batteries.
🔋 Fire Safety Concerns
According to the airlines, Bluetooth earbuds automatically charge when placed in their cases, meaning they cannot be completely powered off — a key safety requirement for electronic devices stored in the cargo hold.
To reduce the risk of overheating or battery-related fires, all Bluetooth earbuds and charging cases must now be carried in hand luggage instead.
Both EVA Air and Uni Air clarified that personal electronic devices (PEDs) such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops may still be checked in only if they are fully powered down — not in standby or sleep mode.
🛫 Tigerair Taiwan’s Updated Policy
Tigerair Taiwan has likewise updated its baggage policy, emphasizing that any devices containing lithium-ion batteries, including earbud charging cases and portable fans, must be kept in carry-on bags. The airline noted that this rule is part of broader efforts to ensure flight safety.
🧳 Other Airlines’ Regulations
Meanwhile, China Airlines reiterates that power banks and spare lithium batteries are strictly prohibited in checked baggage. Although it has not explicitly banned Bluetooth earbuds, the carrier advises passengers to store them in their carry-ons for safety.
Starlux Airlines said it currently has no specific restrictions on Bluetooth earbuds. However, it reminded passengers that all lithium batteries must comply with the United Nations’ testing standards. Devices containing these batteries must be protected against damage and accidental activation and completely powered off before check-in.
The airline added that exceptions only apply to small-capacity batteries below 2.7 Wh or containing less than 0.3 g of lithium.
⚠️ Reminder to Passengers
Airlines around the world have tightened rules on lithium-powered devices due to the increasing number of fire incidents linked to overheating batteries.
Passengers traveling with Bluetooth earbuds, portable electronics, or power banks are strongly advised to pack them in their hand-carry luggage to avoid delays or confiscation at airport security checks.