Yes, power banks go in carry-on only; never in checked bags, and size limits apply.
Flying with a portable charger is allowed, as long as you follow cabin-only rules and basic safety steps. This guide spells out what size you can bring, how to read watt-hours, when airline approval is required, and the small things that keep you compliant and safe in the aisle seat.
Taking A Power Bank On Flights: The Rules
Airlines treat a power bank as a spare lithium battery. That means it stays with you in the cabin, not in the hold. U.S. regulators cap capacity by watt-hours (Wh). Up to 100 Wh is generally allowed in carry-on. Between 101–160 Wh can travel in carry-on with airline approval, up to two spares. Anything larger stays home. The same theme appears across international guidance.
Power Bank Rules At A Glance
Use this quick table as your pre-flight check. It fits the most common cases travelers face.
| Item / Capacity | Carry-On | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Power bank ≤ 100 Wh | Allowed (no airline approval) | Not allowed |
| Power bank 101–160 Wh | Up to two, airline approval needed | Not allowed |
| Power bank > 160 Wh | Not allowed for passengers | Not allowed |
| Lithium metal power bank (rare) | Carry-on only; small lithium content limits apply | Not allowed |
| “Smart” suitcase battery (removable) | Carry the battery with you | Battery must be removed first |
You’ll see the same direction on official pages. The TSA “What Can I Bring” entry notes that portable chargers belong in carry-on, not checked luggage. The FAA’s PackSafe page reinforces that spare lithium batteries, including power banks, must ride in the cabin with terminals protected. To double-check, see the TSA power bank guidance and the FAA’s PackSafe lithium battery rules.
How Watt-Hours Work (And Why They Matter)
Capacity rules are written in watt-hours. Many power banks list only milliamp-hours (mAh) and voltage (V), usually 3.6–3.85 V for lithium-ion cells. The math is simple: Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000. A label might show 20,000 mAh at 3.7 V. That comes out to 74 Wh, which sits under the 100 Wh line for cabin-only travel.
Where To Find The Numbers
- Printed on the case: Look for “XX,XXX mAh” and a voltage like 3.7 V. Some show Wh directly.
- On the box or spec sheet: Brands often list both mAh and Wh in the tech specs.
- Inside the app or model page: If it’s a smart unit, the app or online listing may show Wh.
Simple Ways To Stay Under The Limit
- Pick a bank under 27,000 mAh at 3.7 V (roughly under 100 Wh).
- Need a bigger buffer? Carry two smaller banks rather than one large unit.
- If you own a high-capacity pack (101–160 Wh), contact the airline for approval well before check-in.
What Cabin-Only Means In Practice
Cabin-only is about access and containment. If a battery overheats, flight crews can spot smoke quickly and respond. That’s the logic behind keeping spare batteries and power banks within reach. It’s also why airlines want them out of overhead bins during charging and never buried where no one can see a problem starting.
Good Habits That Keep You Compliant
- Do not charge out of sight: If the airline forbids charging in a bin or under a seat, follow that call.
- Watch the pack while charging: Place it on a hard surface you can see, not inside a soft bag.
- Use short cables: Loose cords snag and stress ports.
- Keep vents clear: Some banks warm up during fast charging. Give them air.
Airline Variations You Might See
Most carriers mirror the same thresholds, but cabin etiquette can differ. A few airlines restrict in-seat charging from external packs during takeoff or landing. Others require that any pack in use sits in view (seat pocket or tray table) so crew can act fast if it misbehaves. If your bank is between 101–160 Wh, reach out to the airline for written approval before travel. Internationally, IATA classifies power banks as spare lithium batteries and aligns with cabin-only carriage; see IATA’s Lithium Battery Guidance Document for the underlying language.
“Smart” Luggage And Built-In Packs
Suitcases with built-in chargers are fine if the battery can be removed. For check-in, remove the battery and carry it in the cabin like any other spare. If the battery can’t be removed, the bag may be refused. Airlines publish this in their baggage pages, and it aligns with the FAA’s baggage-with-battery rules.
