Lufthansa and Lufthansa Group airlines have tightened rules for carrying power banks in the cabin. Find out what is prohibited, what the limits are and how to prepare for your flight in 2026

German airline Lufthansa has announced stricter rules for transporting portable chargers (power banks) on board aircraft. The reason was the growing risk of lithium batteries catching fire, as well as a number of incidents, including a fire on a flight of the South Korean airline Air Busan in January 2025.

After this incident, European air carriers began to review their internal safety policies, and Lufthansa became one of the first companies in Europe to introduce stricter restrictions.

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What has changed in Lufthansa's rules?

According to the updated requirements, passengers are prohibited from using power banks during the flight, as well as charging mobile phones, tablets or other electronic devices with them. In addition, it is no longer allowed to connect portable batteries to the on-board infotainment systems.

At the same time, the airline confirmed that:

- Power banks, as before, are allowed to be transported only in hand luggage;

- They are strictly prohibited from being placed in checked luggage;

- Chargers can no longer be stored in the overhead compartments - they must be under the seat or directly with the passenger.

Quantity and capacity restrictions

Lufthansa has also set clear limits:

- No more than two power banks per passenger;

- Maximum capacity – up to 100 Wh (approximately 27,000 mAh);

- Batteries with a higher capacity can only be transported with prior approval from the airline.

In the absence of permission, such devices may be confiscated and destroyed before boarding.

Who is subject to the new rules for transporting power banks?

The updated requirements apply not only to Lufthansa flights, but also to all airlines that are part of the Lufthansa Group or are its affiliated carriers, in particular:

- SWISS

- Austrian Airlines

- Brussels Airlines

- Eurowings

- Discover Airlines

- Edelweiss

- Air Dolomiti

The airline notes that the changes have been implemented in accordance with the updated recommendations of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Why are airlines tightening controls?

Lithium batteries pose a potential danger due to the risk of overheating and ignition. This is exactly what happened in January 2025 on board an Airbus A321 operated by Air Busan, which was still on the ground. A power bank in the overhead compartment caught fire and the fire spread throughout the fuselage in just a few minutes.

The incident injured 27 people, and passengers were evacuated via emergency stairs. The investigation confirmed that the cause of the fire was a damaged portable charger.

New rules for traveling in Europe and beyond

Starting from January 15, 2026, other European airlines are gradually introducing similar restrictions. The general requirements are as follows:

- power banks are allowed only in hand luggage;

- their use during the flight is prohibited;

- maximum quantity – 2 units;

- storage – under the seat or in the seat pocket;

- batteries over 100 Wh – only with the permission of the airline.

What should passengers consider?

Travelers are advised to charge their electronic devices in advance before flying or use the aircraft's built-in USB ports, if available. It is also worth checking the rules of a specific airline before traveling, as requirements may vary depending on the carrier and route.

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