Lufthansa bans power banks on flights after battery fire incidents

Key Takeaways

• Effective May 22, 2025, Lufthansa bans charging power banks via in-seat power on all flights.
• Power banks over 160 Wh are prohibited; 100–160 Wh require prior approval with insulated packaging.
• Passengers must keep power banks visible, report malfunctions immediately, and carry only in hand luggage.

Legal Update: Lufthansa’s New Restrictions on Power Banks During Flights (Effective May 22, 2025)

Summary and Effective Date

On May 22, 2025, Lufthansa became the first major European airline to introduce strict, explicit rules on the use of portable power banks during flights. These new restrictions apply to all Lufthansa flights, including those operated by its low-cost subsidiary, Eurowings. The policy was enacted in response to a series of recent incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires on aircraft, most notably a January 2025 fire caused by a power bank on an Air Busan flight in South Korea. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move marks a significant shift in airline safety protocols and is expected to influence other carriers across Europe and beyond.

This legal update provides a comprehensive overview of the new Lufthansa policy, the reasons behind its introduction, the specific legal and practical changes, implications for different groups of travelers, a comparison with previous rules, and guidance on compliance. It also places the Lufthansa decision within the broader context of global aviation safety trends and outlines what passengers can expect in the near future.

Background and Reasons for the Policy Change

Why Did Lufthansa Restrict Power Banks on Flights?

The primary reason for Lufthansa’s new restrictions is the increased risk of fire from lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in power banks. These batteries can overheat, catch fire, or even explode—a phenomenon known as “thermal runaway.” While such incidents are rare, they can have catastrophic consequences in the confined space of an aircraft cabin.

Recent high-profile incidents have heightened industry concern:

• January 2025: A power bank caught fire on an Air Busan flight in South Korea, forcing an emergency response and raising international alarm.
• March 2025: A similar incident occurred on a Hong Kong Airlines flight, further emphasizing the risks.

These events prompted airlines and regulators to review and tighten their policies on carrying and using lithium-ion batteries in flight. Lufthansa’s decision aligns with a global trend, as several Asian and US airlines have already enacted similar rules. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) continues to recommend that power banks be carried in the cabin (not checked baggage) and limited to specific watt-hour ratings.

Affected Law and Policy Aspects

What Has Changed Under the New Lufthansa Policy?

The new Lufthansa rules introduce several key restrictions and requirements for passengers carrying power banks on flights:

• Charging Ban: Passengers are strictly prohibited from charging power banks using the in-seat power supply at any time.
• Visibility and Accessibility: When a power bank is being used to charge another device, it must be kept in sight and within easy reach at all times.
• Immediate Reporting: If a power bank is damaged, overheats, or emits smoke, passengers must immediately notify a flight attendant.
• Cabin Announcements: Cabin crew now make special announcements about these rules on every flight.

These new rules are in addition to existing restrictions, which remain in force:

• No Power Banks in Checked Baggage: Power banks are not allowed in checked luggage; they must be carried in hand luggage.
• Capacity Limits: Power banks with a capacity above 160 watt-hours (Wh) are strictly prohibited on all Lufthansa flights.
• Approval for Larger Devices: Power banks between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require prior airline approval and must be registered before travel.
• Insulated Packaging: Spare batteries in the 100–160 Wh range must be kept in insulated packaging.
• IATA Compliance: All batteries and power banks must comply with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

Technical Limits and Quantitative Data

The following table summarizes Lufthansa’s current rules on power bank capacity:

Implications for Different Stakeholder Groups

How Does the New Policy Affect Passengers, Crew, and Airlines?

Passengers:
– Must keep power banks visible and accessible when in use.
– Cannot use in-seat power outlets to recharge power banks.
– Must be vigilant for signs of malfunction (damage, overheating, smoke) and report immediately.
– Those with larger power banks (100–160 Wh) must seek prior approval and ensure proper packaging.
– Cannot pack power banks in checked luggage under any circumstances.

Cabin Crew:
– Required to make special announcements about the new rules on every flight.
– Must respond immediately to any incidents involving power banks.
– Responsible for enforcing compliance and assisting passengers with questions or emergencies.

Airlines (Lufthansa and Subsidiaries):
– Must update training for crew and ground staff.
– Need to communicate new rules clearly to passengers before and during travel.
– Required to monitor compliance and handle incidents according to safety protocols.

Comparison with Previous Law and Policy

What Was the Old Policy, and How Is the New One Different?

Previous Lufthansa Policy:
– Followed standard IATA guidelines: power banks allowed in carry-on, not in checked baggage.
– Capacity limits were enforced, but charging power banks via in-seat outlets was not explicitly banned.
– No specific requirement for power banks to be kept in sight or within reach during use.
– Reporting of malfunctions was encouraged but not formally required.

New Lufthansa Policy (Effective May 22, 2025):
– Explicit ban on charging power banks using in-seat power.
– Mandatory visibility and accessibility of power banks when in use.
– Immediate reporting of any damage, overheating, or smoke is now a formal requirement.
– Special announcements made on every flight to inform passengers.

This shift represents a move from general safety recommendations to strict, enforceable rules with clear consequences for non-compliance.

Implementation Timeline

• May 22, 2025: Policy officially enacted and enforced on all Lufthansa and Eurowings flights.
• Immediate Effect: Cabin crew began making announcements and enforcing the new rules.
• Ongoing: Lufthansa continues to update its website and passenger communications to reflect the changes.

