Yes, power banks belong in carry-on; up to 100 Wh is fine, 101–160 Wh needs airline approval, and anything above 160 Wh is banned.
Portable chargers make travel smoother, but rules around lithium batteries can trip people up. This guide gives you a clear answer, the watt-hour limits that apply, and smart packing steps so your charger sails through screening and the gate.
Carrying A Power Bank Onboard: Rules That Matter
Air travel rules treat a power bank as a spare lithium battery. That means two things: it goes in the cabin, and its size is capped. Most everyday units sit well below the limit and ride in a backpack or handbag without drama. Bigger bricks need a closer look and, sometimes, written approval from your airline.
Power Bank Limits At A Glance
The table below summarizes the common thresholds you’ll see at airport security and during boarding.
| Battery Size (Wh) | Where It Goes | Extra Rules |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 Wh | Carry-on only | No airline approval; protect terminals |
| 101–160 Wh | Carry-on only | Airline approval; quantity limits apply |
| >160 Wh | Not permitted | Contact a cargo service if needed |
Two high-quality rule pages back this up. The FAA PackSafe lithium batteries page sets the 0–100 Wh and 101–160 Wh thresholds for passengers, and the IATA Lithium Battery Guidance classifies power banks as spare batteries that must ride in the cabin. Those pages also spell out short-circuit protection and device handling.
What “Carry-On Only” Really Means
Spare lithium batteries and power banks cannot sit in checked luggage. If you hand your cabin bag to the agent at the gate for planeside checking, pull the charger out and keep it with you in the cabin. Cabin crew can spot and respond to an issue fast. That’s the reason the rule exists.
Why The Cargo Hold Is Off-Limits
Lithium cells can overheat if damaged, crushed, or shorted. In a cargo hold, detection and response take longer. In the cabin, crews carry fire-containment tools and have direct access to smoke or heat sources. Keeping spares in the cabin cuts risk for everyone on board.
How To Tell Your Charger’s Watt Hours
Watt hours (Wh) measure energy capacity. Many power banks list Wh on the label. If yours only shows milliamp hours (mAh), use this quick math:
Wh = (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1,000
Most consumer power banks use cells with a nominal voltage near 3.7 V. So a 10,000 mAh bank maps to about 37 Wh. That sits well under the standard 100 Wh limit.
Finding The Rating On The Label
Flip the unit and scan for a line with “Wh,” “mAh,” or a model sticker. If the case lists multiple outputs (USB-A, USB-C, PD), that’s fine; outputs do not change the energy content. The only number that matters for the rule is the total Wh or the mAh/voltage pair used to compute it.
Packing Steps That Speed Up Screening
Security officers want to see that your spare battery won’t short out and that it’s easy to remove for inspection when asked. Use these steps:
- Place the bank in your personal item or backpack near the top.
- Cover exposed terminals or ports with a cap or keep it inside a sleeve.
- Turn the unit off; avoid “pass-through” charging while queuing or during takeoff.
- Keep loose cables tidy in a pouch to avoid snagging ports.
- Bring airline approval if your unit falls in the 101–160 Wh band.
Quantity Limits And Edge Cases
Most airlines allow several spares under 100 Wh. Some set a total count cap for all spare batteries you carry. Large camera packs with many cells, high-capacity USB-C packs around the 160 Wh edge, and power stations need extra care. When in doubt, check the airline page and carry printed confirmation.
Gate Check Scenarios
Full flights sometimes force carry-on bags into the hold. Before handing off your bag, move every spare lithium battery and your power bank into your jacket or under-seat item. Staff ask for this step at the gate, and it keeps you within policy.
Inflight Use: Charging Etiquette And Safety
Cabin use is usually fine, but airline rules vary. Some carriers ban charging power banks while the unit sits inside a bag or an overhead bin. Others allow use in the seat area only and forbid recharging the bank from the seat power outlet. Keep the unit in sight, avoid covering it with blankets, and unplug it if it warms up.
Signs You Should Stop Using It
- Swelling, hissing, or a sweet chemical smell
- Hot to the touch while idle
- Cracked case or puncture marks
If anything feels off, unplug the device, move the bank to a clear space, and alert the crew.
International Trips: Same Basics, Small Variations
Most regions mirror the 100 Wh / 160 Wh thresholds and the cabin-only rule for spares. The wording can change slightly, and some authorities add a cap on how many spares you can carry. If your trip runs across multiple airlines, follow the strictest set you face that day and carry printouts or saved PDFs of the rule pages linked above.
mAh-To-Wh Reference Table
Here’s a quick map for common sizes, assuming 3.7 V cells (typical for consumer packs). Check your label for the exact rating.
| mAh @ 3.7 V | Approx. Wh | Allowed Under Common Rules? |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh | 18.5 Wh | Yes, cabin only |
| 10,000 mAh | 37 Wh | Yes, cabin only |
| 20,000 mAh | 74 Wh | Yes, cabin only |
| 26,800 mAh | ~99 Wh | Yes, cabin only |
| 30,000 mAh | ~111 Wh | Carry-on; airline approval |
| 50,000 mAh | ~185 Wh | Not permitted |
What To Do If Your Bank Has No Label
Security officers and airline staff need a clear rating. If the case has no markings, bring the box or a spec sheet that shows Wh. Lacking proof, staff can refuse carriage. A small sticker with the model and Wh rating solved many headaches for frequent flyers with older gear.
Extra Tips For Smooth Travel
Pick The Right Size
Most phones and small tablets sip power. A 10,000–20,000 mAh unit balances weight, recharge cycles, and screening ease. Giant packs creep toward the 160 Wh band, add weight, and draw extra attention.
Charge Before You Leave
Arrive with a topped-up bank. Airport outlets can be scarce, and some terminals limit charging at crowded gates. A full bank keeps you covered if your seat power cuts out during taxi, takeoff, or landing.
Pack Smart Accessories
- One short USB-C cable for quick top-ups
- A longer cable for awkward seat layouts
- A soft sleeve or pouch to shield ports
- Labels for your name and phone number
Common Missteps That Trigger Delays
- Putting a spare battery in checked baggage
- Carrying a unit over 160 Wh
- Covering a charging bank with clothing during the flight
- Leaving the bank loose with coins or keys that can short the ports
- Bringing a swollen or damaged unit
Quick Checklist Before You Head To The Airport
- Wh rating confirmed and under the limit
- Airline approval in hand if 101–160 Wh
- Terminals protected; bank off
- Bank placed in your personal item, easy to show
- Cables tidy and separate
FAQs You Didn’t Need To Open
You already have the answer: spares ride in the cabin, with clear watt-hour limits. Pack it right, keep it visible, and you’re set.