Yes, you can take lithium batteries on planes in Europe in 2026, but they are subject to strict safety mandates. The most critical rule is that spare lithium batteries (and power banks) must be in your carry-on luggage; they are strictly prohibited in checked bags because of the risk of "thermal runaway" (fire) in the cargo hold. In early 2026, the Lufthansa Group and several other European carriers introduced even stricter rules: passengers are now prohibited from using power banks to charge devices during the flight, and power banks must be stored in the seat pocket or under the seat, rather than the overhead bin. The capacity limit for a single battery is typically 100 Watt-hours (Wh); anything between 100Wh and 160Wh requires prior airline approval. Furthermore, in 2026, European security agents are increasingly checking that batteries have clear labels showing their capacity; if a label is worn off, the battery may be confiscated as a "non-compliant" safety risk.
Yes, you can take lithium batteries on a plane in Europe, but they must be in your carry-on luggage. European aviation safety rules (EASA) strictly prohibit "spare" lithium batteries (like power banks or loose camera batteries) in checked baggage because of the risk of fire. Batteries contained within a device (like your laptop or phone) can usually be checked, but it is highly discouraged. There is a limit on the capacity: batteries up to 100 Watt-hours (Wh) are permitted without question, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval. In 2026, most standard power banks are well under the 100Wh limit. A "pro-tip" is to ensure your batteries are protected from short-circuiting by keeping them in their original packaging or taping over the terminals. If you bring a "smart suitcase" with a built-in battery, you must be able to remove the battery and carry it into the cabin if you decide to gate-check the bag.