How To Pack A Power Bank For Flight
Simple packing steps reduce risk and speed up screening. You’ll pass the checkpoint faster and avoid last-minute gate checks for the pack.
Step-By-Step Packing
- Charge to a moderate level: Around half to three-quarters is plenty for a flight day.
- Cover or isolate the terminals: Use the included cap, a case, or a small pouch so metal can’t bridge contacts.
- Use original packaging if you still have it: The insert keeps the pack from shifting and getting crushed.
- Place it where you can reach it: Top of your personal item or side pocket of your backpack works well.
- Bring short, certified cables: Certified cords reduce heat and weird charging behavior.
If A Pack Looks Damaged
Skip the trip with that unit. Swelling, dents, cracked casings, or a chemical smell are red flags. Retire the pack and recycle it at an e-waste site. Airlines can deny carriage of damaged batteries, and you don’t want one in a cabin at altitude.
Capacity Math You Can Use Mid-Booking
Not every maker prints Wh on the shell, so here’s a quick translation guide. It assumes a nominal 3.7 V cell, which is standard for lithium-ion power banks.
| Labeled Capacity (mAh @ 3.7 V) | Watt-Hours (Wh) | Carry-On Status |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh | 18.5 Wh | Allowed |
| 10,000 mAh | 37 Wh | Allowed |
| 20,000 mAh | 74 Wh | Allowed |
| 26,800 mAh | 99 Wh | Allowed |
| 30,000 mAh | 111 Wh | Carry-on with airline approval (counted as 1 of 2) |
| 40,000 mAh | 148 Wh | Carry-on with airline approval (limit two total) |
| 50,000 mAh | 185 Wh | Not allowed for passengers |
Answers To Common “What If” Scenarios
What If My Carry-On Gets Gate-Checked?
Remove the power bank and take it with you into the cabin. Gate staff make this request all the time, and battery rules still apply even when bags are moved to the hold at the last minute.
What If My Bank Has No Label?
Many airlines require a clear capacity label. If yours is blank or worn off, bring proof from the maker’s spec page or leave that unit behind. Unlabeled packs can be refused at boarding.
What If I’m Carrying Two High-Capacity Banks?
Two spares between 101–160 Wh is the usual ceiling, and airline approval is the extra step. If you need that much capacity, split the load across travel companions or choose smaller units under 100 Wh to bypass the approval step.
What If The Pack Uses Lithium Metal Cells?
Those are uncommon for power banks, but the rule is still cabin-only. Lithium content limits apply, and many airlines do not allow large lithium metal cells for passengers. When in doubt, pick a standard lithium-ion pack with a clear Wh label.
Safety Smarts While You Fly
- Stop using it if it runs hot: Warm is normal during fast charging; hot is a no-go.
- At the first sign of smoke or odor: Unplug it and alert the crew.
- Use seat power when available: Built-in outlets are designed for cabin use and keep ports tidy.
- Store in view when charging: Seat pocket or tray table keeps it visible to you and crew.
How This Guide Was Built
The thresholds and definitions here come from the same sources airlines follow. The TSA’s page clarifies that portable chargers stay in carry-on. The FAA’s PackSafe pages spell out cabin-only treatment for spare lithium batteries and the airline-approval window for 101–160 Wh. IATA guidance classifies power banks as spare batteries and places them in carry-on with short-circuit protection. If your trip crosses regions, start with those three and then check your carrier’s site for any extra notes.
Quick Recap And Checklist
- Cabin-only: Power banks never go in checked luggage.
- Under 100 Wh: Bring it with no airline approval.
- 101–160 Wh: Up to two, airline approval required.
- >160 Wh: Not for passenger flights.
- Label and pack smart: Clear capacity label, terminals covered, keep it where you can reach it.
- When in doubt: Check the airline’s battery page and carry a smaller, labeled unit.
Travel days run smoother when your charger is labeled, within the watt-hour limits, and easy to reach. Set up your cables the night before, keep the pack on top of your personal item, and you’ll breeze through security with juice to spare when you land.