Key Points

•      Power banks and spare batteries must always be carried in your hand luggage – never in checked baggage.

•      The 100 Wh limit is the EU-wide standard: power banks up to 100 Wh are allowed without approval.

•      Between 100 and 160 Wh, prior airline approval is required, usually limited to a maximum of two devices.

•      Over 160 Wh, carriage in passenger aircraft is completely prohibited.

•      Since 2026, many airlines have also prohibited charging devices with a power bank during the flight.

•      Laptops, tablets, and cameras should be carried in hand luggage for safety and insurance reasons.

The trigger was a fire on board an Air Busan Airbus A321, caused by a power bank in the overhead compartment. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) subsequently tightened the global basic rules for lithium batteries in March 2026, and IATA adapted the global regulations with the 67th edition of its Dangerous Goods Regulations on January 1, 2026.

The reason: an overheated lithium battery in the cargo hold can burn unnoticed, whereas an incident in the cabin can be dealt with immediately by the crew. This is precisely why the same basic rule applies to all devices with lithium batteries: cabin yes, cargo hold no.

In principle, personal electronic devices in normal quantities are allowed in hand luggage. Most airlines adhere to an upper limit of around 15 to 20 devices per person, including:

•      Smartphones and tablets

•      Laptops and e-book readers

•      Cameras and action cams

•      Headphones and portable game consoles

•      Power banks and spare batteries (with restrictions, see below)

Important: Spare batteries and power banks must not be stored loosely in the overhead locker. Most airlines require them to be carried on your person or kept within reach in the seat pocket in front of you – so that rapid action can be taken in an emergency.

The capacity of a power bank is given in watt-hours (Wh). If only the mAh number is on the device, the value can be easily converted:

Wh = (mAh × voltage in volts) ÷ 1000

For most power banks with 3.7 volts, this corresponds to approximately: mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000.

If the capacity indication on the power bank is worn off or no longer legible, the device may be completely refused at the security check – regardless of its actual capacity.

New since 2026: Charging prohibited on board

A trend that many travelers are not yet aware of: numerous airlines now prohibit charging devices with a power bank during the flight or charging the power bank itself via the on-board power outlet. During takeoff, landing, and taxiing on the runway, use is generally prohibited anyway.

Even though EU Regulation 2015/1998 forms the basis, individual airlines set their own accents. You should know these before booking:

Even though there is no general EU-wide obligation to carry laptops and cameras in hand luggage, we strongly advise it – for two reasons:

•      Safety: The cargo hold carries significantly higher risks for sensitive electronics due to loss, theft or rough handling of luggage.

•      Battery regulations: Many of these devices contain permanently installed lithium-ion batteries over 100 Wh, which are generally prohibited in checked luggage.

If you own a suitcase with an integrated power bank, USB charging port, or GPS tracker, you should check before check-in whether the battery can be removed without tools. If this is not possible, many airlines – including Ryanair and easyJet – will refuse to check the suitcase into the cargo hold. Models with a removable battery have a clear advantage here: the battery simply goes into your hand luggage, and the suitcase can be checked in as normal.

•      Use an electronics organizer in your carry-on luggage and pack your power bank and charging cables separately so they are clearly visible on the X-ray.

•      Do not wrap cables around the power bank – wrapped cables can look suspicious together with the metal cells.

•      Insulate exposed contacts of spare batteries with tape or store them individually in protective cases.

•      Make sure the Wh rating on the power bank is clearly legible – a worn-off label can lead to confiscation.

•      Fully charge your power bank and devices before the flight, as onboard charging is no longer permitted by many airlines.

Can I carry my laptop in checked luggage?

While generally permitted by most airlines, it's not recommended due to the risk of breakage and because some batteries exceed the Wh limit for the cargo hold.

How many power banks can I take with me?

This depends on the airline. Typically, one to two power banks under 100 Wh are allowed without approval, while some airlines (e.g., British Airways) permit significantly more, provided each is under 100 Wh.

What happens if a power bank is found in checked luggage?

It will usually be removed from the suitcase, which can cause a delay in baggage handling – in the worst case, the suitcase may travel on a later flight.

Do I have to show my power bank separately at the security check?

Yes, it is advisable to place it separately in the tray and have the capacity readily available in case security personnel ask.

For most travelers, electronic devices are as essential as clothes and toiletries – but in 2026, special caution is advised with lithium-ion batteries. The basic rule remains simple: power banks and spare batteries only in carry-on, never in checked luggage. Those who also know their airline's specific regulations, pack safely, and keep an eye on watt-hour limits will travel relaxed and without unpleasant surprises at the gate.