Airlines Banning or Restricting Power Banks in 2026

No airline has completely banned power banks -- they're still allowed in carry-on luggage. But several major carriers have banned in-flight use or imposed strict new limits in 2026. Here's the complete list.

Airlines That Banned In-Flight Power Bank Use

These airlines no longer allow you to charge devices from a power bank during the flight:

Airlines with Quantity Restrictions

Airlines with Enhanced Visibility Rules

South Korean carriers now require power banks to be visible and accessible during use:

Southwest Airlines (US) also requires power banks to be visible during use.

Why Are Airlines Restricting Power Banks?

The catalyst was the Air Busan incident in January 2024, where a lithium battery caught fire in a passenger's bag during boarding, forcing an emergency evacuation in Gimhae, South Korea. 180 passengers were evacuated, with 7 injuries.

Since then:

The concern isn't just fire risk -- it's that passengers charging devices under blankets or in seat pockets makes it harder for crew to detect early signs of thermal runaway (heat, smell, smoke).

Airlines Where In-Flight Use Is Still Allowed (2026)

Most North American, South American, and many European carriers still permit in-flight power bank use:

However, this list may shrink as the industry trend moves toward restriction. Always verify with your airline before travel using our free checker.