Power Bank Rules CHANGING in 2025! What You NEED to Know Before Flying

Power Bank Rule Changes You MUST Know! (2025 Update)

Misinformation is floating around on the Internet, especially on YouTube! The majority of what I’m talking about is AI-generated content spreading misinformation to instill fear and get views. I doubt those behind these so-called travel tips content have actually traveled before.

Today, I will simplify the new rules for power banks on planes that are coming in March 2025.  Some airlines are already ahead of the game, so let's make sure you're in the know!

- EVA Air are now prohibiting the use of power banks during the flight. You can bring them, but you can't use them to charge your devices onboard. So make sure you're fully charged before you board.
- Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, both based in South Korea, are also tightening things up. They're asking passengers to keep their power banks with them at their seats, not in the overhead bins. Safety first!
- Now, here's the good news: Most airlines are still cool with small power banks. Anything under 100 watt-hours is usually fine. But if your power bank is bigger than that, you might need to check with the airline first.

Here is the most important piece of advice you need to know that is applicable to any trip: Do not trust anything you read and check the source first. In this context, always check with the airline you are flying about the updated rules for power banks.

By the time you are reading this article, what I stated here about power banks may not be valid, so always check with your airline before flying. Happy, safe, and stress-free travels to you all!

Why You Should Use a Surge Protector Extension Cord While Traveling

The Importance of Surge-Proof Extension Cords for Travelers

I have been traveling for decades with a regular travel extension power strip, and it never crossed my mind to use a surge protection cord while traveling. I got lucky in many countries where it’s normal to have voltage hikers like Bangladesh, India, Morocco, Philippines, and Thailand. But I never had any issues.

Then I read an article about a traveler whose laptop got fried in Thailand due to a power surge.  A power surge is a sudden increase in voltage in an electrical circuit. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including lightning strikes, faulty wiring, and power grid fluctuations. When a power surge occurs, it can damage your electronic devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and cameras.

When traveling, it's crucial to prioritize the safety of electronic devices, especially when plugging them into unfamiliar power sources. A surge-proof extension cord shields devices from power fluctuations. These specialized extension cords feature multiple outlets, allowing you to charge several devices simultaneously. This is particularly useful in hotel rooms or airports with limited power outlets.

In searching for a portable, lightweight, and compact surge-proof extension cord, I found the Anker 2000J Surge Protector USB Power Strip. This is the lightest, minimal cord I could find. This cord is definitely slightly heavier than my non- surge protection power cord, but I don’t mind the slightly heavier weight and bulkiness to save my expensive electronic devices.

As a content creator, this is even more important because I don’t want to burn my laptop or phone in the middle of a trip and lose all my video files.

I will be trying my new Anker 2000J Surge Protector USB Power Strip on my next trip and will update you guys on my YouTube Channel .

Top 10 Airport Mistakes Travelers Make and Tips to Avoid Them

10 Common Airport Mistakes and How to Avoid Them for a Stress-Free Travel Experience

Avoiding some common mistakes can make traveling a lot smoother, stress-free, and enjoyable. Here are the top 10 simple mistakes travelers forget, especially navigating through airports.

1. Arriving Late – Most of us are guilty of this. Always allow plenty of time for check-in, security checks, and finding your gate. My own golden rule is I always arrive at least 4 hours before takeoff. I adjust the commute time to maintain this depending on where I am at.

2. Not Using Travel- or Flight-Tracking Apps – Using travel- and flight-tracking apps can significantly enhance your travel experience. These apps provide real-time updates on check-in times, flight delays, gate changes, baggage carousels, and more. I rely on apps like Kayak and TripIt to keep my travel plans organized and stress-free. These tools notify me of any changes and help me stay on top of things.

3. Overpacking – Always travel light. Packing too much can lead to excess baggage fees and difficulty maneuvering through the airport and your entire trip. I have many tips on packing light on my channel.

4. Ignoring Security Regulations – Follow local security regulations to go through airport security smoothly.

5. Forgetting Travel Documents – Make a list of the documents you need to carry and triple check before leaving home.

6. Not Understanding Baggage Policies - Different airlines have different baggage policies, including your connecting flights. Ensure your luggage meets the requirements.

7. Ignoring Layover Time - Make sure you have enough time between flights. I recommend at least 2 hours.

8. Not Using Airport Lounges - Take advantage of lounges to make your wait more comfortable. Many credit cards offer free lounges. Some lounges offer day passes, which can be a worthwhile investment for long layovers.

