[REVISION HISTORY]

Global tightening of airline power-bank regulations

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-18 12:12 UTC → 2026-08-27 16:25 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Global aviation authorities and airlines are intensifying restrictions on lithium-ion power banks due to rising fire risks and thermal runaway incidents. Following ICAO guidelines, many regions now limit passengers to two power banks, typically capped at 100 Wh without prior approval, and mandate they be carried in hand luggage only. In Vietnam, new regulations effective 1 July 2026 require power banks to be kept in cabin baggage, visible for observation, and prohibits in-flight use. In Finland, regulators and airlines like Finnair have launched campaigns to combat seasonal increases in packing errors, noting that thousands of power banks are confiscated from checked luggage annually at Helsinki-Vantaa. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has also issued warnings, noting that reports of batteries in checked luggage rose 91% in a year. Recent incidents have underscored these dangers, including a Swiss flight (LX16) that made an emergency landing in Maine after a charging case produced smoke, and flight LX52, which diverted to Dublin following smoke detection. The U.S. FAA continues to report approximately two lithium-battery incidents per week. Major carriers, including Lufthansa Group, American Airlines, Delta, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific, have implemented stricter policies. These include prohibiting power banks in seat-back pockets, banning in-flight charging, and requiring specific storage, such as under the seat. ~~IATA reports that while 44% of travelers carry~~ Jet2 has also issued safety reminders, advising passengers to store lithium-battery items like power ~~banks, 45% mistakenly believe they can be checked~~ banks and e-cigarettes under the seat rather than in overhead lockers, and emphasizing that damaged devices are strictly prohibited. Additionally, small lithium-battery-powered vehicles, such as hoverboards, remain banned from both checked and hand luggage.

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