Yes, power banks for phones and laptops go in carry-on only; capacity limits apply and some airlines restrict in-flight use or charging.
Traveling with a portable charger is common now, everywhere. Aviation rules treat these packs as spare lithium batteries. That means the pack stays with you in the cabin, never in checked bags, and certain sizes need airline approval. The guide below shows what you can bring and how to read watt-hours.
Power Bank Rules At A Glance
The table below condenses the cabin-only rule, capacity thresholds, and handling tips that gate agents ask about most often.
| Item | Where It Goes | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Portable charger / battery pack | Carry-on only | Terminals protected; keep accessible, not in checked bags. |
| Small pack ≤ 100 Wh | Carry-on | Generally permitted; no airline approval needed. |
| Medium pack 101–160 Wh | Carry-on | Many airlines allow up to two spares with approval. |
| Large pack > 160 Wh | Not permitted | Prohibited for passengers; ship as cargo under hazmat rules. |
| Damaged, swollen, or recalled pack | Not permitted | Do not fly with it; replace before travel. |
| Smart luggage with built-in pack | Battery removed for hold | Remove the battery and carry it in the cabin. |
Why Airlines Treat Packs As Spare Batteries
Inside every pack sits lithium-ion cells and a control board. If a cell shorts or overheats, cabin crew can spot smoke and act fast. In the hold, a hot cell is out of sight, which is why spare cells and external packs must ride with you.
Bringing A Power Bank On Flights: The Practical Rules
This section walks through size limits, approvals, and the extras that trip people up.
Carry-On Only: No Packs In Checked Bags
Portable chargers count as spare lithium batteries. Spare cells live in the cabin. If a gate agent asks you to check your carry-on, remove the pack first. Keep it in a pocket, a small pouch, or a personal item where it stays visible during the flight.
Capacity Limits You Need To Know
Most phone-sized packs sit under 100 watt-hours (Wh). Those go through screening like any other electronic. Packs rated from 101 to 160 Wh can fly with you on many carriers, but crews may require pre-approval and cap the number at two. Anything above 160 Wh is off-limits for passengers.
Proof On The Label: Find The Watt-Hours
Airline staff look for a printed Wh value. Manufacturers often print only milliamp-hours and voltage. You can convert on the spot: Wh ≈ (mAh × V) ÷ 1000. A 20,000 mAh pack at 3.7 V works out to 74 Wh. If a pack doesn’t show Wh and the math suggests a value beyond the allowed range, crews can refuse it.
Protect The Terminals And Pack It Right
Short circuits are the real hazard. Use the original box, a sleeve, or a small bag. Some carriers ask that you tape exposed leads on modular packs. Don’t wedge a pack between books or metal items. Give it air space and keep it away from liquids.
When Airlines Ban In-Flight Charging
Many carriers permit power banks on board but restrict charging during the flight or ban use in overhead bins. The goal is visibility. If a pack runs hot in a closed bag, crew can’t spot early warning signs.
Reading Wh Like A Pro
Labels vary. Some show a single Wh figure; others list capacity per cell and the number of cells. Use the rule of thumb below to translate common sizes into Wh so you can tell which bucket your pack sits in.
Quick Math For Common Sizes
Most consumer packs use 3.6–3.7 V cells. Multiply the mAh number by 3.7, then divide by 1000. Here are a few samples: 10,000 mAh ≈ 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh; 26,800 mAh ≈ ~99 Wh; 30,000 mAh ≈ ~111 Wh. That last one crosses the first threshold and can require airline sign-off.
What About Laptop Bricks And Camera Batteries?
External laptop packs can push past 100 Wh even when they look small. Camera batteries and drone packs vary widely, and many sit under 100 Wh. The same carry-on rule applies, with the two-spare limit kicking in for 101–160 Wh sizes.
Airline And Regulator Rules, In Plain Language
Security officers follow national policy, and airlines add their own handling rules. In the United States, the screening page for portable chargers states that packs travel in hand luggage only. The hazmat safety page also explains that spare lithium-ion batteries and portable rechargers stay in the cabin. Internationally, the industry body for carriers classifies power banks as spare batteries and places them in the carry-on bucket.
