Lufthansa has officially joined the ranks of major international carriers including Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Air India, Delta, United, and Japan Airlines in rolling out a new travel safety crackdown that restricts the in-flight use of power banks, citing mounting concerns over fire risks from lithium-ion batteries. As more passengers carry multiple devices and flights reach full capacity worldwide, these airlines are tightening policies to prevent midair incidents caused by overheating or faulty battery packs—a precautionary step that reflects a growing global shift toward stricter cabin safety standards.

While passengers are still allowed to bring power banks in their carry-on bags, they must remain off and unplugged for the entire flight. It’s a move that may go unnoticed by some travelers, but it’s rooted in a serious concern: lithium-ion batteries can overheat, and in rare cases, catch fire—something that’s already happened more than once at cruising altitude.

Why the Change Matters

For most travelers, a power bank is just another item you throw into your carry-on without thinking twice—somewhere between your phone charger and your passport. It’s become second nature to pack one, especially for long-haul flights where battery anxiety is real. But here’s the thing: these compact devices store a surprising amount of energy. If a power bank is poorly made, damaged, or exposed to too much heat, it doesn’t just stop working—it can spark, smoke, or in the worst cases, catch fire. And at 35,000 feet, there’s no fire department to call.

That’s exactly why airlines are no longer treating this as a minor issue. They’re clamping down—not to frustrate passengers, but to avoid a preventable emergency in the sky. What looks like a harmless backup battery could turn into a cabin-wide scare in seconds. So the shift we’re seeing now isn’t about overregulation—it’s about staying one step ahead of a known risk.

How Other Airlines Are Handling It

Lufthansa’s move isn’t happening in isolation—it’s part of a much broader, quieter trend that’s been picking up speed globally.

• Qatar Airways, for example, has had a firm stance for some time now. They allow passengers to bring power banks on board, but once the plane is in the air, those devices need to stay unplugged. You can carry them, but you can’t use them.
• Emirates takes a similar approach. Travelers flying with the Dubai-based airline are free to bring their portable chargers, but they’re expected to keep them tucked away during the flight. Charging them midair? That’s a no-go.
• Air India is even more cautious. Their policy flat-out bans any use or charging of power banks while flying. You’re not even allowed to power it on once you’re in the air—Air India’s policy leaves no room for exceptions. Their reasoning? It’s not worth the risk, and the cabin crew won’t hesitate to step in if someone forgets.
• China Southern has made its position clear too. Not only is charging forbidden, but passengers caught using a power bank during the flight could have it confiscated right there in the cabin. When it comes to onboard safety, they’re taking a zero-tolerance approach.
• Cathay Pacific, based in Hong Kong, follows a more measured path. They permit power banks in carry-on luggage but make it clear that they can’t be used in the air. The message is simple: if you’re flying, your power bank isn’t.
• Delta Air Lines, a heavyweight in American aviation, doesn’t leave much room for gray areas when it comes to safety rules. You can bring a power bank—as long as it’s under 100 watt-hours—but once the aircraft door closes, you’re expected to stop using it. Charging during the flight isn’t allowed.

What This Means for Travelers

If you’re someone who relies on a power bank to get through a long flight, this change might feel inconvenient. But keep in mind: these rules are designed to protect you and everyone else onboard.

The good news? Most modern aircraft, especially those on international routes, now offer USB outlets and charging points at each seat. In other words, you may not need your personal charger at all—just a cable and your device.

Still, if you’re traveling soon with any of these airlines, it’s worth checking the details before you fly. So if you’re flying soon, here are a few things worth keeping in mind before you pack your power bank:

• Always pack power banks in your carry-on—not in checked luggage
• Make sure the battery capacity doesn’t exceed airline limits (usually 100Wh or 27,000mAh)
• Don’t charge your power bank onboard unless the airline explicitly allows it
• Be ready to switch off and stow the device if cabin crew request it

A Bigger Trend in Aviation

This isn’t just about one airline changing its policy. What we’re seeing is part of a wider shift in the aviation world. As passengers bring more and more electronics onboard, the rules around battery-powered devices are getting tighter.

From smart bags to vapes to e-bikes, airlines are being forced to rethink what’s safe to carry in the cabin. And with flight loads getting heavier and travel bouncing back post-pandemic, carriers can’t afford to take risks when it comes to onboard fires.

Lufthansa’s move may be the latest headline, but it won’t be the last. Expect more airlines to quietly tighten rules around electronics as regulators push for greater safety standards in the skies.

It might seem like a small thing—keeping your power bank unplugged during a flight—but these small steps matter. Lufthansa, along with other global carriers, is making it clear that passenger safety always comes first.

So next time you’re packing for a flight, double-check your battery pack. It’s still your backup power source—but for now, it’s going to have to wait until you land.

The post Lufthansa Joins Singapore, Qatar, Emirates, Air India, Delta, United, and Japan Airlines in New Travel Safety Crackdown on In-Flight Power Bank Use appeared first on Travel And Tour World.