November 19, 2025, 4:26 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
A technical device that should not be missing from any carry-on is increasingly becoming a safety risk on board: power banks. After several incidents with burning batteries, more and more airlines worldwide are tightening their rules, with sometimes drastic consequences for passengers. Anyone traveling by plane soon should carefully check their power bank. In some countries, it is not even allowed on board.
Fire Alarm Above the Clouds
A recent incident highlights the danger: On board an Airbus A321 of Air China, a power bank in the overhead compartment caught fire on a flight from Hangzhou to Seoul on November 15, 2025, at about 11 kilometers altitude. The plane had to make an emergency landing in Shanghai. The crew was able to extinguish the fire in time, and the passengers were unharmed. But it could have been worse—as a previous incident shows: In January 2025, a plane of South Korea’s Air Busan was completely destroyed after a power bank caught fire. Fortunately, the aircraft was still on the ground, and all 169 passengers and seven crew members escaped unharmed.
Only in Carry-On–Never in Checked Luggage
There is now a clear rule worldwide: Power banks may only be carried in carry-on luggage. Stowing them in checked luggage is generally prohibited by airlines such as Lufthansa, Emirates, or Singapore Airlines.
The capacity of the power bank is particularly important. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) defines clear limits:
- Up to 100 watt-hours (Wh): allowed without prior notification.
- 100 to 160 Wh: only with the airline’s approval.
- Over 160 Wh: completely prohibited.
Use on Board? Increasingly Unwanted in Europe
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) recommends neither charging nor using power banks on board. While this is not yet mandatory in every EU country, more and more airlines are following this guideline.
The Lufthansa Group still allows power banks with up to 100 Wh in carry-on luggage, with higher capacities only with approval. However, visual inspection is emphasized: Use should only occur under supervision. Power banks should be “visible and under observation.” At Discover Airlines, Lufthansa’s holiday flight subsidiary, use has been completely prohibited since October 5, 2025. Only transport in carry-on luggage is still allowed.
Condor also follows EASA recommendations: no charging on board, no transport over 100 Wh, and short-circuit protection is required. TUIfly allows a maximum of 20 individual batteries or one power bank up to 100 Wh, but also advises against using them on the plane.
Also interesting: These Two Things You Should Better Not Do With Your Smartphone at the Airport
Stricter Regulations in Asia
Some Asian airlines are now going much further. Since April 1, 2025, Singapore Airlines has completely banned charging and using power banks on board. The same applies to EVA Air since March. Cathay Pacific stipulates: Power banks may neither be stored in the overhead compartment nor used—they belong under the front seat or in the seat pocket.
Japanese airlines ANA and JAL are less restrictive but follow the general developments in Asia. Use is not explicitly prohibited, but not recommended. Instead, the airlines rely on the travelers’ responsibility.
In China, Partial Complete Ban on Power Banks
Particularly strict regulations apply in China: Since June 28, 2025, only power banks with official Chinese 3C certification are allowed on domestic flights. Devices without certification or with recall status are completely banned—even in carry-on luggage.
For airlines like Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern, it also applies: Power banks may only be carried but not used or charged. China Southern makes it clear: “do not use, do not charge, completely turn off.”
Gulf Airlines Also Tighten Rules
In the Middle East, the regulations have also become significantly more restrictive recently. Emirates has completely banned the use of power banks on board since October 1, 2025. Qatar Airways and Etihad have also prohibited charging.
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In the USA, Visibility is Key
In the United States, the rule for major airlines like American, United, and Delta is: Power banks only in carry-on luggage, up to a maximum of 160 Wh. The low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines tightened the regulations in May 2025: Charging in closed bags or compartments is prohibited—the power bank must be visible and easily accessible.
Before Departure: Check Your Power Bank!
Travelers should carefully check their power bank before departure—for capacity, certification, and current airline regulations on use. The safest way: fully charge the smartphone before the flight. Many airports offer free charging stations for this purpose.