New airline power bank rules: what to pack for travel

Southwest Airlines said on April 7, 2026 that it will limit passengers to one lithium portable charger, starting April 20. GV Wire, citing Reuters, reported the change.

What happened

Under the Southwest policy, a passenger may not stow a portable charger in an overhead bin, and a power bank may not be recharged during the flight. One travel report says ICAO's updated instructions, effective March 27, 2026, add a two-power-bank limit and also bar in-flight recharging. Lufthansa Group banned use or charging of power banks on board from Jan. 15, 2026.

What it means for your home

Power banks are a useful part of a household emergency kit. A family that flies should check the rules before packing, because they differ by airline and have recently changed.

What to do this week

• Check your airline's current policy on portable chargers before you travel.
• Count the power banks you plan to bring and stay within the airline's limit.
• Keep power banks in the cabin with you, and do not plan to charge one during the flight.
• Charge your power banks before you leave, so they are ready for a trip or an outage.
• Keep one charged power bank at home in your emergency kit.

For phones during an outage, read the guide to keeping phones charged.