What’s the most-seized check-in bag item at KIA? Power bank

What’s the most-seized check-in bag item at KIA?  Power bank

Nithya.Mandyam@timesofindia.com 12.03.2025

Bengaluru : With mobile phones becoming an extension of one’s self, the need to keep them working by overcoming their battery limitations, is most people’s headache. More so, air travellers prefer to be equipped with the power bank on the go. However, the flyers seem to be unaware of the fact that power banks in check-in bags is resented by airport security personnel who confiscate them. 

According to the security data from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), 1,412 kg of power banks were seized from flyers’ check-in bags between Jan last year and Feb this year. The other two major goods confiscated were 556kg of lighters and 576kg e-cigarettes. Power banks are allowed in cabin baggages. The primary reason for power banks to be prohibited in check-in bags is their components— lithium ion batteries, which are dangerous and when overheated can cause fire and explosions. 

According to Dangerous Goods Regulations, one can carry portable electronic devices (PED) containing lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries in cabin baggage and each person can carry only 15 PEDs. In case of lithium ion batteries, portable devices can’t be of more than 100Whhour capacity. However, there are special power banks which are over 160 Wh and they can be carried on special permission from the airline.

 “Damaged and modified power banks will not pass security check because of their flammable nature. Ideal power banks that are damaged or have a swelling might burst in mid air, risking the lives of passengers,” said an official. The other restricted items intercepted by security personnel included flammable liquids, gases, and dried coconut (copra), all of which pose safety risks.

 “Once seized, restricted items are systematically categorised based on their clas sification and stored in a secure location for up to 15 days. This holding period allows passengers, in certain cases, to claim items that may be permitted in checked baggage. However, unclaimed or hazardous items are handed over to a BBMP-authorised vendor for environmentally responsible disposal, ensuring compliance with safety regulations,” said a BIAL spokesperson. 

Despite the high volume of confiscations, officials note that screening trends remained consistent over the past year. There was no significant increase in new or unusual items, indicating that passengers continue to carry commonly restricted goods rather than emerging threats. However, one notable regional pattern emerged regarding e-cigarettes. While many countries permit passengers to carry e-cigarettes in their carry-on luggage, India strictly prohibits them, leading to frequent confiscations—particularly from international passengers transiting to domestic flights.

 “In India, e-cigarettes and vapes are strictly prohibited in the country and these are the ones that are being seized in large numbers here. There are constant arguments between passengers and security personnel about vapes and e-cigarettes being allowed in other countries, but we have prohibitory orders,” said an airport official