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Lufthansa, Swiss international Air Lines, and other airlines within the Lufthansa Group have implemented stricter regulations regarding the use of portable power banks (also known as power packs) on flights. These changes, prompted by safety concerns, restrict how and where these devices can be used and carried. As of January 18, 2026, passengers are prohibited from charging power banks during flights or using them to charge other devices.
New Regulations for Power Banks
The updated rules, aligned with recommendations from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), aim to mitigate the risk of in-flight fires. Here’s a breakdown of the key regulations:
- Carry-on Only: Power banks are permitted in on-board baggage (carry-on luggage) but remain strictly prohibited in checked baggage.
- Placement: Power banks must be carried on the person or stored in the overhead bin. They are no longer allowed to be stowed under the seat in front of you.
- Watt-hour Limit: The maximum capacity for power banks is limited to 100 watt-hours (Wh). Batteries exceeding this limit require prior approval from the airline. EASA guidelines provide detailed facts on watt-hour calculations.
- Quantity Limit: Passengers are limited to carrying a maximum of two power banks.
Why the Change?
the stricter regulations stem from increasing concerns about the potential for thermal runaway – a chain reaction that can lead to fires – in lithium-ion batteries. This concern was heightened following an incident in early 2025 involving an Air Busan Airbus A321, where a fire broke out while the aircraft was on the ground in Busan, South Korea. The fire, believed to have been caused by a power bank, quickly spread, requiring passengers to evacuate via emergency slides. While no serious injuries were reported, the incident prompted a review of safety protocols by airlines worldwide.
A lufthansa spokesperson confirmed that the new rules apply to all airlines within the Lufthansa Group,including Swiss,Eurowings,Austrian Airlines,Discover,Brussels Airlines,Edelweiss,and Air Dolomiti. The airline encourages passengers to fully charge their devices before their flight or utilize onboard USB ports where available.
Understanding Watt-hours (Wh)
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