Lufthansa Group Bans Power Bank Use Onboard: What Travelers Must Know Now
Key Points
- 1Lufthansa Group bans the use and charging of power banks and e-cigarettes on all flights, effective January 15, 2026.
- 2Power banks must be carried in carry-on baggage only and stored under the seat or in the seat pocket, not in overhead bins.
- 3Passengers are limited to two power banks, with a maximum capacity of 100 Wh; those up to 160 Wh require prior airline approval.
- 4The new rules are based on safety recommendations from IATA, EASA, and other aviation authorities due to lithium battery fire risks.
The Lufthansa Group has announced strict new rules for passengers. These rules cover power banks and e-cigarettes on all flights. The policy changes took effect on Thursday, January 15, 2026. This major update applies across all Lufthansa Group airlines. Affected carriers include Lufthansa, Swiss, Eurowings, and Austrian Airlines.
New Power Bank and E-Cigarette Rules
This move is a direct effort to enhance passenger safety. It follows several fire incidents linked to lithium-ion batteries. The new regulations align with recommendations from global bodies. These include the IATA and the EASA.
Restrictions on Use and Charging
Passengers face the most significant change in how they use devices. Power banks may not be used or charged during any flight. This includes using them to charge phones or tablets. Charging the power bank itself from the aircraft is also forbidden. An exception exists for approved essential medical devices.
E-cigarettes face similar new restrictions. They must remain switched off for the entire flight. Accidental activation must be prevented by the passenger.
Limits on Capacity and Storage
The Lufthansa Group power bank rules also detail carriage limits. Each passenger can carry a maximum of two power banks. These devices are strictly prohibited in checked baggage. They must be carried in carry-on baggage only.
Storage rules are now more specific for passenger safety. Power banks cannot be stowed in overhead luggage bins. They must be kept close to the passenger. Acceptable storage locations include the seat pocket or under the seat in front. This ensures quick access in case of an incident.
Capacity limits are based on power bank watt-hour limit (Wh).
- Maximum 100 Wh: Permitted in carry-on baggage (max two per person).
- 100 Wh to 160 Wh: Requires prior airline approval.
- Over 160 Wh: Completely prohibited for passengers.
Industry and Traveler Impact
This policy reflects a global trend in flying with lithium batteries. Airlines worldwide are tightening airline carry-on restrictions. The core concern is the fire risk posed by lithium-ion batteries. These fires are hard to extinguish in the cargo hold. Keeping batteries in the cabin allows crew to respond quickly.
Travelers should check their devices before flying. The Wh rating is often printed on the power bank. Passengers must follow these new passenger safety regulations. This ensures a safer journey for everyone on board. For more updates on commercial aviation news, visit the flying.flights website.
Topics
Written by
Ujjwal SukhwaniAviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
View ProfileYou Might Also Like
Discover more aviation news based on similar topics
Why Did India's DGCA Ban In-Flight Power Bank Charging for Passenger Safety?
India's DGCA prohibited the use of power banks for in-flight charging, citing lithium battery fire risks and aligning with global ICAO safety standards.
Lufthansa 747-8 Diverts to Shannon After Medical Emergency, Jettisons Fuel
Lufthansa flight LH-462, a Boeing 747-8 from Frankfurt to Miami, diverted to Shannon Airport due to a passenger's cardiac medical emergency, requiring an emergency fuel jettison.
Air Canada Flight AC1502 Returns After Baggage Handler Trapped in Cargo Hold
Air Canada flight AC1502 returned to the gate at Toronto Pearson after passengers heard screams, discovering a baggage handler trapped in the cargo hold, prompting a safety review.
Lufthansa Commits to More Boeing 777X Jets Amid Certification Progress
Lufthansa ordered additional Boeing 777X widebody aircraft, reaffirming its long-haul fleet modernization strategy despite the jet's ongoing certification process.
Ryanair Settles €5,000 Hot Coffee Burn Claim on Mallorca Flight
Ryanair paid a UK nurse nearly €5,000 in an out-of-court settlement after she suffered severe burns from a hot coffee scalding incident on a flight to Mallorca, raising flight safety equipment concerns.
Why Did the FAA Probe a Dangerous Near Miss Between United and American Flights at Chicago O'Hare?
FAA is investigating a serious near-miss incident at Chicago O'Hare International Airport involving United and American Airlines flights cleared for takeoff on intersecting runways.