German flag carrier Lufthansa has announced changes to the carriage and use of power banks and battery packs across all Lufthansa Group flights, effective from the 15th of January 2026. The move comes amid growing pressure on airlines to reassess lithium battery policies following a rise in onboard fire-related incidents.
Under the revised rules, passengers may carry a maximum of two power banks in their carry-on luggage. Devices must be kept either in the seatback pocket, under the seat, or on the passenger’s person, and are not permitted in overhead bins. Crucially, power banks may not be used or charged at any point during the flight, requiring passengers to rely instead on in-seat USB ports or universal power outlets where available.
Power banks with a capacity between 100Wh and 160Wh will require prior airline approval, although approved medical devices are exempt. The policy applies across the Lufthansa Group, including SWISS, Eurowings, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, Edelweiss, and Air Dolomiti.
Growing pressure on airlines to adapt power bank policies
Airlines worldwide are adopting more cautious approaches to power bank carriage and use, driven by an increasing number of lithium battery incidents. One of the most serious incidents occurred in January 2025, when a power bank fire engulfed an Air Busan Airbus A321, injuring 27 people.
A Lufthansa spokesperson cited updated recommendations from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as a key factor behind the policy change.
Lufthansa now joins a growing list of airlines that have banned or significantly restricted the use and charging of power banks onboard, including Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Thai Airways, Qantas, Jetstar, and AirAsia. AirlineRatings.com will continue to support and welcome changes to power bank policies.
READ MORE: Staying calm and informed is critical in an emergency, including understanding the risks associated with power banks and batteries. Learn more in our Beyond the Seatbelt article.
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