Yes, power banks belong in carry-on only; 101–160Wh may need airline approval, and anything above 160Wh isn’t allowed on passenger flights.
Bringing a portable charger on a flight is allowed, with clear limits. The watt-hour rating (Wh) decides where it goes, how many you can pack, and whether you need the airline’s nod. This guide breaks down Wh thresholds, carry-on packing steps, calculation tips, and common airline quirks so you board with confidence.
Power Bank Rules At A Glance
Here’s the fast overview many travelers want before they zip up a bag.
| Battery Size (Wh) | Where It Goes | Extra Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Up To And Including 100Wh | Carry-on only | No airline approval needed in most cases |
| 101–160Wh | Carry-on only | Airline approval often required; usually up to two spares |
| Over 160Wh | Not permitted for passengers | Ship as cargo under dangerous goods rules |
The cabin is the place for these batteries because crews can deal with smoke or heat quickly. Checked bags don’t allow loose lithium cells or power banks, and many carriers echo this across their sites. If a bag must be checked at the gate, remove the battery pack and take it with you.
Bringing A Power Bank On A Flight: The Rules
Air safety bodies align on three steps. First, keep spare lithium power banks in the cabin. Next, watch the Wh rating. Finally, protect the terminals so nothing shorts in your backpack. Those three points cover the vast majority of airport checks worldwide.
Why The Watt-Hour Number Matters
Watt-hours describe stored energy. More Wh means more heat if a cell fails, so regulators set thresholds. Packs up to 100Wh fit the everyday phone or tablet use case. Mid-sized bricks in the 101–160Wh range can be allowed, but airlines want a heads-up. Anything larger belongs in cargo supply chains, not under a seat.
Carry-On Only Means Cabin Access
Keep the battery where crew can reach it. That’s the whole point of the cabin rule. If a pack swells, smells odd, gets hot, or vents, flight attendants can move fast with a containment bag and water to cool the device.
Official Guidance You Can Rely On
For U.S. flights, the Federal Aviation Administration’s PackSafe pages spell out the size bands and the “up to two spares” allowance in the mid-range. You can read the wording directly on the FAA lithium battery page. For global carriers, the long-standing IATA passenger rules echo those limits and define how many battery-powered devices you can bring. See IATA’s passenger guidance for lithium batteries here: IATA passenger lithium battery PDF.
How To Check Your Power Bank’s Watt-Hours
Many packs print Wh on the label. If yours only shows milliamp-hours (mAh) and voltage (often 3.7V for single-cell packs), use this:
Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000
Example: a 20,000mAh pack at 3.7V is 74Wh. That’s cabin-friendly with no airline approval needed. Larger laptop-grade bricks approach the 100Wh line, and some cross into the 101–160Wh band that needs a pre-flight note to the airline.
Where To Find The Numbers
Check the silk-screen on the case, the spec card in the box, or the product page. If the label lists several outputs (USB-A, USB-C, AC), ignore those for Wh math. You’re only after the cell rating, which rides on voltage and capacity, not the port wattage.
Packing Steps That Make Security Easy
Pack your charger like a pro and you’ll breeze through the checkpoint.
- Carry It In The Cabin: Put the pack in your personal item or backpack, not in a checked suitcase.
- Protect The Terminals: Keep it in a soft pouch. If you pack spare cells, cover exposed contacts or use the original sleeve.
- Disable Output During Takeoff/Landing: Many airlines ask you to stop charging during critical phases of flight.
- Watch For Heat: If the pack feels warm, shows swelling, or smells odd, stop using it and tell the crew.
- Gate-Check Trap: If a cabin bag gets tagged at the gate, pull the pack out and keep it with you.
Device Counts, Spares, And Approval Notes
Mid-range packs sometimes need airline sign-off. Many carriers cap those to two spares per passenger. On the device side, IATA guidance mentions a typical limit of fifteen battery-powered devices per person in normal situations. That count easily covers a phone, tablet, laptop, camera, earbuds, and a game console. If you travel with more gear than that, reach out to the airline ahead of time.
