Lüdenscheid (Germany), 30 September 2026 –Mobiles, laptops, wireless headphones, power banks or e-cigarettes run on lithium batteries. In air transport, they are considered dangerous goods and only travel under certain conditions. SOMUVA UG (haftungsbeschränkt) summarises what the BOE, the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA), Aena, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) establish.
From ICAO to the BOE
The reference standard is the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Document 9284. Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 incorporates them into Union Law via a dynamic reference. In Spain, the Directorate General for Civil Aviation makes them public in the BOE; the 2025-2026 edition appeared in BOE No 300, on 13 December 2024. AESA ensures that all those involved, including passengers, comply with them.
On 27 March 2026, the ICAO Council approved an amendment regarding lithium batteries carried by passengers and crew. This Addendum No 1 was published in the BOE on 7 May 2026 and has been applicable since 27 March. IATA also publishes its Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR); the 67.ª edition has been in force since 1 January 2026.
Devices: preferably in the cabin
According to Aena, mobiles, tablets, laptops or cameras can travel in the cabin and, under conditions, also in the hold. The battery of each device cannot exceed 100 Wh, or 160 Wh with airline authorisation. In checked luggage, the device must be completely switched off, not in sleep mode, if its battery exceeds 2,7 Wh. Aena and EASA recommend carrying them in the cabin.
Watt-hours are obtained by multiplying the capacity in ampere-hours by the nominal voltage: a battery of 5.000 mAh (5 Ah) and 3,7 V has 18,5 Wh. If the Wh value cannot be verified, the airline may deny transport, according to IATA.
Spare batteries and power banks: cabin only
Loose batteries and power banks must never go in checked luggage. Each unit must be protected against short circuits: in its original packaging, with the terminals covered with tape, or in a separate bag or pouch. The Addendum now regulates power banks separately from spare batteries: a maximum of two per person and it is forbidden to recharge them on board. Using them on board to charge other devices appears in the Addendum as a recommendation (“they should not be used”); Aena, however, presents this as not permitted during the flight.
Spare batteries of more than 100 and up to 160 Wh require airline authorisation, with a maximum of two per person. For those up to 100 Wh, the published figures do not match. Table 2.3.A of the DGR allows up to 20 per person, and more with airline authorisation. The EASA passenger page, however, speaks of a maximum of two spare batteries and power banks per person in total. The limit applicable to each flight is indicated by the airline.
Power banks of 100 to 160 Wh
On this point, the text published in the BOE and IATA follow different paths. According to a note in the Addendum, the Wh limits also apply to power banks; one of more than 100 and up to 160 Wh can, therefore, travel with airline authorisation. The IATA passenger guide for 2026 marks them, however, as prohibited. IATA also announces that this possibility will not be incorporated into the 68.ª edition of the DGR, which will come into force on 1 January 2027. It also reminds passengers that each airline can impose stricter conditions and advises not to store power banks in overhead compartments. Above 160 Wh, batteries can only be transported as cargo.
What does not go in the hold
E-cigarettes with batteries are also not allowed in checked luggage. Table 2.3.A of the DGR allows them in the cabin without airline authorisation, protected against accidental activation. According to Aena and EASA, they cannot be recharged on board. On aircraft of Spanish companies and on flights shared with foreign companies, the twelfth additional provision of Law 28/2005 also prohibits the use of nicotine delivery devices.
If hand luggage does not fit in the cabin and is sent to the hold from the boarding gate, EASA recommends that airlines instruct passengers to remove lithium batteries beforehand. Aena reminds passengers that it is forbidden to travel with batteries that are damaged, defective or recalled by the manufacturer. If a battery swells, overheats or smokes, EASA advises notifying the cabin crew or airport staff immediately.
About SOMUVA UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
SOMUVA UG (haftungsbeschränkt), based in Lüdenscheid, Germany (Commercial Register of the Iserlohn Court, HRB 11627), manages the German online storeVapechampfor e-cigarettes and accessories.
Press contact
SOMUVA UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
Karlstraße 4
58507 Lüdenscheid
Germany
Contact: Mustafa Celik (Managing Director)
Email: kontakt@vapechamp.de
Phone: +49 176 84749993
Web: https://vapechamp.de