Yes, two power banks are allowed in carry-on if each is ≤100Wh (101–160Wh needs airline OK); never place power banks in checked bags.
Travelers carry small chargers more than ever, and many trips call for more than one. The short version: two portable batteries are generally fine in your cabin bag, as long as each stays within watt-hour limits and the terminals are protected. The sections below spell out sizes, packing steps, airline differences, and quick checks that keep your gear and your flight safe.
Bringing Two Power Banks On A Flight: The Limits
Portable chargers count as spare lithium-ion batteries. Aviation rules treat spares differently from the cells installed inside a phone or laptop. Spares ride in the cabin where crew can respond to heat or smoke, not in the hold.
The common cap is 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery with no special approval. Units between 101 and 160 Wh usually need airline permission ahead of time and are limited to two spares per person. Packs above 160 Wh aren’t allowed on passenger flights. Some carriers also restrict in-flight use or set their own per-person limits, so a quick policy check before you leave is smart.
Carry-On Only, Never Checked
Spare lithium cells and power banks must stay in your hand luggage. That applies to small pocket chargers and larger laptop packs. Staff may ask you to show labels or tape the contacts if a sleeve isn’t present.
Table: Battery Rules At A Glance
| Battery / Class | Carry-On | Count / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Power bank ≤100Wh | Yes (checked: no) | Commonly allowed; label should show Wh or V/mAh |
| Power bank 101–160Wh | Yes with airline approval | Up to 2 spares per person with approval |
| Power bank >160Wh | No | Not permitted on passenger flights |
| Lithium-ion in device (phone/laptop) | Yes | Device can travel; avoid using damaged gear |
| Lithium-metal spare ≤2g lithium | Yes (checked: no) | Terminals must be protected |
What Counts As A Power Bank
A power bank is a rechargeable lithium-ion pack with one or more cells and a small control board. Airlines treat it the same way they treat any loose spare battery: it isn’t installed in a device, it can short if the terminals touch metal, and it must sit in the cabin.
Reading Watt Hours And mAh
Capacity labels vary. Some packs show Wh on the case. Others only list milliamp-hours (mAh) and voltage (V). The standard math is: Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000.
- Example: 10,000 mAh at 3.7 V → 37 Wh (comfortably under 100 Wh).
- Example: 26,800 mAh at 3.7 V → about 99 Wh (still below the 100 Wh cap).
- Example: 35,000 mAh at 3.7 V → about 129.5 Wh (needs airline approval and counts toward the “two spares” limit in that bracket).
If your label lists multiple voltages (input/output), look for the rated energy in Wh. When in doubt, use the nominal cell voltage of 3.6–3.7 V for the math most carriers expect.
Packing Two Power Banks The Right Way
Good packing avoids accidental activation and exposed contacts. Follow these steps and you’ll pass screening fast.
Step-By-Step Packing
- Place each pack in its own sleeve or small pouch. Many models ship with a soft bag—use it.
- Cover bare outputs. A short plastic cap on USB-C/USB-A ports or a small strip of tape over a DC barrel jack keeps metal from bridging contacts.
- Turn packs off. If your unit has a power button or “ship mode,” set it before you zip your bag.
- Keep both chargers close to the top of your carry-on so you can present them quickly if asked.
- Avoid crushed pockets. Do not wedge packs between heavy books or under a laptop hinge.
Protection Against Short Circuits
Most modern packs have internal protection, yet a coin or key can still bridge terminals. Using a sleeve and port caps cuts the risk to near zero. If a pack feels hot, isolate it on a hard surface where crew can see it and call for help.
During Screening
Screeners may ask you to remove chargers from the bag, similar to a laptop. Clear labels help. If your pack only lists mAh, keep the Wh math handy on your phone or a small note.
