No major airline has banned carrying power banks entirely — they remain essential travel accessories. But a growing number of carriers have banned using them in-flight, imposed storage restrictions, or introduced certification requirements. Here is the complete picture for 2026.
Airlines That Ban In-Flight Use (Updated 2026)
The following airlines now require power banks to be switched off and stored in your bag for the entire flight. You can still bring them on board.
- Lufthansa (effective January 2026) — Power banks must be switched off. No charging devices during the flight. Applies to all Lufthansa-operated routes. Official announcement
- Swiss International Air Lines (effective January 2026) — Same policy as Lufthansa, part of the Lufthansa Group announcement.
- Austrian Airlines (effective January 2026) — Same policy as above.
- Singapore Airlines (effective April 2025) — In-flight use banned. USB charging via power bank not permitted. Official advisory
- Cathay Pacific (effective late 2025) — In-flight use banned. Power banks must be off and stored. Cathay Pacific restricted items
- Thai Airways (effective March 2025) — In-flight use banned citing fire risk. Straits Times report
Airlines With Storage Restrictions
These airlines do not ban in-flight use outright but require specific storage arrangements:
- Korean Air, Asiana, Jeju Air, Jin Air, Air Seoul, T'way Air (effective March 2025) — Power banks must be kept visible and within reach of cabin crew. Overhead bin storage is banned. Korea JoongAng Daily
Airlines With Quantity Limits
The standard IATA guidance allows up to 2 power banks under 100 Wh per passenger. Some airlines have gone further:
- Emirates: Limits passengers to 1 power bank per person, regardless of size. Emirates restricted items
- flydubai: Same 1-unit limit as Emirates.
Airlines With Certification Requirements
- Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and all carriers operating domestic Chinese routes — Power banks must display a valid CCC (China Compulsory Certification) mark as of June 2025. Uncertified devices may be confiscated at security. CAAC official notice
Airlines Following Standard IATA Rules (No Additional Restrictions)
The majority of airlines worldwide still follow the standard IATA guidelines without additional restrictions. These include:
- American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, Southwest — In-flight use permitted, standard 100 Wh carry-on limit.
- British Airways, Virgin Atlantic — Standard rules, in-flight use permitted.
- Air France, KLM, Iberia, Finnair — Standard rules.
- Qantas, Air New Zealand — Standard rules, in-flight use permitted.
- Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Vueling — Standard rules, no in-flight use bans as of January 2026.
- Turkish Airlines — Standard rules.
- Japan Airlines, ANA — In-flight use generally permitted but recommended to keep power banks visible.
The Rule That Applies to Every Airline Without Exception
Regardless of carrier, destination, or ticket class: power banks are never allowed in checked baggage. This is not an airline policy — it is an aviation safety regulation enforced by every national authority including the TSA, EASA, CAAC, DGCA, and every other regulator. Airlines that find power banks in checked bags will remove them before departure. Passengers may not receive them back until they return to the departure airport.