For capacity, the widely used thresholds are: up to 100 Wh allowed without prior sign-off; 101–160 Wh allowed with airline approval and a two-spare cap; above 160 Wh not accepted in passenger baggage. Some countries or airlines layer on extra limits or ban in-flight charging after incidents tied to overheated cells.
Two Handy Official References
You can confirm the cabin-only policy on the TSA “What Can I Bring?” page for power banks. For the safety logic and carry-on requirements in the US, see the FAA PackSafe lithium batteries page.
Scenarios Travelers Ask About
My Carry-On Was Gate-Checked
Pull the charger out before staff take the bag. Place it in a jacket pocket or your personal item. Crews may ask you to show the label if the pack looks bulky.
My Pack Isn’t Labeled In Wh
Do the quick conversion with the printed mAh and voltage. If the device lists only mAh, assume 3.7 V for a rough estimate. If the rough math lands above 160 Wh, don’t bring it.
Can I Bring Two Packs?
Yes, as long as each pack stays in the allowed bucket. Under 100 Wh, most carriers set no fixed limit for personal use. Between 101 and 160 Wh, many carriers cap you at two spares and require approval. Over 160 Wh is a no-go.
Can I Charge My Phone During Taxi Or Takeoff?
Follow crew instructions. Many carriers allow charging during cruise only. A few have moved to stricter “no use in bags or bins” policies, which means you can plug in only if the pack is in sight on your tray.
Packing Checklist That Speeds Up Screening
- Choose a pack stamped with Wh. If the number isn’t printed, bring packaging or specs on your phone.
- Keep packs in a pouch, case, or side pocket where you can show them quickly.
- Leave swollen, damaged, or recalled packs at home.
- Avoid metal contact with keys, coins, or loose cables.
- Unplug the charger during boarding and landing unless crew say otherwise.
Troubleshooting Common Edge Cases
Smart Suitcases And Removable Modules
Many “smart” bags include a removable module. If you check the bag, remove the module and carry it into the cabin. If the module cannot be removed, the bag usually can’t go in the hold.
High-Capacity Camping Packs
Power stations and packs above 160 Wh are built for camping, not cabins. Airlines reject them at the counter. Ship by ground or choose a smaller unit for air travel.
International Trips With Tight Layovers
Cabin-only rules are common across regions, but ground staff at a transfer point may still ask to see the label. Keep the pack handy and the math ready. If you need airline approval for a mid-sized pack, request it before you arrive at the airport.
Watt-Hour Conversion And Approval Guide
Use the table below to gauge your pack’s bracket and any extra steps. Values assume 3.7 V cells, which fit most consumer models.
| Typical Capacity (mAh) | Approx. Wh | What Airlines Usually Require |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000–10,000 | 18–37 | Carry-on; no pre-approval. |
| 20,000–26,800 | 74–99 | Carry-on; fine for most trips. |
| 27,000–30,000 | 100–111 | Carry-on; contact the carrier; often max two units. |
| 40,000–43,000 | 148–160 | Carry-on with airline approval; two-spare cap. |
| > 43,000 | > 160 | Not accepted for passengers. |
Safety Habits That Keep You Out Of Trouble
Watch For Heat And Unusual Smells
If a charger feels hot, swells, or smells sweet or burnt, unplug it and tell crew. Place it on a hard surface where crew can use a containment bag if needed.
Use Short, Good-Quality Cables
Frayed cords spark arcing and heat. Short cables reduce stress on ports during turbulence. Keep one cable per device to avoid tangles and metal-to-metal contact.
Don’t Stack Chargers While In Use
Stacking traps heat. If you must top up a laptop, set the pack on the tray with space around it. Many carriers ask that packs stay in sight while powering a device.
Pre-Trip Checklist
- Pick a model with a clear Wh rating.
- Stay at or under 100 Wh when you can.
- For 101–160 Wh, email your carrier for approval and print the reply.
- Pack the unit where you can reach it fast at security and at the gate.
- Plan to charge in flight only when crew permits and the pack stays visible.
Bottom Line: Fly With A Charger Without The Hassle
Keep external batteries in your hand luggage, know your Wh number, and respect the mid-size approval rule. Do that, and you’ll breeze through screening, avoid gate drama, and keep power at your seat when you need it.