Step-by-Step Procedures for Passengers

How Can Travelers Comply with the New Rules?

Before Travel:
1. Check the power bank’s watt-hour (Wh) rating.
– This information is usually printed on the device or its packaging.
2. If the power bank is between 100–160 Wh:
– Contact Lufthansa for approval and register the device before your flight.
– Ensure the device is in insulated packaging if required.
3. If the power bank is over 160 Wh:
– Do not bring it—it is strictly prohibited.

At the Airport:
– Pack power banks in your carry-on luggage only.
– Do not place power banks in checked baggage under any circumstances.

On Board:
– Do not charge power banks using in-seat power outlets.
– Keep power banks in sight and within easy reach when charging other devices.
– Immediately inform cabin crew if your power bank is damaged, overheats, or emits smoke.

Practical Example:
Imagine you are flying from Frankfurt to New York with a 120 Wh power bank. You must:
– Contact Lufthansa before your trip to get approval and register the device.
– Pack it in insulated packaging and place it in your carry-on.
– Never plug the power bank into the seat’s power outlet during the flight.
– If you use it to charge your phone, keep it on your tray table or in your hand, not buried in a bag.
– If you notice any heat or smoke, alert the crew immediately.

Expert Analysis and Perspectives

Aviation Safety Experts:
Experts warn that lithium-ion batteries can enter “thermal runaway,” a chain reaction that can cause fires or explosions. Even though such events are rare, the consequences in an aircraft cabin can be severe. The new Lufthansa policy aims to minimize these risks by ensuring that any incident can be detected and managed quickly.

IATA (International Air Transport Association):
IATA supports evidence-based safety measures and cautions against “knee-jerk reactions” that could confuse passengers or create new risks. The organization continues to recommend that power banks be carried in the cabin, not checked baggage, and that airlines set clear, consistent rules.

Travel Consultants:
Travel experts advise passengers to check airline-specific rules before flying, as policies can vary widely. What is allowed on one airline may be banned on another, especially as more carriers adopt stricter rules.

Background Context and Historical Development

Global Trend:
Lufthansa’s move follows similar restrictions by airlines in Asia and the United States. For example, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, and Thai Airways have all banned charging or even using power banks during flights. In the US, Southwest Airlines has also tightened its rules.

Notable Incidents:
– Air Busan (January 2025): Fire caused by a power bank led to an emergency landing.
– Hong Kong Airlines (March 2025): Another battery-related fire prompted further restrictions.

These incidents have driven regulatory changes and increased vigilance across the industry.

Regulatory Alignment:
Lufthansa’s policy is closely aligned with IATA guidelines and reflects a growing consensus among airlines that stricter controls are needed to ensure passenger safety.

Future Outlook and Anticipated Developments

Potential for Wider Adoption:
As Lufthansa is the first major European carrier to enact these restrictions, it is likely that other European and global airlines will follow suit in the coming months.

Ongoing Review:
IATA and national aviation authorities are monitoring incident data and may update global standards if further evidence of risk emerges.

Passenger Education:
Expect to see more communication from airlines about battery safety, both at check-in and during flights. Stricter enforcement at boarding and in the cabin is likely.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

For Passengers:
– Always check your airline’s latest rules on power banks before you travel.
– Know your device’s watt-hour rating and seek approval if needed.
– Never pack power banks in checked luggage.
– Follow all crew instructions and report any issues immediately.

For Airlines:
– Update staff training and passenger communications.
– Monitor compliance and incident reports.
– Coordinate with industry groups to ensure best practices.

For Regulators:
– Continue to review incident data and update guidelines as needed.
– Promote clear, consistent rules across airlines to avoid confusion.

Official Resources and Further Information

• Lufthansa Official Policy: Lufthansa Electronic Devices and Batteries
• IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations: IATA Lithium Battery Guidance
• Contact Lufthansa Customer Service: For approval of larger power banks or specific questions, visit the Lufthansa Contact Page.

Conclusion

Lufthansa’s new restrictions on power banks—banning charging via in-seat power, requiring visibility and accessibility, and mandating immediate reporting of malfunctions—reflect a growing global trend in response to lithium-ion battery fire risks. These rules are now strictly enforced, with clear technical limits and procedural requirements for passengers. The policy is likely to influence other carriers, and further regulatory developments are possible as the industry continues to monitor battery safety incidents. By staying informed and following these guidelines, travelers can help ensure their own safety and that of everyone on board.

For the latest updates and detailed requirements, always refer to the official Lufthansa website or contact their customer service before your next flight.

Learn Today

Power Bank → A portable device that stores electrical energy to recharge other devices on the go.
Lithium-ion Battery → A rechargeable battery type prone to overheating and fire if damaged or improperly handled.
Watt-hour (Wh) → A unit measuring battery capacity, indicating how much energy a battery stores and delivers.
Thermal Runaway → A dangerous chain reaction in lithium batteries causing rapid overheating and potential fire or explosion.
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations → International standards governing the safe transport of hazardous materials, including batteries, by air.

This Article in a Nutshell

Lufthansa enacted strict power bank rules on May 22, 2025, banning in-seat charging and enforcing visibility. These measures reduce fire risks from lithium-ion batteries and set new safety standards expected to influence airlines worldwide, ensuring passengers comply with capacity limits and carry power banks in hand luggage only.
— By VisaVerge.com

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