Although restrictions on packing lithium-ion batteries and power banks containing lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage date back to 2016, airlines often have different rules on how passengers can store them in carry-on luggage, given the higher risk of lithium-ion batteries catching fire.
Following several in-cabin incidents, Asian carriers AirAsia and Korean Air have updated their policies to require passengers to keep in-flight power banks close and visible. Southwest became the first U.S. airline to do so in May 2025.
“When using a portable charger/power bank on board, [the item] Must be visible (not stored in bag) [and] Not to be used to charge devices in overhead bins,” Southwest Airlines’ policy on transporting any device that uses lithium batteries now states on its website.
The policy surrounding power banks stems from the fact that these types of batteries store a lot of energy in a small box and are therefore particularly susceptible to catching fire from friction or other contact that could cause a short circuit.
The latest major airline to regulate portable chargers is Lufthansa Group. The continent’s largest airline group supports not only its namesake Lufthansa but also six regional airlines including Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Alitalia, Eurowings, Air Dolomiti and Edelweiss.
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In a press release on January 15, the Lufthansa Group announced that any power banks carried by passengers “may not be used or charged on board.”
“Each passenger is allowed to carry up to two power banks in carry-on luggage,” the release states. “These devices may only be stored in seat pockets, on the passenger or in carry-on luggage under the seat.”
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) issued a ban in 2016 on chargers and other devices with lithium-ion batteries in checked baggage. However, Lufthansa’s new direction differs from other airlines changing their onboard transportation policies because Lufthansa focuses on the use of chargers, not just where they are stored.
The policy also states that the rule does not apply to a selected list of common approved medical devices, but that specific devices with a power capacity greater than 100 Wh must be pre-approved by the airline before being carried on board.