Effective January 15th, power banks may no longer be used or charged during the flight, and their carriage on SWISS flights is limited to a maximum of two per passenger.
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Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) and the Lufthansa Group have adopted the new rules on the carriage and use of power banks on their flights. The new rules enhance safety on board for both passengers and crew members: with its lithium battery, a malfunctioning power bank is a potential fire risk.
Under the new rules, the charging of electronic devices such as mobile phones or tablets from a power bank is no longer permitted during a flight. Charging the power bank itself from the aircraft’s electrical power supply is also prohibited. A maximum of two power banks may be brought aboard per passenger.
Power banks may also no longer be placed in the overhead baggage bins: they must be kept on the passenger’s person or stowed in the seat pocket or in their carry-on baggage under the seat in front. Power banks remain prohibited in checked baggage. The new rules are in line with the latest recommendations from the EASA, FAA, IATA and ICAO international aviation organizations.
The main new rules in brief:
Maximum of two power banks per passenger
Power banks may not be used to charge other devices on board.
Power banks may not be charged from the aircraft’s electrical power supply.
Power banks may continue to be used to power essential medical devices.
Power banks may not be stowed in the overhead baggage bins, but must be kept in carry-on baggage under the seat in front, in the seat pocket or on the passenger’s person.
Maximum battery power permitted: 100 watt-hours.
Power banks with a battery power of between 100 and a maximum of 160 watt-hours may only be brought on board with prior airline approval.
The same rules apply for e-cigarettes.