Yes, power banks are allowed on planes in carry-on only; lithium batteries stay out of checked baggage.
Flying with a portable charger is simple once you know the limits. The rules come from battery risk management and are consistent across most airlines. This guide keeps it clean and practical, so you board with confidence and no last-minute gate check surprises.
Taking A Power Bank On A Flight: Rules That Matter
Air safety regulators treat portable chargers as spare lithium batteries. Spare cells belong in the cabin where crew can respond fast if a pack overheats. Cargo holds lack access, so spares never go in checked baggage. Capacity caps apply, and larger packs may need airline approval.
Quick Rule Table By Capacity
Match your battery rating to the lane that applies. If your pack only lists milliamp hours, see the formula below to convert to watt hours.
| Battery Rating | Carry-On | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 Wh | Allowed; protect terminals | Not allowed |
| 101–160 Wh | Usually allowed with airline approval; max two spares | Not allowed |
| Over 160 Wh | Not allowed for passengers | Not allowed |
Carry-On Only Means A Few Practical Steps
- Pack the charger in a bag pocket you can reach.
- Cover exposed ports to prevent shorts.
- Keep the unit off when crew ask.
What “Watt Hours” Mean And How To Convert
Most packs show mAh and voltage on the label. Regulators use watt hours for limits. The math is simple: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V. A common 20,000 mAh pack at 3.7 V equals 74 Wh. That sits under the 100 Wh cap with room to spare.
Label Tips
- Look for a line with “Capacity,” “mAh,” or “Wh.”
- If only mAh is listed, assume 3.6–3.7 V for single-cell banks.
- Write the Wh on a small sticker so gate agents can read it fast.
Why Checked Baggage Is Off-Limits
Thermal runaway is easier to spot in the cabin. Crew carry fire containment gear and can cool or isolate a smoking unit. Below deck, detection is slower and access is limited. That risk is the reason spares stay with you.
How Many Power Banks You Can Bring
Small packs under 100 Wh face few quantity caps for personal use. Larger spares between 101 and 160 Wh are usually capped at two with airline approval. Carry only what you plan to use.
Charging And Use During The Flight
Many airlines allow you to charge a phone from a portable pack, but some carriers restrict in-seat charging or the use of high-output banks. If crew ask you to unplug, do it. Also watch heat. If the case feels hot, stop charging and let it cool.
Proof From The Regulators
U.S. rules say portable chargers with lithium cells ride in the cabin. See the TSA page for power bank carriage. The FAA chart adds the 100 Wh and 160 Wh bands and the cap on larger spares; see PackSafe guidance.
Pack Like A Pro
Make Screening Smooth
- Put the bank where you can place it in a tray if an officer asks.
- Carry a photo of the label in case the print has rubbed off.
- Bring a short cable for tests at secondary screening.
Protect Against Shorts
- Use a soft pouch or the retail sleeve the pack came in.
- Skip loose coin pockets; metal can bridge the terminals.
- Turn off pass-through charging modes before boarding.
What Airlines May Do Differently
Core rules line up, but onboard use can vary. Some carriers ban charging during taxi and landing. Others ask that banks stay under the seat so heat or smoke is easy to spot. Check each airline during online check-in.
Use And Storage Policies You Might See
| Scenario | Limit/Allowance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Charging a phone in flight | Often allowed | Unplug if the unit warms up or crew ask |
| Placing banks in overhead bins | Sometimes restricted | Keep under seat so issues are visible |
| Using very high-wattage outputs | May be restricted | Stick to USB-A/USB-C at standard rates |
| Banks between 101–160 Wh | Approval often required | Limit of two spares is common |
Special Cases You Should Plan For
Power Stations And Big Packs
Many portable power stations exceed 160 Wh. Those units do not ride with passengers. Ship them by ground or rent at your destination.
Smart Luggage With Built-In Batteries
Removable cells are fine in the cabin once detached. If the cell can’t be removed, the bag may be refused. Bring a screwdriver if the brand uses one for removal.
International Connections
Security teams in other countries apply the same battery physics. That said, printed limits and signage can differ. When connecting abroad, keep your Wh math handy and show the label when asked.
Airline Approval Without Stress
Need to bring a 101–160 Wh pack? Ask early. Use the airline chat or help desk and give three details: brand and model, Wh rating, and that it is a spare battery for personal use. Keep the approval note in your email and download a PDF copy in case the app goes offline at the gate.
What To Say
- “I plan to carry a spare lithium-ion battery rated at 140 Wh in my cabin bag.”
- “It will be protected from short circuit and packed so it can be inspected.”
- “Please confirm acceptance up to two units under your policy.”
Common Missteps That Get Bags Flagged
- Packing the charger in a checked suitcase.
- Exposed terminals or loose metal objects next to the bank.
- Buying a large unbranded unit with no clear label.
- Trying to use a bank during taxi or landing after a crew request to unplug.
Gate-Check And Regional Jet Gotchas
On busy routes, overhead space fills up. Agents may tag carry-ons for a plane-side check into the hold. Pull your charger out before handing over the bag. A small sling or jacket pocket avoids last-minute digging on the jet bridge.
Label And Spec Sheet Tips
Printed labels fade. Take a photo in bright light, then save a copy to cloud storage. If your bank came with a spec sheet, fold it into the pouch. Clear markings speed up any inspection and keep lines moving.
Heat, Swelling, And Smell: Know The Warning Signs
Watch for sweet or solvent-like odors, bulging cases, or smoke wisps. If you see any of these, stop using the device and alert a crew member. Place the bank on the floor where it can be monitored.
Travel Scenarios And What Works
Weekend City Break
One 10,000–12,000 mAh bank handles maps, photos, and transit apps.
Long-Haul International
Two mid-size banks beat one heavy unit. Charge one during layovers while the other rests cool.
Work Trip With A Laptop
Pick a bank that supports USB-C PD output matched to your laptop’s lower-power profile. Many notebooks accept 30–45 W while idle or in sleep mode. Staying under 100 Wh keeps the rules simple.
How To Read A Spec Label
The Three Lines That Matter
- Total capacity in mAh.
- Nominal voltage in V (often 3.6–3.7 V for single-cell designs).
- Watt hours in Wh. If missing, do the math and write it down.
Some makers list multiple outputs at 5 V, 9 V, or 12 V. Those values don’t change the Wh used for airline limits. Regulators care about stored energy, not the port setting.
Template For Your Travel Notes
Copy this into your phone:
- Model and Wh: ________
- Airline approval needed? Yes/No
- Approval case number: ________
- Photo of label saved to cloud
- Pouch packed; ports covered
One-Minute Pre-Board Check
- Wh under the cap or approval in hand.
- Charger cool to the touch.
- No metal next to the terminals.
- Placed under the seat, not in the overhead.
Method And Sources
This guide follows regulator pages so travelers get a single clear answer. TSA confirms cabin-only carriage for portable chargers. The FAA PackSafe chart sets the 100 Wh and 160 Wh bands and the cap on larger spares.