Yes, you can carry a power bank in cabin baggage on flights; keep it in carry-on, usually ≤100Wh, and never in checked bags.
Flying with a portable charger shouldn’t be a guessing game. Airlines and regulators set watt-hour limits, require carry-on placement, and expect simple safety steps. This guide lays out the rules in plain language, shows how to read a label, and helps you avoid last-minute gate trouble.
Carrying A Power Bank On Board — Rule Summary
Portable chargers count as spare lithium-ion batteries. That means they travel in the cabin with you. Most travelers fly worry-free with packs up to 100 watt-hours (Wh). Bigger units can be allowed in small numbers with airline approval. Units above 160Wh are not allowed for passengers. If a unit is damaged, swollen, or recalled, don’t pack it.
Quick Rule Matrix For Portable Chargers
Use this table to match your battery size to the usual placement and limits. Always check your airline’s page before travel.
| Battery Size | Where It Goes | Limits & Approval |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100Wh | Carry-on only | “Reasonable quantity” for personal use; no airline approval needed. |
| 101–160Wh | Carry-on only | Up to two spares per person; airline approval usually required. |
| Over 160Wh | Not permitted | Passenger carriage not allowed; ship as cargo with a shipper that follows dangerous goods rules. |
Why Cabin Only, Not Checked?
Fire risk management. If a cell vents or overheats, cabin crew can respond quickly with extinguishing tools and containment bags. In a hold, early signs can go unnoticed. That’s why portable chargers and other spare lithium cells stay with you in the cabin.
How To Find The Watt-Hour Rating
Look for “Wh” on the label. If the pack lists only milliamp-hours (mAh) and voltage (V), you can compute Wh using a simple multiplication:
- Wh = (mAh ÷ 1,000) × V
Example: a 20,000mAh pack at 3.7V is about 74Wh. That sits under the 100Wh line, so it’s fine in the cabin without airline approval.
Reading Real-World Labels
Manufacturers sometimes print ranges (e.g., “Rated capacity 74–78Wh”). Treat the higher number as your guide. If a pack has swappable cells or multiple outputs, the Wh line still rules. Output wattage (like “65W USB-C”) is not the same as capacity.
Packing Steps That Prevent Problems
These steps keep your gear safe and speed up screening:
- Cover the terminals if the pack has exposed contacts, or store it in a pouch. Short circuits cause most incidents.
- Use the original sleeve or a small case. Avoid loose packs rolling in a bag full of coins or keys.
- Keep charge level moderate. Around half charge is a sensible target for storage and travel.
- Remove from smart luggage. If your suitcase has a removable battery, take it out and carry it in the cabin.
- Don’t use damaged units. Bulging, dented, or water-exposed packs shouldn’t fly.
Security Screening Tips
Place the pack near the top of your carry-on. If an officer asks, you can state the Wh rating and show the label. If the label has rubbed off, keep the box or a photo of the spec panel in your phone. Turn the pack off during boarding and taxi. Some airlines also ask that portable chargers stay visible while in use.
When Airline Approval Is Needed
Packs between 101Wh and 160Wh can travel only in the cabin and usually need a green light from your carrier. Approval is often a quick form or a note in your booking. Bring the spec sheet or a photo of the label. Many carriers cap these at two spares per person.
Regional And Airline Examples
Policies align on the core points: cabin only, Wh caps, and protection against short circuits. Still, wording varies by carrier. Here’s a small snapshot:
| Carrier/Region | Core Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Airlines | Up to 100Wh allowed in cabin; 101–160Wh needs approval. | Portable chargers may be restricted from in-flight use on some routes. |
| British Airways | Up to 100Wh in cabin; 101–160Wh in cabin with quantity limits. | Terminals must be protected from short circuit. |
| Major US carriers | Up to 100Wh in cabin; 101–160Wh in cabin with approval; none in checked. | Damaged or recalled cells are barred. |
What “Reasonable Quantity” Means
There isn’t a single global number for packs ≤100Wh. Officers look at personal use. A couple of small chargers for phone, tablet, and camera fits the spirit. A backpack stuffed with a dozen units looks like stock for sale and can be refused.