Airline Differences You Should Know
Base rules come from aviation regulators and industry standards, yet carriers can add their own layers. Some restrict the number of spares, some ban in-flight charging, and some require advance approval for larger packs. If you plan to carry a 100–160 Wh unit, send a quick request to your airline and keep the approval email on hand. Even with two small packs under 100 Wh, a glance at your carrier’s page is wise before a long trip.
For baseline policy language straight from regulators, see the FAA PackSafe battery rules and the TSA’s entry for power banks in carry-on. Those pages spell out the carry-on requirement, the 100 Wh threshold, the 101–160 Wh approval path, and the ban on spares in checked baggage.
Common Sizes And Approval Needs
Many travelers carry two compact packs instead of one large brick. That keeps both units well under 100 Wh and avoids the approval step. Use the table to map common sizes to the rules you’ll meet at the counter.
Table: Power Bank Size Guide
| Rated Capacity | Approx Wh (3.7 V) | Approval Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh | 18.5 Wh | No |
| 10,000 mAh | 37 Wh | No |
| 20,000 mAh | 74 Wh | No |
| 26,800 mAh | ~99 Wh | No |
| 30,000–35,000 mAh | 111–130 Wh | Yes (airline) |
| 40,000–43,000 mAh | 148–159 Wh | Yes (airline, up to 2) |
| >43,000 mAh | >160 Wh | Not allowed |
Travel Scenarios That Match The Rules
Short Hop With Two 10,000 mAh Packs
Both units are under 40 Wh, so no approval is needed. Pack each in a sleeve, keep them accessible, and you’re set. A gate check of your main bag doesn’t change the rule—move the chargers into the personal item so they remain in the cabin.
Long Haul With A 130 Wh Laptop Brick
This size sits between 101 and 160 Wh. Ask the airline for approval before you fly and expect a limit of two spares in that bracket. Keep the email and show it if staff request proof. If the brick is actually a laptop battery installed inside the computer, the handling differs; the device can travel, but carrying a separate 130 Wh spare still needs permission.
International Connections
Rules across regions follow the same energy thresholds, yet wording on usage can differ. Some carriers restrict power bank charging during the flight. When moving between airlines on a single ticket, align with the strictest policy in your chain to avoid repacking at the gate.
How To Prove A Pack Is Under 100 Wh
Airport staff look for clear markings. If the case lists only mAh, convert the number using 3.7 V and write the Wh on a small label. Many manufacturers already print “Energy: XX.X Wh” under the model name. If the label is worn, take a photo of the spec page from the maker’s site and store it offline before your trip.
What Happens If A Pack Heats Up
If you notice swelling, hissing, smoke, or a strong odor, set the bag down and alert crew right away. Do not cover the device. Flight attendants have training and tools to cool and contain small battery incidents. After landing, treat the unit as unsafe and recycle it through the proper channel.
Buying A New Charger For Travel
Pick models with clear Wh labels, short-circuit and over-temp protection, and a snug sleeve. Many travel-ready units include a physical on/off switch and ship in packaging that lists both Wh and mAh. Two smaller packs are often a better pick than one large unit near the 160 Wh ceiling. That approach also helps if an airline restricts in-flight power bank use; you can rotate packs on layovers without crossing approval lines.
Quick Checklist Before You Fly
- Count: two packs is fine if each is within energy limits.
- Energy: under 100 Wh needs no approval; 101–160 Wh needs airline permission; above 160 Wh isn’t allowed.
- Placement: cabin bag only; never in checked baggage.
- Protection: sleeves or caps on exposed ports; no loose metal nearby.
- Labels: make the Wh easy to read; add your own small tag if needed.
- Carrier rules: scan your airline’s battery page, especially if you plan to charge devices in flight or carry a larger brick.
Method And Sources
This guidance reflects regulator rules and industry standards for passenger travel with lithium batteries. Policy language and thresholds can be reviewed on the FAA PackSafe page and the TSA entry for power banks. Airlines may add extra limits on use or quantity; check your carrier before departure.