New Lufthansa Power Bank Restrictions – What Changes in 2026
Lufthansa Group has implemented stricter power bank regulations effective from January 15, 2026, prioritizing passenger and crew safety due to increasing incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires on aircraft. This update aligns with recommendations from aviation authorities like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and follows global trends seen with carriers such as Qantas and Emirates.
These enhanced rules apply fleet-wide across the Lufthansa Group, including Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, Edelweiss Air, Air Dolomiti, and partners like ITA Airways in relevant operations.
Key Prohibitions and Restrictions
- No in-flight use or charging: Power banks cannot be used to charge phones, tablets, or other devices during the flight. Charging the power bank itself via aircraft outlets is also banned. Exception: Approved medical devices remain permitted.
- Maximum of 2 power banks per passenger: This strict limit helps reduce overall fire risk from multiple lithium batteries.
- Carry-on only – no checked baggage: Power banks are classified as spare/replacement batteries and are prohibited in checked luggage due to limited crew access in case of thermal runaway or fire.
Capacity Limits and Approval Requirements
- Up to 100 Wh (watt-hours): Fully allowed without special permission (most common consumer power banks fall here).
- 100 Wh to 160 Wh: Require prior approval from the airline before travel—contact Lufthansa Group in advance via their website or customer service.
- Over 160 Wh: Generally not permitted on board.
Always check the Wh rating printed on your power bank (often near the capacity in mAh—convert if needed: Wh = mAh × Voltage / 1000). For example, a 20,000 mAh at 3.7V is about 74 Wh.
Proper Storage Onboard
For quick crew intervention if overheating occurs, power banks must be stored:
- On your person (e.g., in a pocket)
- In the seatback pocket in front of you
- In carry-on luggage placed under the seat in front of you
Overhead bins are strictly off-limits for power banks
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Inspect your power bank before heading to the airport—look for the Wh label and ensure it’s protected against short circuits (original packaging or a case is ideal).
- If your device exceeds 100 Wh, reach out to the airline early for approval to avoid gate issues.
- Rely on aircraft USB/power outlets for charging phones/tablets where available (many Lufthansa Group aircraft have them in-seat).
- In case of any battery-related incident, follow crew instructions calmly—modern aircraft have enhanced fire suppression for such events.
These measures reflect a proactive step toward safer skies amid rising lithium battery concerns. Plan accordingly to ensure a smooth journey!