Using A Portable Charger In The Cabin
Most airlines allow you to charge your phone at your seat with a portable pack, as long as the unit stays out of closed bags and you watch it while in use. If the crew asks you to disconnect or stop charging, do it. Many seats now include USB-A or USB-C power; use it when convenient to save your own battery for layovers.
If Something Heats Up
Unusual warmth, popping, hissing, smoke, or a sweet-chemical smell are warning signs. Unplug, place the device on a hard, clear area, and call the crew. Don’t cover a hot pack with clothing. The crew carries equipment to handle battery events.
Answers To Common “Edge Cases”
Can I Pack A Power Bank In A Camera Bag?
Yes, if the bag is your carry-on or personal item. Keep the pack in its own pocket to avoid rubbing on metal gear. If your bag goes to the hold at the gate, remove the pack before the hand-off.
What About A Laptop Power Bank With 65W USB-C Output?
Output wattage isn’t the limiter. Capacity in Wh is what counts. Many laptop-grade packs still sit under 100Wh and fly cabin-only without approval.
Do Button Cells Or AA Rechargeables Count?
Loose lithium button cells and loose lithium-ion rechargeables are “spares” too. Carry them in retail packs or terminal-covered cases inside your cabin bag.
What If The Label Is Missing?
Bring proof such as a product page screenshot or manual. If the rating can’t be confirmed, screening staff may refuse it.
How To Spot Marketing Tricks On Capacity
Some boxes feature a mAh figure based on the internal cell voltage (around 3.6–3.7V), yet the USB output runs at 5V or higher. That’s normal—don’t try to convert back from 5V output to claim a larger Wh. Trust the cell-voltage Wh rating on the label, not the peak output numbers on the front of the box.
Simple Pre-Trip Checklist
- Confirm Wh on the label; take a photo of it.
- Pack the unit in your cabin bag, not your checked bag.
- Cover terminals or zip it in a sleeve.
- Bring only what you’ll personally use on the trip.
- If your unit is between 101–160Wh, get airline approval and carry no more than two.
Authoritative Rules You Can Rely On
Two sources set the baseline that airlines align with worldwide. You can read the public guidance here:
- FAA PackSafe lithium battery rules — clear charts on cabin-only placement, 100Wh and 101–160Wh limits, and protection steps.
- TSA guidance for lithium batteries in devices — passenger-facing page that matches screening practice in US airports.
Troubleshooting At The Airport
If a screener flags your pack, stay calm and show the capacity photo. Offer to place it separately on the belt. If a gate agent wants to tag your carry-on for the hold, remove any spare batteries and portable chargers first. If overhead bins fill up, keep those items on your lap until the seat belt sign turns off and you can stow them under the seat.
Travel Scenarios And Safe Choices
Short Business Hop
A slim 5,000–10,000mAh pack keeps a phone alive through delays. Capacity sits well under 100Wh, so you’ll breeze through screening.
Long-haul With Laptop
Pick a 20,000–27,000mAh unit around 70–99Wh with USB-C PD. Charge during layovers rather than inflight if your carrier limits portable charger use at seats.
Adventure Trip With Cameras
Carry two midsize packs under 100Wh and a small pouch for loose cells. Space them across bags to avoid a single point of failure. Keep them out of checked gear on puddle-jumpers where carry-ons are often gate-checked.
Myth Busting
- “Only tiny chargers are allowed.” Not true. Many 20,000mAh units sit under 100Wh and fly in the cabin worldwide.
- “Any charger with 65W output is banned.” Output rating doesn’t decide carriage; capacity does.
- “It’s fine in checked if switched off.” Not for spare lithium-ion packs. Checked placement is barred.
Wrap-Up You Can Use Right Now
Keep portable chargers in your carry-on, aim for packs under 100Wh, protect the contacts, and bring only what you’ll personally use. For larger units up to 160Wh, get airline approval and stick to two. Anything above that stays off passenger flights. Follow those lines and you’ll charge through your trip without drama.