A major European airline group has changed its safety rules about the use of power banks on board. The Lufthansa Group, which includes twelve carriers such as Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, Eurowings, ITA Airways, and Swiss International Air Lines, has published new regulations, in force since 15 January 2026.
The new rules state that passengers are no longer allowed to use a power bank to charge another device, nor to charge a power bank during a flight. The only permitted use of a power bank in-flight is to operate essential medical devices.
The maximum number of power banks per person is two, and the battery power of each is limited to 100 watt-hours (Wh). Any power banks with a battery power of between 100 and a maximum of 160 Wh are only permitted on board with prior airline approval.
Dear @lufthansa! Jan 12th you announced a new rule for power banks aboard your flights. It states that, from Jan 15th, power banks 100-160wh must be approved by the airline in advance. How and where is this done? Thank you in advance. pic.twitter.com/k5xCAajMID
— Adam Potrykus (Stoffski) (@Adam__Potrykus) January 19, 2026
A statement from SWISS said the shift would “enhance safety on board for both passengers and crew members,” going on to explain that “with its lithium battery, a malfunctioning power bank is a potential fire risk.” Similarly, Lufthansa Group’s press release said the new approach “ensures a uniform handling of power banks on board across all its airlines. In addition, clear and consistent implementation on board supports overall flight safety.” The carriers emphasise that the new rules are in line with the latest recommendations from the EASA, FAA, IATA and ICAO international aviation organizations.
In addition, both companies said power banks may no longer be placed in the overhead baggage bins but must be kept on the passenger’s person or stowed in the seat pocket or in their carry-on baggage under the seat in front. The same applies to e-cigarettes.
The decision comes due to increasing concern about the volatility of power banks and e-cigarette batteries, which have been behind a growing number of fire and smoke incidents on board planes. Australian, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines have all already brought in new rules on power bank use. Air passengers also risk getting caught out in China, where similar rules apply, but power banks must also carry the “China Compulsory Certification (3C) mark.”
Big heads-up for anyone flying this year ⚠️
— Fahad Naim (@Fahadnaimb) January 13, 2026
Starting Jan 1, 2026, IATA rolled out updated guidance on power banks and lithium batteries and a bunch of airlines are already treating it like hard rules.
-Power banks still banned in checked luggage (been that way for ages, but… pic.twitter.com/7xgZBA6cxO
Summary of key Lufthansa Group rules
- Maximum of two power banks per person
- Charging devices with a power bank is not permitted on board
- Charging power banks via on-board power sources is not permitted
- Usage for operating essential medical devices remains permitted
- Storage in overhead compartments is not permitted; carriage is exclusively in carry-on baggage under the seat, in the seat pocket, or on the person
- Maximum permitted battery capacity: 100 Wh
- Carriage of power banks with a capacity between 100 Wh and max. 160 Wh requires approval from the respective airline
- The same regulations also apply to e-cigarettes
