Sarah was settling into her economy seat on a Frankfurt-bound flight last month when her phone hit 5% battery. Without thinking, she reached for her trusty power bank – the same one that had saved her countless times during long-haul flights. Twenty minutes later, a flight attendant was asking her to disconnect it immediately.
“I was so confused,” Sarah recalls. “I’d used that same power bank on dozens of flights before. Nobody had ever told me the rules had changed.”
Sarah’s experience isn’t unique. Across Europe, major airlines are quietly implementing stricter rules around power banks, catching thousands of passengers off guard. What used to be a simple solution for keeping devices charged at 35,000 feet has suddenly become a potential rule violation.
The New Reality for Power Banks on European Flights
The Lufthansa Group has become the most prominent airline network to crack down on portable battery use during flights. This sweeping change affects passengers flying with Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, Edelweiss Air, and Brussels Airlines.
The new policy is surprisingly strict: power banks are still allowed in the cabin, but you cannot use them to charge any device during the flight. They must remain switched off and unplugged for the entire journey.
“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how airlines view portable batteries,” explains aviation safety consultant Mark Rodriguez. “What was once seen as a passenger convenience is now being treated as a potential safety risk.”
Under the previous rules, passengers could connect their devices to power banks as long as the battery pack stayed visible, typically on the seat tray. Now, even that limited use is forbidden.
The restrictions go beyond just usage. Power banks must be kept on your person or within immediate reach – tucked in a pocket, small personal bag, or at your feet. Storing them in overhead compartments is now prohibited.
What This Means for Your Next European Flight
The practical impact varies depending on which airline you’re flying and how long your journey is. Here’s what you need to know before your next trip:
| Airline Group | Power Bank Policy | Charging Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa Group | Carry only, no usage allowed | In-seat USB/power outlets |
| Air France-KLM | Limited usage allowed | Seat power, personal devices |
| Ryanair/EasyJet | Usage permitted with restrictions | Limited seat power availability |
| British Airways | Usage allowed, must stay visible | Seat power on most aircraft |
For frequent flyers who rely on power banks for long journeys, this creates a genuine problem. A typical smartphone battery lasts 8-12 hours with moderate use, but international flights can stretch 14 hours or more.
“Business travelers are particularly affected,” notes travel industry analyst Lisa Chen. “They often need their devices functioning throughout the flight for work purposes.”
The solution isn’t straightforward. While many modern aircraft offer in-seat USB charging or power outlets, older planes – especially on budget carriers – may have limited or no charging infrastructure.
- Check your airline’s specific power bank policy before flying
- Verify if your aircraft has in-seat charging capabilities
- Fully charge all devices before departure
- Consider bringing charging cables that work with seat power outlets
- Download offline content to reduce battery drain during flight
The Safety Concerns Driving These Changes
Airlines aren’t implementing these restrictions arbitrarily. The push comes from genuine safety concerns about lithium-ion batteries and their potential to overheat or catch fire.
Power banks contain dense lithium-ion cells that can enter “thermal runaway” if damaged, overcharged, or faulty. This process generates intense heat and can lead to fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish at altitude.
“We’ve seen several incidents where portable batteries have caused smoke or fire in aircraft cabins,” explains former airline captain David Thompson. “At 35,000 feet, your options for dealing with a battery fire are extremely limited.”
The Federal Aviation Administration has documented numerous cases of electronic devices causing in-flight emergencies. While many involved phones or laptops, power banks present unique risks because passengers often carry multiple units and may not maintain them properly.
Recent incidents have involved power banks that were dropped, exposed to liquids, or stored in overhead bins where they could be damaged by shifting luggage. By requiring passengers to keep them on their person, airlines can better monitor their condition and respond quickly if problems arise.
How Other Airlines Are Responding
While the Lufthansa Group has taken the most restrictive approach to power banks on European flights, other carriers are watching closely and considering their own policy changes.
Air France and KLM currently allow limited power bank usage but have tightened their guidelines around battery capacity and storage requirements. Budget carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet maintain more permissive policies, though they’ve increased crew training on battery-related incidents.
“The industry is still finding its balance between passenger convenience and safety concerns,” says aviation journalist Tom Harrison. “We’ll likely see more airlines following Lufthansa’s lead in the coming months.”
Some carriers are taking a middle-ground approach, allowing power bank usage during specific phases of flight or requiring passengers to demonstrate that batteries are in good working condition before boarding.
The European Aviation Safety Agency is also reviewing current regulations, potentially setting continent-wide standards for portable battery use on aircraft.
What Passengers Can Do Now
Until the regulatory landscape settles, travelers need to adapt their charging strategies for European flights. The key is preparation and understanding each airline’s specific requirements.
Before booking, check whether your chosen airline and aircraft type offer in-seat power outlets. Many booking websites now include this information in their seat maps and amenity listings.
For overnight flights, consider adjusting your device settings to maximize battery life. Enable airplane mode when not needed, reduce screen brightness, and close unnecessary apps running in the background.
“Smart travelers are already adapting,” notes frequent flyer consultant Emma Walsh. “They’re treating their power bank as emergency backup rather than primary charging solution.”
Some passengers are switching to devices with longer battery life or investing in more efficient charging cables that work better with limited seat power availability.
FAQs
Can I bring my power bank on Lufthansa flights?
Yes, but you cannot use it during the flight. It must stay switched off and unplugged, and you must keep it on your person or within immediate reach.
Which airlines have banned power bank usage in Europe?
The Lufthansa Group (including Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, Edelweiss Air, and Brussels Airlines) has implemented the strictest restrictions on power bank usage.
What happens if I’m caught using a power bank during flight?
Flight attendants will ask you to disconnect and store the device immediately. Repeated violations could result in additional consequences upon landing.
Are there size limits for power banks on European flights?
Most airlines allow power banks up to 100Wh (around 27,000mAh) in carry-on luggage. Larger batteries require special approval and are subject to additional restrictions.
Will other European airlines follow Lufthansa’s lead?
Industry experts expect more carriers to implement similar restrictions as safety concerns about lithium-ion batteries continue to grow.
How can I keep my devices charged on long European flights?
Check if your aircraft has in-seat power outlets, fully charge devices before boarding, use power-saving settings, and bring appropriate charging cables for seat power systems.