Power banks and personal electronic devices are now subject to stricter regulations on Lufthansa Group airlines for routes to and from Mallorca, affecting traveller behaviour and packing routines. This enforcement also applies to Eurowings, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover, Edelweiss and Air Dolomiti—leading operators between Germany, the Balearics and mainland Europe.
As outlined by a Lufthansa spokesperson, "updated recommendations from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are now being implemented". The airline group has responded by limiting both the use and transportation of portable batteries onboard. Importantly, passengers may no longer charge power banks or connect personal devices—such as smartphones or tablets—to the aircraft's onboard power supply during flight. These new rules are communicated through pre-flight emails and initial onboard announcements to keep all travellers informed.
Power bank limits: Carry-on only and capped capacity
Carrying power banks onboard remains allowed, but with precise conditions attached. Permitted devices must only travel in carry-on bags, not in checked luggage. Specifically, power banks must have a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh)—approximately 27,000 milliampere-hours (mAh). Devices exceeding this, up to 160 Wh, require airline approval prior to travel. Larger batteries are prohibited outright. Additionally, each passenger is limited to carrying no more than two power banks.
For storage during flight, these energy devices are not permitted in overhead lockers. Instead, 'power banks must be kept on the passenger's person, in the seat pocket in front, or within hand luggage stowed under the seat', Lufthansa advises. These restrictions equally apply to e-cigarettes and their batteries, while exceptions exist for medically necessary equipment.
How to check your power bank's capacity
To determine if your portable charger complies with airline limits, check the label—usually found on the rear of the device—listing its capacity in Wh or mAh. If only the mAh value is given, multiply the mAh rating by the voltage (commonly 3.7V), then divide by 1,000 to get watt-hours. Passengers are advised to check these figures before departure to avoid issues at the airport or in transit.
Device charging alternatives in-flight
As charging personal power banks is no longer permitted during the flight, travellers are encouraged to fully charge their smartphones and tablets before boarding. Where available, the use of built-in USB ports—specifically those supporting the common USB-A cable—is recommended. While personal USB cables are essential, bringing an additional standard USB-A cable is prudent for compatibility with older aircraft.
UK–Mallorca routes: Power bank rules among leading operators
Travellers flying between the UK and Mallorca face similar restrictions, although policies vary slightly by airline.
Ryanair allows passengers to carry portable power banks in cabin baggage only; they are strictly prohibited in checked luggage. Devices must have a capacity of 100 Wh or less, while power banks between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require prior airline approval. Larger batteries are not permitted.
Jet2 takes a stricter documentation-based approach. The airline states that lithium-ion batteries, lithium metal batteries and power banks that do not clearly display their watt-hour rating or lithium metal content are forbidden. Each passenger may carry up to 20 spare or loose lithium batteries, including power banks, in cabin baggage. All batteries must be individually protected to prevent short-circuiting.
On easyJet, power banks are permitted in carry-on baggage only and must be individually protected against short circuits. Passengers are limited to two power banks per person, each with a maximum capacity of 100 Wh. For those travelling with smart luggage, any built-in lithium battery must be disconnected before boarding.
According to British Airways, power banks of up to 100 Wh may be carried in cabin baggage only and must be insulated from contact with metal. Passengers may also carry up to two spare lithium-ion batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh, subject to approval. Any power bank integrated into smart luggage must be removed or disconnected prior to travel.
TUI permits power banks and loose batteries in the cabin provided they are individually protected against short circuits. This can be achieved by keeping batteries in their original packaging, taping exposed terminals, or placing them in a protective plastic bag within hand luggage.