Travel essentials specialist Travel Blue has launched a fire-resistant pouch for power banks, addressing growing concerns around lithium battery safety onboard aircraft.
The new pouch provides additional protection in the event of thermal runaway, which can occur when a lithium battery fails or overheats. It helps contain fumes, heat and sparks and reduces the risk of flames spreading to other items in passengers’ carry-on baggage.
The pouch has undergone rigorous safety testing and is certified to high safety standards. It is made with airtight construction and fire-resistant stitching. It will be available in black and silver with a recommended retail price of €17.90.
The fireproof pouch innovation comes amid heightened aviation industry focus on the use of lithium battery-powered devices onboard aircrafts.
An International Air Transport Association (IATA) passenger survey cited by Travel Blue found that 83% of travellers carry a mobile phone, 60% bring a laptop and 44% travel with a power bank.
While lithium batteries and power banks are generally considered safe, damaged, defective or poor-quality devices can present a risk of overheating and thermal runaway, Travel Blue said.
In response to this, airlines have been tightening rules around portable chargers, including implementing new requirements.
Travellers must carry portable chargers in hand luggage and recharging is no longer permitted during flights. The chargers must also be easily accessible onboard, not stored in overhead lockers.
“Travellers are flying with more lithium battery-powered devices than ever before and power banks are becoming a travel essential,” says Travel Blue Managing Director Daniel Levin.
“Passenger safety is everyone’s number one concern. The new Travel Blue fire-resistant pouches reassure travellers, allowing them to relax on their flight, enjoy inflight entertainment and sleep without anxiety, giving everyone peace of mind, both in the air and on the ground.”
The company will showcase the fire-resistant power bank pouch at the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes (27 September – 1 October). ✈
