Major global airlines and aviation safety organizations have implemented stricter bans on carrying power banks and e-cigarettes in checked baggage. This coordinated regulatory push, led by updates from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in March 2026, responds to a sharp increase in battery-related thermal incidents aboard passenger aircraft.
In early 2026, carriers within the Lufthansa Group – including Eurowings, Swiss, and Austrian Airlines – prohibited the transport of these devices in cargo holds. They also banned the active use of e-cigarettes inside the cabin. The restrictions apply to all devices with integrated lithium-ion batteries, such as portable air pumps, handheld gaming consoles, and electronic instruments.
This policy aligns with safety guidelines from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) now identifies lithium-ion batteries as the primary safety hazard in modern aviation.
According to CAA data, the number of battery-powered devices discovered in checked baggage nearly doubled in a single year, rising from 316 cases in 2024 to 643 cases in 2025. On average, a single passenger carries four lithium-powered devices, translating to over 2,000 batteries aboard a fully occupied Airbus A380.
New Global Limits on Portable Power Banks
To mitigate the risk of thermal runaway from damaged or low-quality batteries, the ICAO updated its global safety standards on March 27, 2026. Passengers are now restricted to a maximum of two portable power banks in their carry-on baggage. Individual countries and airlines reserve the right to enforce even stricter limits.
While high-quality lithium-ion batteries are generally stable, everyday wear, drops, or manufacturing defects in cheap, uncertified products can cause them to overheat and ignite. In the cargo hold, such fires can go undetected until they trigger catastrophic systems failures.
To prevent these hazards, passengers must calculate their device capacities before arriving at the airport. Most standard consumer electronics fall safely under the unrestricted limits, but larger backup batteries require airline notification.
| Battery Capacity (Watt-hours) | Carry-on Status | Checked Baggage Status | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 100 Wh (e.g., standard 10,000 mAh / 42 Wh pack) | Allowed (Max 2 power banks) | Prohibited | No prior approval needed |
| 100 Wh to 160 Wh | Allowed (Subject to airline approval) | Prohibited | Must register with the airline before flight |
| Over 160 Wh | Prohibited | Prohibited | Cannot be transported on passenger flights |
Carry-On Device Allowances and Storage Rules
Most airlines allow passengers to bring up to 15 electronic gadgets in their hand luggage. This allowance covers smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and headphones. While this quantity is sufficient for average travelers, airlines can grant exceptions for additional devices upon request.
Travelers should also note cabin storage rules. Some airlines now require portable power banks to be stowed under the seat in front of the passenger rather than in the overhead bins. This placement ensures crew members can access the devices quickly to extinguish any potential fire.
Giancarlo Buono, head of flight safety at the CAA, urged travelers to prepare before reaching the airport: “Pack correctly for a safe flight – that means: do not store your batteries in checked baggage. Take them with you into the cabin.”