What Airlines Might Ask
Airlines may request photos of the label or the Wh figure, and some carriers ask you to keep the pack in plain view if you use it. In recent months, a few brands have banned in-bag use during flight to keep chargers visible while powered on. Expect small differences at the seat, even when the core rules match.
When Smart Bags Enter The Chat
Smart carry-ons with built-in batteries follow the same cabin rule. The battery must be removable and ride with you in the cabin. If the bag is checked, remove the pack first, tape the terminals if needed, and keep it in your backpack.
Regional Notes And Airline Variations
Core thresholds tend to align, but wording and enforcement vary. UK guidance tracks the same Wh bands and stresses terminal protection for spares. Some Asian carriers publish their own usage notes in addition to the size limits. Before you fly, check your airline’s battery page and search for “lithium” or “portable charger.” A quick look can save time at the counter.
What Happens If Security Flags Your Pack
Agents look for clear labels and protected contacts. If the label is unreadable or missing, you may be told to leave the pack behind. If it’s over the limit, it won’t board with you. Ask about a kiosk mail-back option if the airport has one, or hand it to someone not traveling who can take it home.
Charging Etiquette On Board
Seat power is handy, but don’t stack chargers in a blanket or pouch while they’re working. Leave some space for air. If your airline bans in-bag use, place the pack on the tray table while charging, then unplug when you’re done. If the pack turns off, gets hot, or acts odd, stop charging and tell the crew.
Common Mistakes That Trigger Delays
- Packing A Brick In Checked Luggage: Power banks and loose lithium cells should ride in the cabin. That includes late gate-checks.
- Carrying A 200Wh “Power Station”: Those cross the passenger limit. Ship as cargo or leave it home.
- No Label, No Entry: If the Wh rating isn’t printed, bring the box or spec sheet. A clear label helps.
- Dangling Cables: Loose metal can nick a port or short a terminal. Use a pouch and coil cords.
Travel Scenarios And What To Pack
Phone-Only Trips
Pick a slim 10,000–12,000mAh pack. These sit around 37–45Wh, well under the 100Wh line. They pass security quickly and take little space.
Work Trips With A Laptop
A 20,000–27,000mAh pack near 70–99Wh can top off a notebook and still count as a standard cabin item. If you need the 101–160Wh range, message the airline in advance and bring proof of the Wh rating.
Camera And Drone Days
Spare camera batteries go in carry-on. Use a padded case with dividers and caps on contacts. For drones, check the maker’s label for Wh and follow the same spare count limits.
How Many Is Too Many?
In day-to-day travel, a couple of spares is plenty. If you pack a tech kit for a full crew, device counts and mid-range limits can bite. Split gear across travelers, keep labels clear, and always keep spares in separate sleeves so nothing rubs.
mAh To Wh Quick Conversion
Use this chart to sanity-check typical models. It assumes 3.7V cells, which is common in consumer packs. If your label shows a different cell voltage, redo the math with that number.
| Rated Capacity (mAh @ 3.7V) | Watt-Hours (Wh) | Passenger Rule Fit |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 mAh | 37 Wh | Carry-on; no airline approval needed |
| 20,000 mAh | 74 Wh | Carry-on; no airline approval needed |
| 26,800 mAh | 99 Wh | Carry-on; no airline approval needed |
| 30,000 mAh | 111 Wh | Carry-on; airline approval usually required; up to two spares |
| 50,000 mAh | 185 Wh | Not allowed for passengers |
What To Tell Your Airline
If your pack lands in the 101–160Wh band, send the carrier three details: brand and model, the printed Wh rating, and whether you’re carrying spares. Ask for written approval if the airline requires it. Bring that note to the airport and save it on your phone. It speeds things up if an agent asks.
Final Packing Checklist
- Wh rating confirmed and readable
- Packed in carry-on, never checked
- Terminals protected and in a pouch
- Cables coiled; no metal resting on ports
- Airline approval saved on your phone if in the 101–160Wh band
- No oversized power stations meant for camping
Why These Rules Keep Flights Smooth
Cabin-only placement means trained crew can see and cool a battery if it misbehaves. Short-circuit protection stops sparks before they start. Wh caps limit energy so an incident is easier to manage. Follow those three pillars and your charger will pass screening and stay safe at 35,000 feet.