Yes, airlines allow two power banks in carry-on, within watt-hour limits; never place spare lithium batteries in checked baggage.
Carry-On Rules For Power Banks
Airlines treat portable chargers as spare lithium batteries. Spares ride in the cabin only, not in checked bags. Most consumer units are under 100 watt hours (Wh), which fly without special approval. Models rated from 101 to 160 Wh can travel with the carrier’s permission, usually capped at two pieces per person. Packs above 160 Wh stay off passenger aircraft.
Power Limits, Quantities, And Where They Go
Here’s the quick view on capacity bands, where a power bank belongs, and when people run into trouble.
| Capacity (Per Pack) | Carry-On | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 Wh | Allowed; terminals protected | Not allowed |
| 101–160 Wh | Allowed with airline approval; max two spares | Not allowed |
| >160 Wh | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Bringing Two Power Banks On A Flight — Rules That Matter
Two compact chargers under 100 Wh each are fine in cabin baggage. Tape or cap the ports, place each in a pouch, and keep them separate from metal items. If either pack is 101–160 Wh, ask your airline before you fly; most carriers accept no more than two spares in that band. Carriers and airports may also forbid in-flight use, even when carriage is allowed.
How To Check Watt Hours And Convert mAh
Look for the Wh rating printed on the label. When a manufacturer prints only milliamp hours, use this formula: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × Voltage. Most consumer packs use 3.7 V cells, so a 20,000 mAh bank is about 74 Wh. Labels vary, so read the fine print near the capacity line, model number, or safety marks. The IATA lithium battery guidance uses the same Wh method.
Some packs list multiple voltages for fast-charge modes. Use the base cell voltage for the math, usually 3.6–3.7 V. The higher output figures describe the converter, not the cell rating airlines use to judge capacity.
Why Quantity Limits Exist
Lithium cells can overheat when damaged, crushed, shorted, or built with poor quality control. Keeping spares in the cabin lets crew reach them fast, use a fire-containment bag, and apply cooling. Approved limits also keep the overall energy on board within a manageable range.
How To Pack Power Banks For Screening
Keep chargers accessible in your personal item. Use a zip pouch for each unit. Put tape over exposed terminals or use port covers. Do not stack coins, cables, or loose keys near the contacts. If the gate checks your carry-on, remove every spare battery and carry it into the cabin.
Extra Steps That Speed Security
Place chargers in the screening bin when asked. Show labels if an officer wants to confirm the Wh rating. Bringing documentation for larger models helps, such as a spec sheet or photo of the label.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
People get flagged for tossing a charger into checked luggage, carrying a swollen pack, or traveling with an unlabeled brick of unknown capacity. Another trip-breaker is a pack above 160 Wh, which belongs in cargo as regulated dangerous goods, not with passengers.
Regional Nuances And Airline Differences
Rules share a common core worldwide, yet airports and carriers add local requirements. Some regions require certification marks on the pack. Some airlines ban the use of power banks during the flight even when carriage is allowed. Check your carrier’s dangerous goods page for the latest wording.
Medical Devices And Mobility Aids
Large lithium batteries that power mobility devices follow separate rules. Contact the airline’s special assistance desk in advance to confirm approvals, packaging, and any terminal protection they need.
Approval Tips For 101–160 Wh Packs
Contact the airline at least a few days ahead. Provide the Wh rating, chemistry, brand, model, and quantity. Ask for the reply in writing or in your booking record. At the airport, carry a printout or screenshot of the approval.
Care, Storage, And In-Flight Safety
Keep packs around 30–70% charge if stored for weeks. Avoid crushing pressure in a stuffed backpack. Give the pack airflow when charging. During the flight, disconnect once your phone is topped up. If a unit hisses, smells burnt, bulges, or feels hot, alert crew at once.
