2026 New Taiwan Airline Regulations: Bluetooth Earbuds Now Banned from Checked Baggage, Not Just Power Banks Anymore

To ensure the safety of both the cabin and the cargo hold, several Taiwanese airlines, including EVA Air, UNI Air and Tigerair Taiwan, have recently tightened their checked baggage rules for portable electronic devices (PEDs) that contain lithium batteries. One of the items most frequently overlooked by travelers is actually something many people use every day: Bluetooth earbuds, including their charging cases.

Under the new rules, most airlines now classify Bluetooth earbuds the same way they classify power banks or spare batteries. This means they are strictly prohibited in checked luggage and must be carried onboard.

Before you head to the airport, make sure you understand these updates to avoid delays or violations during security checks.

A. Why Must Bluetooth Earbuds Be Carried in Your Hand Luggage

This rule is based on aviation safety standards surrounding lithium batteries. To avoid security issues, it is recommended that any device with a rechargeable battery should be placed in your carry-on luggage. Below is a summary of updated airline regulations as of December 2025. For the most current information, please check each airline’s official website.

1. Why can't Bluetooth earbuds be checked and why must they be carried with you?

▶ The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and global airline regulations consistently require that all spare lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in the cabin. This allows crew members to monitor and respond immediately if any abnormal situation occurs.

▶ The charging case of Bluetooth earbuds contains a lithium battery, and its primary function is to recharge the earbuds. This means it fully meets the definition of a spare lithium battery, so it cannot be placed in checked baggage.

2. What safety risks are hidden in a Bluetooth earbud charging case?

▶ Any electronic device containing a lithium battery must be in a completely powered off state if it is checked in. However, once Bluetooth earbuds are placed in their charging case, they typically switch automatically into standby or charging mode, which means they cannot be fully powered off. This constant flow of electricity creates a potential hazard. If the device is subjected to pressure, impact or temperature changes in the cargo hold, it may short-circuit and trigger thermal runaway. This is a dangerous chain reaction involving overheating and can pose a serious flight safety risk.

B. Lithium Battery Regulations of Major Taiwanese Airlines

⌯✈︎ EVA Air and UNI Air

• Power banks and spare batteries are strictly prohibited in checked baggage.
• Bluetooth earbuds are clearly not allowed in checked baggage and must be placed in carry-on luggage.

⌯✈︎ Tigerair Taiwan

• All products containing built-in lithium batteries, including Bluetooth earbuds and handheld fans, are prohibited from checked baggage and must be carried onboard.

⌯✈︎ China Airlines and STARLUX Airlines

• Although their detailed rules differ slightly (for example, STARLUX conditionally allows very low-capacity batteries to be checked), both airlines strongly recommend that passengers carry Bluetooth earbuds and all other rechargeable devices with them to meet the aviation safety requirement of constant monitoring.

C. Essential Items for Your Carry-On Bag

According to the Civil Aviation Act, make sure to place all items containing lithium batteries, or those used as spare batteries, in your hand luggage before checking in:

• Power banks
• Bluetooth earbuds and their charging cases (TWS earbuds)
• All spare lithium batteries, such as camera batteries or drone batteries. The battery terminals must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.
• Devices with built-in lithium batteries, such as handheld fans and rechargeable hand warmers
• Laptops and tablets. These can be checked, but carrying them onboard is strongly recommended to ensure they are completely powered off and to avoid damage from impact.

Every small item you bring with you is part of your journey, and safety is always the most important travel companion. As airlines continue updating their lithium battery regulations, travelers must carry rechargeable devices such as Bluetooth earbuds in their hand luggage. When packing, remember to reserve a safe and organized space in your carry-on bag so your earbuds, power bank and essential items are secure and easy to access. This helps you avoid delays during security screening and ensures a smoother travel experience.

Recommended Travel Companion: AFS Vero Travel Wallet

The most recommended carry-on travel pouch is the Vero Travel Wallet, designed by Acer's subsidiary Acer Fashion (AFS). It features a lightweight design and multiple interior compartments, making it easy to store and access your boarding pass, cards and passport. This helps speed up both check-in and security screening.

• Travel documents
• Boarding passes
• Passports
• Small electronics such as earbuds or charging cables

With everything organized in one place, you'll breeze through security and immigration with confidence.

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