Airlines are taking new precautions to prevent battery-related fires, with Germany’s Lufthansa leading the way in Europe after a serious incident involving a power bank on a South Korean Air Busan flight in January 2025.
New Safety Measures for Passengers
Lufthansa has updated its in-flight rules for power banks and battery packs. Passengers can no longer use these devices to charge their phones or connect them to seatback entertainment systems during flights. While power banks are still allowed in cabin luggage, placing them in overhead compartments or checked baggage is now prohibited. Travelers must keep them on their person or under the seat in hand luggage.
Limits on Size and Quantity
The airline has capped power banks at 100 watt hours, roughly 27,000 milliampere-hours. Passengers who wish to bring larger batteries must notify the airline and get prior approval; undeclared oversized batteries risk confiscation and destruction. Each passenger is limited to carrying two power banks per flight. These rules apply to all Lufthansa-operated and affiliated airlines, including Swiss, Eurowings, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Edelweiss, Discover, and Air Dolomiti. Travelers are encouraged to fully charge devices before boarding or use the aircraft’s USB ports.
The Incident That Sparked Change
The policy change comes after a fire on a South Korean Air Busan Airbus A321, caused by a power bank in an overhead compartment. The blaze occurred while the plane was still on the ground, injuring 27 people. Investigators confirmed the charred battery triggered the fire, which quickly engulfed the fuselage. Passengers evacuated using emergency slides.
The event prompted aviation authorities worldwide to review safety standards for lithium batteries, and airlines are now acting to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
