Lufthansa Group bans in-flight use and charging of power banks

The Lufthansa Group will introduce stricter rules on the carriage and use of power banks from 15 January, citing enhanced onboard safety and fire-risk prevention linked to lithium batteries.

Under the new policy, power banks may no longer be used or charged during the flight, including charging devices such as smartphones or tablets. Charging power banks from the aircraft’s power supply is also prohibited. Each passenger may carry a maximum of two power banks.

Power banks must be kept on the passenger’s person, in the seat pocket, or in carry-on baggage under the seat. They are no longer permitted in overhead bins and remain strictly forbidden in checked baggage. The maximum permitted battery capacity without approval is 100 watt-hours; devices between 100 and 160 watt-hours require prior airline authorisation. The same rules apply to e-cigarettes. An exception is made for essential medical devices, which may continue to be powered by power banks.

The measures align with the latest recommendations from EASA, FAA, IATA and ICAO and apply across the entire Lufthansa Group network.

Further details are available on the SWISS website under electronic devices and batteries.