Can you take a portable charger on flights from Spain? New airline rules explained

If you regularly fly between Spain and other parts of Europe, new airline safety rules could affect how you pack and use electronic devices onboard. Several carriers have tightened restrictions on portable chargers (power banks) following updated guidance aimed at reducing the risk of lithium-ion battery fires during flights.

The most notable changes have been introduced by the Lufthansa Group, whose airlines operate heavily between mainland Spain, the Balearics and Northern Europe. The rules apply across its network, including Eurowings, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover, Edelweiss and Air Dolomiti.

Airlines say the measures are based on updated safety recommendations from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), following several global incidents involving overheating batteries.

Maximum of two power banks per passenger

Under the updated approach, passengers are now limited to carrying a maximum of two power banks per person. Airlines say the cap is designed to “enhance safety” by reducing the number of lithium batteries in the cabin and making incidents easier to manage should a device overheat or catch fire.

In addition, many airlines have introduced – or are actively enforcing – a ban on storing power banks in overhead lockers. Keeping chargers under the seat or on the passenger allows cabin crew to respond faster if a battery shows signs of failure.

Charging during the flight no longer allowed

On affected airlines, passengers are no longer permitted to charge power banks during the flight, nor use them to recharge phones, tablets or other personal devices while airborne. This includes plugging a power bank into the aircraft’s USB or seat power supply.

Travellers are being advised to fully charge devices before boarding and to carry compatible cables for any approved seat-mounted USB ports.

Where power banks can (and can’t) be packed

Across European airlines serving Spain, power banks:

• Must be carried in hand luggage only

• Are prohibited in checked baggage

• Must have a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh) without approval

• Devices between 100–160 Wh may be allowed with prior airline permission

• Anything above 160 Wh is banned outright

During the flight, chargers must be kept under the seat, in the seat pocket or on the passenger – not in overhead bins.

How other major airlines flying from Spain apply the rules

Other carriers serving Spain already enforce similar restrictions, even if wording differs slightly.

On easyJet and Jet2, power banks are permitted in cabin baggage only and must be individually protected against short circuits. Both airlines follow the standard 100 Wh limit, with larger batteries requiring approval, and advise passengers not to store chargers in overhead lockers.

British Airways also restricts power banks to hand luggage, with a maximum of 100 Wh without approval and up to two spare batteries between 100–160 Wh allowed subject to permission. Any power bank integrated into smart luggage must be removed or disabled before travel.

Meanwhile, TUI permits power banks in the cabin provided they are properly protected – such as in original packaging or with terminals taped – and follows the same international capacity limits.

What this means for expats in Spain

For expats and residents who fly regularly between Spain, the Balearics and the rest of Europe, the message from airlines is clear: check your power bank before you travel. Devices that exceed limits or are incorrectly packed risk being confiscated at security or the boarding gate.

With enforcement increasing across European airports, passengers are advised to carry no more than two compliant power banks, store them correctly during the flight and plan ahead for charging needs.