International Trips And Connections
Carry rules apply at every airport on your journey. A pack that passes in one country can be held at the transfer checkpoint in another if labeling is missing or local policy differs. Keep chargers in hand luggage through each connection, and leave room to present them during secondary screening.
mAh To Wh Cheatsheet For Common Sizes
Use these quick conversions based on 3.7 V cells. If your label lists a different voltage, redo the math using the printed value.
| mAh Rating | Approx. Wh | Status Under 100 Wh Band |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh | 18.5 Wh | Allowed in cabin |
| 10,000 mAh | 37 Wh | Allowed in cabin |
| 20,000 mAh | 74 Wh | Allowed in cabin |
| 26,800 mAh | 99 Wh | Allowed in cabin |
| 30,000 mAh | 111 Wh | Ask airline first |
What Counts As A Power Bank
Any external battery that charges a device over a cable falls into this group. That includes lipstick chargers, high-capacity bricks for laptops, and packs integrated into backpacks or camera straps. If the battery can supply power to another device and it is not installed inside that device, treat it as a spare.
Labeling And Safety Marks
A clear label with capacity in Wh or mAh and voltage speeds screening. Safety marks from bodies such as UL, CE, or regional schemes help in some regions. If a pack has no rating on the case, carry a manual page or product sheet that states the rating.
How Many Is Too Many?
Two mid-size chargers cover most trips. Photographers and creators often carry more packs for lights, cameras, and gimbals. Small spares under 100 Wh do not have a fixed count limit under many national rules, yet airline staff can still refuse carriage if the quantity appears excessive for a passenger flight. Balance needs with common sense.
A Practical Carry Strategy
Bring two mid-size packs for phones and tablets, then rely on in-seat power on long routes. If you need a laptop pack in the 100–160 Wh band, bring a single unit and ask for approval in advance. That mix keeps you inside typical quantity caps while covering real-world use.
What Screeners Look For
Officers look for clear ratings, undamaged cases, and terminals that won’t short. X-ray views also reveal swollen cells. A deformed or puffy pack will be pulled. Be ready to show the label and the packing method you used to isolate terminals.
When An Airline Says No Usage On Board
Some carriers now forbid the use of external chargers during flight. You can still bring them, but you may be asked to unplug during taxi, takeoff, landing, or for the full flight. Plan to top up devices at the gate or use in-seat power where available.
Reading Labels: What To Look For
Scan the case for text like “Wh,” “mAh,” and voltage (V). Many brands print both Wh and mAh. If only mAh is shown, multiply by the printed voltage and divide by 1000 to get Wh. A label such as 27,000 mAh at 3.7 V works out to 99.9 Wh. That sits just under common limits for automatic acceptance in cabin baggage.
Some packs list multiple voltages for fast-charge modes. Use the base cell voltage for the math, usually 3.6–3.7 V. The higher output figures describe the converter, not the cell rating airlines use to judge capacity.
Laptop Power Banks And DC Outputs
High-output bricks with DC ports can charge cameras and laptops. Many of these sit near the 100 Wh threshold. Keep the carton or a PDF manual showing the rating. Large packs often have a physical on/off button; switch it off during taxi, takeoff, and landing if the crew requests it.
If A Carry-On Is Taken At The Gate
Crowded flights sometimes force a roll-aboard into the hold. Before you hand over the bag, remove every spare battery and place them in your personal item. Ground staff see this every day and will give you a minute to pull the pouch. Do a quick check of side pockets, tech kits, and camera cubes.
Smart Luggage With Built-In Packs
Suitcases with built-in batteries are common. Many models let you pop the pack out. If the bag must go to the hold, remove the battery and carry it into the cabin. Keep the removal tool handy so you can act fast at the gate.
Fire Safety If Something Goes Wrong
If a pack heats up, smokes, or vents, set it on a hard surface if you can do so safely and alert crew. Airlines carry containment equipment and know the drill. Do not wrap a burning pack in plastic, and do not crush it under a seat. Keep space around it and follow crew direction.
Quality Matters When You Buy
Pick brands that publish full electrical ratings and include protection against short circuit, over-charge, and over-temperature. Low-quality packs often skip these. A reliable unit with clear markings saves time at security and keeps your trip stress-free.
Quick Checklist Before You Fly
• Two packs under 100 Wh each? Cabin only, packed to prevent short-circuit.
• Any pack between 101–160 Wh? Ask the airline; max two spares.
• Any pack above 160 Wh? Do not bring it on a passenger flight.
• No spares in checked luggage, ever.
• Label visible, ports covered, each unit in its own pouch.
• Keep chargers handy for inspection and connection changes.
Sources And Official Rules
See the FAA’s PackSafe lithium battery guidance for detailed limits. Carriers align with guidance that classifies power banks as spare batteries and keeps them in cabin baggage.