A recent decision from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will now reflect new expertise in the risk of passengers carrying on and using lithium batteries (primarily for power banks / portable chargers). New lithium battery power bank specifications will enhance safety for passengers and airlines and will now permit up to two per passenger, but they must remain in their carry-on baggage and cannot be recharged in flight. 

Crew will also be able to carry power banks and use them in line with the operational requirements of the aircraft. These new specifications became effective on March 27, 2026. The ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel actively monitored the emerging risks of portable chargers, and a panel of technical experts reviewed and endorsed the panel's latest recommendations. 

 Two power banks are now permitted onboard 

The use of these devices will permit the carrying of up to two rechargeable battery packs on flights effective from Friday this week, as part of the new rules for using the devices while airborne. Passengers can't recharge these devices in-flight, so they can't plug them into the seatback or other power outlets. They must be stored in carry-on baggage and under the seat in front.

The same goes for earbuds and hearing aid chargers, which are included as a type of power bank and should be managed as if they were spare batteries. Power banks can't be checked, and if found in checked luggage, airport security will likely seize them. 

These batteries cannot go into checked baggage because they pose a high risk of exploding, catching fire, or leaking acid. These present a significant risk when they are used to recharge other devices. If they are in the hold, they are unable to be consistently supervised.

Recharging Your Device Onboard Is Not Permitted 

Following several recent incidents of power banks igniting onboard, airlines have been cautious about charging them. Lufthansa brought out new regulations for its passengers earlier this year, noting that passengers could carry no more than two power banks onboard and they must be kept in a pocket or under the seat.

The airline must approve power banks ranging from 100 Wh to 160 Wh in advance. Medical devices may be exempt from this regulation. Airlines have explicitly come out saying that the recharging of these power banks onboard is strictly prohibited for the duration of the flight, including taxi, takeoff, and landing.

T'way Air, which also saw a power bank burst into flames on a flight last year, has similar guidelines to other carriers, noting that the use of power banks onboard must be stored in your carry-on baggage and placed in the seat pocket or under the seat in front of you. Passengers are permitted to carry up to five power banks each, with additional ones requiring approval from the airline at the check-in counter.

What Safety Rules Should I Consider When Traveling With Batteries Onboard? 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) surveyed travelers and found that around 83% of all passengers carry a mobile phone with them on a flight, while 60% take a laptop and 44% take a power bank. These are generally safe, if handled properly, and in sound condition, as they all contain lithium batteries. 

Passengers should adhere to several essential safety rules when taking a flight and carrying lithium batteries; these include the following:

Pack Light—Don't carry excessive amounts of batteries if they are not required. Just fly with what you need.

Stay Alert—Keep an eye on your power bank or other batteries, and if they are hot, smoking, or damaged, alert the crew.

Check Your Battery Size—Any batteries over 100 Wh- check with your airline if approval is required

Keep Devices With You—All phones, laptops, cameras, vapes, or other battery-powered items should be kept in your hand luggage.

Gate Check— If you're asked to check your carry-on bags at the gate, make sure you remove any lithium batteries.

Protect Loose Batteries—Spare batteries and power banks should be kept in their original packaging.

Check With Your Airlines—Always check your airline's policies and regulations.

The new power bank regulations aim to protect international aviation and incorporate the latest knowledge gained from passengers' lithium batteries.

Source: Simple Flying