9. Not Keeping Eye on Belongings - Always keep an eye on your belongings to avoid losing them or becoming a target for theft. Use a secure bag and keep your valuables close to you.

10. Forgetting to Enjoy Your Trip – Don’t stress too much over your trip. It is important to enjoy this unique experience, as it won’t happen every day. 

How to Access Airport Lounges for Free (The Easiest Way)

Travel Hacks | Tips to Access Airport Lounges for Free

There are several strategies you can apply to access airport lounges for free without flying business class. Some of these strategies require pro-grade knowledge on frequent flyer programs and a lot of research or hassle. I have a podcast outlining some of them here: Accessing Airport Lounges for Free

However, the easiest and possibly the best way to access airport lounges for free is by having a credit card that gives you free lounge access as a perk. These travel credit cards come with a plethora of other travel benefits and features that are worth a lot more than the annual fee you pay. For example, things like free travel insurance, free concierge service, zero foreign currency transaction fee, and many more are available.

Here are my top 4 Canadian travel credit cards that provide easy airport lounge access without you setting foot on a business-class flight. All these cards have an annual fee of less than $150.

Sure, there are many other cards that provide lounge access, but I set them aside because they tend to charge a lot more than $150 annually.

Canadian Credit Card Options (Annual Fee ≤ $150):

- BMO World Elite MasterCard: 4 free lounge visits via Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass.

- CIBC Aventura Gold Visa & CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite: 4 free lounge visits via Visa Airport Companion - Program.

- Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite: 6 free lounge visits via Visa Airport Companion Program and offers no foreign transaction fees.

If you are reading this article from other parts of the globe, look for a similar credit card in your country that fits your needs. It is highly likely that you will find travel credit cards that give you free lounge access in your own country as well.

The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Long Flights: Lessons Learned from YYZ-NRT-BKK

Long Flight Survival Tips

Pre-Flight Preparation

Currency Exchange - Exchanging currency at the airport is a big NO. You will end up paying more fees and charges. Change a little bit of currency at your home country to survive the first couple days. Exchange for the rest at your destination country.  

Strategic Seat Booking – If you are a couple, book 2 seats in a row where no one else will be sitting with you and you will have both the aisle and the window seat. For solo travelers, I recommend the aisle seat if your flight is over 6 hours, so you can easily get up and walk every 2 hours.

Smart Packing - Packing light with comfortable clothing and essentials is crucial for a pleasant journey.

Light Carry-On Only - We check a small luggage which is shared by both of us. Our carry-on is also small enough to be considered a personal item. Traveling with a light carry-on or personal item bag can streamline your journey through security and make navigating the airport easier.

Online Check-In - Checking in online 24 hours before your flight is a great way to save time at the airport. You will have dedicated lines with lesser volumes to get your boarding pass and luggage tags and drop off your luggage and head to the gate directly.

Early Arrival - Arriving at the airport early allows you to relax and explore the airport or lounges, reducing stress and improving your overall travel experience. We arrive 3 to 4 hours early. Even if we are stuck in traffic for an hour, we still won’t miss the flight.

Airport Lounges - If you have access to airport lounges, consider using them for relaxation, complimentary food and drinks, and a more comfortable environment.

Trip Tracking App & Flight Apps – Always use a trip-tracking app like Kayak or TripIt. These apps show your trip visually to give you a better understanding of your trip. Also, if you double booked the same night twice and or missed one night, you will be able to visualize it.

I was out one night in Bangkok and these apps saved my trip by showing me my mistake. On a long trip, missing one night could ruin your entire month-long trip like a chain reaction.

In-Flight Comfort

Movement and Hydration - Getting up and walking around regularly, along with staying hydrated, are essential for preventing discomfort and promoting circulation. This is the reason I recommended booking an aisle seat earlier.

Skin Care - Using a hand cream and lip balm can combat the drying effects of airplane air.

Noise Reduction - Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can create a more peaceful environment for relaxation or sleep.

In-Flight Entertainment - Take advantage of the in-flight entertainment options. Purchase a Bluetooth adapter for airplanes to connect your earbuds to the in-flight entertainment system.

I discuss these tips and more on this video here. Strategic planning and packing light and carrying essentials can make or break your long flight and the entire trip. Check out my Travel Hacks Video Playlist for more videos before your next trip.