Lufthansa has taken a major step in aviation safety, becoming the first European airline to ban the use of portable power banks on board its aircraft. The new rules came into force on January 15, 2026, marking a significant shift in cabin policy for passengers.
Why Are Power Banks Now Banned?
The decision follows growing global concern over the fire risk posed by lithium-ion batteries inside portable chargers. While the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) does not ban them in cabins, it strongly advises they are never packed in hold luggage due to the serious hazard they can present if damaged, faulty, or old.
These batteries can become volatile under the high-pressure conditions experienced during flight. The move was heavily prompted by a major incident in South Korea in January 2025, where a power bank caused a fire that destroyed a passenger plane.
Lufthansa is not alone in its caution. Over the past year, international carriers including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific have introduced similar bans with varying degrees of strictness.
What Lufthansa's New Rules Mean for Passengers
Effective immediately, Lufthansa passengers face several key restrictions. Passengers are prohibited from charging any electronic device, like a phone or tablet, from a power bank during a flight. It is also forbidden to charge the power bank itself using the aircraft's power supply.
Furthermore, power banks can no longer be stored in overhead lockers. They must be kept on your person, in the seat pocket, or inside your carry-on baggage stowed under the seat in front of you. The existing ban on power banks in checked baggage remains firmly in place.
Passengers are allowed to bring a maximum of two power banks on board, each with a battery capacity not exceeding 100 watt-hours. The only exception to the new rules is for power banks used to operate essential medical devices.
Which Airlines Are Affected?
The ban impacts the entire Lufthansa Group. This means passengers flying with the following ten airlines must also adhere to the new regulations:
- Swiss International Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Brussels Airlines
- Air Dolomiti
- Edelweiss Air
- Eurowings
- Discover Airlines
- SunExpress
- ITA Airways
While Lufthansa leads the way in Europe, major UK carriers like British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair have not yet introduced their own bans. However, with this trend now firmly established in Europe, they may soon review their policies.
Passengers booked on any airline that has implemented a ban are strongly advised to check the specific carrier's website for precise details before they travel, as rules can differ slightly.
