Lufthansa Limits Number of Power Banks Passengers Can Carry

3 days ago 4

January 22, 2026 | 12:07 pm

Illustration of economy class airplane passengers. Freepik.com/DC Studios

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The habit of charging devices in-flight is no longer a free-for-all for Lufthansa Group passengers. Starting January 15, 2026, the German airline group, which includes Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, and ITA Airways, announced new rules regarding the use of power banks or portable chargers on board aircraft.

The rules limit passengers to two portable chargers and their use during the flight. Furthermore, passengers are prohibited from charging using electrical outlets on board. Lufthansa follows in the footsteps of other airlines such as Emirates, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines, which have already implemented rules regarding the use of power banks.

Dangerous risks of portable power devices

Behind their compact form, these portable electronic devices pose hidden risks that can jeopardize air travel. Travel consultant Collin Pearson said the main problem with portable chargers is the lithium-ion batteries they contain. If damaged, the batteries can overheat, catching fire or even exploding. "It's extremely dangerous in confined spaces like airplanes," he said, as reported by Euronews.

The risk of flammable lithium-ion batteries when exposed to high pressure or extreme temperatures during flight is increasing. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has recommended that power banks be stored only in passenger carry-on baggage. This includes specifying specific battery capacities to reduce the risk of fire.

Incidents with portable power devices are rare. Pearson also emphasized the importance of the safety of all passengers and cabin crew. "A single incident can have far-reaching consequences," he said.

Power Bank Regulations

Several airlines have issued updated regulations regarding the use of portable power devices and aircraft power outlets. These include bans on large-capacity portable power devices or limits on the number of devices carried.

It's important for travelers to check their airline's policies regarding these electronic devices. "The rules can vary," Pearson said.

He also recommended charging devices before travel or charging them at the airport. "This power bank ban is another step to ensure safer flights for everyone," he said.

Keep power banks in your carry-on bag or suitcase in the passenger cabin. Always check the latest regulations regarding these devices. Check whether the airline allows these devices to be stored in the overhead bin or must be stored in the seat.

Meanwhile, according to Travel + Leisure, passengers can generally bring portable power devices with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours without airline approval. Portable power devices with a capacity of between 100 and 160 watt-hours require special permission, and those with a capacity of more than 160 watt-hours are not permitted on flights.

Imanda Zahwa Priyankany contributed for this article.

Read: Emirates Bans In-Flight Use of Power Banks

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