Yes, power banks ride in carry-on bags only; size limits and airline approval may apply based on watt-hours.
Airlines and aviation authorities treat portable chargers as spare lithium-ion batteries. That means your battery pack must stay with you in the cabin, not in checked bags. Capacity matters too: most standard packs are fine, bigger bricks may need pre-approval, and very large units aren’t allowed on passenger flights. This guide lays out the carry-on rules, limits, and simple checks so you can fly without a last-minute gate check or confiscation.
Power Bank Rules At A Glance
Here’s the quick cabin vs. checked-bag breakdown that covers the most common scenarios.
| Item / Capacity | Carry-On | Checked Bags |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion pack ≤ 100 Wh | Allowed (no airline approval) | Not allowed |
| Lithium-ion pack 101–160 Wh | Allowed with airline approval (usually max two) | Not allowed |
| Lithium-ion pack > 160 Wh | Not allowed on passenger flights | Not allowed |
| Battery installed in a small device (phone, laptop, tablet) | Allowed | Allowed with precautions; keep device powered off |
| “Spare” battery or power bank (not installed) | Carry-on only; terminals protected | Not allowed |
| Airline-specific in-flight use of power banks | Varies by carrier (some ban in-flight charging) | — |
Bringing A Power Bank On A Flight: The Rules
Two bodies set the baseline: airport security and aviation safety regulators. Security screening in the United States directs passengers to pack portable chargers in cabin bags. The aviation safety side sets the watt-hour thresholds that decide when you need airline permission and when a pack is too large to fly.
Why Carry-On Only?
Cabin crews can respond fast to any overheating incident. In the hold, heat or smoke is harder to detect and manage. That’s why spare lithium cells and packs live in the cabin, with terminals covered and each pack packed to prevent pressure on its power button.
What Counts As “Watt-Hours” And How To Check
Watt-hours (Wh) describe how much energy a pack stores. Most consumer power banks print “Wh” on the label. If you only see milliamp-hours (mAh), use this rule of thumb: Wh ≈ (mAh ÷ 1000) × 3.7. A 10,000 mAh pack at 3.7 V is about 37 Wh. A 20,000 mAh pack is about 74 Wh. Both land under the 100 Wh line and don’t need airline sign-off.
The 100 Wh And 160 Wh Lines
Up to 100 Wh: pack in your carry-on with no special paperwork. Between 101 and 160 Wh: many carriers allow up to two spares, but you must ask ahead. Over 160 Wh: that’s cargo-only territory and not permitted for passengers.
Installed Batteries Versus Spares
An installed laptop or tablet battery rides either in the cabin or in a checked bag if powered off and protected; a loose power bank is a “spare,” which means cabin only. Tape exposed ports, use a protective sleeve, and keep each pack separate from metal items to prevent short circuits.
How To Get Through Security Smoothly
Screeners see thousands of chargers a day. Pack smart and you’ll move through the lane quickly.
- Keep packs handy. Place them near your laptop so you can lift them out if asked.
- Show the label. If your pack lists Wh or mAh clearly, checks go faster.
- Cover terminals. Use caps, tape, or a pouch so nothing metal bridges the ports.
- Power off. Switch off the pack; avoid showing LEDs during screening.
When You Need Airline Approval
If your battery lands between 101 and 160 Wh, contact your carrier before you fly. Many airlines allow up to two such spares per person in carry-on. The agent may ask for a photo of the label or a link to the model page. Approval is usually noted in your reservation. Print or save that message to your phone in case a gate agent asks.
Carrier Rules Can Differ
Some carriers cap the number of packs, set stricter Wh limits, or ban in-flight charging. Others mirror the aviation baseline with small tweaks. Always check your airline page for batteries at booking time and again a day or two before departure in case the policy changes.
Safety Tips That Airlines Like To See
- Use certified gear. Choose packs with visible capacity and compliance markings.
- Avoid damaged cells. Bulging, cracked, or water-exposed packs shouldn’t fly.
- Protect from heat. Don’t charge under a blanket or in a tightly packed bag.
- Watch capacity stacking. Multiple small packs are safer than one giant brick.
Common Questions From Travelers
Can I Put A Power Bank In Checked Luggage?
No. Spare lithium-ion batteries go in cabin bags only. If your bag is gate-checked, remove the pack and carry it aboard before hand-off.
How Many Power Banks Can I Bring?
Most flyers bring two or three small packs without issue. Limits can vary, and carriers may cap spares. Very large capacities need airline approval and count toward a smaller limit.
Can I Use A Power Bank During The Flight?
Some airlines allow charging at your seat; others ask that packs stay unplugged. Follow crew instructions. If the cabin crew makes an announcement about battery use, that guidance controls the flight.
Reading A Label: Quick Math For mAh To Wh
Use this to decode a spec sheet when the watt-hours aren’t listed. The table below assumes a 3.7 V nominal cell, which matches most consumer packs.
| Capacity (mAh @ 3.7 V) | Watt-Hours (Wh) | Cabin Policy |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh | ≈ 18.5 Wh | Carry-on allowed |
| 10,000 mAh | ≈ 37 Wh | Carry-on allowed |
| 20,000 mAh | ≈ 74 Wh | Carry-on allowed |
| 26,800 mAh | ≈ 99 Wh | Carry-on allowed (no approval) |
| 30,000 mAh | ≈ 111 Wh | Carry-on with airline approval |
| 50,000 mAh | ≈ 185 Wh | Not allowed on passenger flights |
Practical Packing Checklist
Here’s a simple pre-flight routine that keeps your charger within the rules and keeps agents happy:
- Confirm Wh. Read the label or convert from mAh using the formula above.
- Count packs. Bring only what you’ll use. Two small packs beat one jumbo pack.
- Protect ports. Use end caps or tape; store in a sleeve or accessory pouch.
- Carry-on only. Keep your chargers in the personal item or daypack you’ll bring to your seat.
- Check your airline page. Look up any size caps or in-flight charging rules.
Regional And Airline Variations
Most carriers stick to the global watt-hour thresholds. That said, a handful add usage limits, labeling rules, or stricter caps. You might see a ban on using power banks during the flight or a one-pack limit on certain routes. If you fly often, bookmark your carrier’s battery page and scan it before each trip.
What To Do If A Pack Overheats
Stop using it, unplug all cables, and alert the crew. If you see smoke, place the pack on a hard surface where the crew can reach it. Don’t douse with water unless instructed; crews carry the right agent for battery incidents.
Sources You Can Trust
Rules in this guide track two core references. Security screening in the U.S. directs passengers to carry portable chargers in cabin bags. Aviation safety guidance sets the watt-hour lines for small, medium, and oversized batteries, including the path to airline approval for mid-range packs. For fine print and regional differences, check your carrier’s battery page as you plan.