No, power banks belong in carry-on; checked bags don’t allow lithium power banks, and larger capacities may need airline approval.
Airlines and regulators treat power banks as spare lithium batteries. That label matters, because spare lithium packs must stay in the cabin where crew can act fast if one overheats. Below you’ll find the simple rules, sizing limits, and packing steps that keep your trip smooth—and your gear safe.
Quick Answer And Why The Rule Exists
Power banks are spare lithium-ion batteries. Spare batteries are allowed only in hand luggage. The cabin rule lowers risk because a fire can be detected and handled with water, a halon extinguisher, or a fire containment bag. In the hold, a runaway cell may go unnoticed.
Allowed Vs. Not Allowed At A Glance
| Item | Carry-On | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Power bank ≤100 Wh | Yes (no airline approval) | No |
| Power bank 101–160 Wh | Yes (up to two; airline approval needed) | No |
| Power bank >160 Wh | No (cargo only rules apply) | No |
| Built-in battery inside a device (phone, laptop) | Yes | Often yes if fully off and protected |
| Damaged, swollen, or recalled battery | No—do not fly with it | No |
Understanding Watt-Hours And mAh
Airline rules work off watt-hours (Wh), not milliamp-hours (mAh). If a pack lists only mAh and voltage (V), use Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V. Common USB packs run at 3.6–3.85 V cells internally. A 10,000 mAh pack at 3.7 V is about 37 Wh, which falls well under the 100 Wh line.
Carrying A Power Bank In Checked Baggage — What Rules Say
Rules from aviation bodies treat power banks as loose batteries. Loose batteries are kept out of the hold. That’s the reason boarding agents ask you to remove them when a gate agent checks your hand bag planeside. The same rule applies worldwide with minor airline-level twists.
Core Rules You Can Rely On
Across the US, the TSA “Power Banks” page states: carry-on yes, checked bags no. The FAA’s PackSafe lithium batteries page adds that spare lithium packs and power banks must stay with you in the cabin, and if a hand bag is taken at the gate, the packs must be removed first.
Why The Hold Is A Bad Place
Thermal runaway in a lithium cell is rare, but it spreads heat to neighbor cells fast. In a cargo hold, there’s no easy access. In the cabin, crew can douse the device with water, cool the area, and monitor. Your seat row becomes the early-warning system, which is the point of the rule.
How To Pack A Power Bank The Right Way
Before You Go
- Check the label for Wh. If you only see mAh and V, convert it.
- Skip damaged or swollen packs. Recycle them at home.
- Cover exposed leads on DIY packs. Retail power banks already enclose the cells.
At Security
- Keep the pack in your personal item for easy removal.
- If asked, place it in a bin as a separate item, like a laptop.
On Board
- Charge only when the pack is in sight. Don’t charge items inside overhead bins.
- Avoid daisy-chaining (phone into pack into seat power). Charge one way.
- If the pack runs hot, unplug and flag a crew member.
What Counts Toward The Limits
The 100 Wh line covers most slim packs up to about 27,000 mAh at 3.7 V. Between 101–160 Wh—think large laptop bricks or pro-grade packs—you may bring up to two with airline approval. Units above 160 Wh are not passenger items. Those move under cargo rules.
Examples You’ll See In Stores
- 5,000 mAh (≈18.5 Wh): cabin only, no approval.
- 10,000 mAh (≈37 Wh): cabin only, no approval.
- 20,000 mAh (≈74 Wh): cabin only, no approval.
- 26,800 mAh (≈99 Wh): cabin only, no approval—right under the line.
- Power station “mini” packs (120–160 Wh): cabin only with airline approval, limit two.
Edge Cases That Trip Up Travelers
Bag Checked At The Gate
If a crowded flight forces your hand bag into the hold, take your power bank and spare cells out first. The FAA tells passengers to remove these items and keep them in the cabin.
Built-In Battery Luggage
Some smart suitcases have built-in power banks. Many airlines require the battery to be removable. If the bag is checked, remove the battery and carry it on. If the battery can’t be removed, the bag may be refused.
Large Camera Or Lighting Packs
Many V-mount and Gold-mount bricks sit in the 95–150 Wh range. Bring spec sheets, ask your airline for approval in advance, and cap it at two units in the cabin. Tape any exposed terminals and store each in a separate pouch.
Safety Tips That Also Speed Up Screening
- Use brand-name packs with clear specs and built-in protection.
- Carry a short cable to avoid tugging on ports in tight seats.
- Keep packs at mid-charge for storage and transit; avoid 0% and 100% for long periods.
- Never crush packs under heavy items. Treat them like a small gadget.
mAh-To-Wh Cheat Sheet
| Label On Pack | Approx. Wh | Cabin Rule |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh @ 3.7 V | ≈18.5 Wh | Carry-on only |
| 10,000 mAh @ 3.7 V | ≈37 Wh | Carry-on only |
| 20,000 mAh @ 3.7 V | ≈74 Wh | Carry-on only |
| 26,800 mAh @ 3.7 V | ≈99 Wh | Carry-on only |
| 35,000 mAh @ 3.7 V | ≈129.5 Wh | Carry-on with airline approval (limit two) |
| 50,000 mAh @ 3.7 V | ≈185 Wh | Not allowed as passenger baggage |
Regional Notes You May Care About
Outside the US, the pattern holds. IATA treats power banks as spare batteries that must travel in the cabin and be protected from short circuits. The UK’s CAA echoes the same limits and calls for taping exposed terminals or using retail packaging. Airlines may add a twist, like banning the use of power banks while seated, but carriage rules match the cabin-only theme.
Proof From Rulemakers
- IATA classifies power banks as spare batteries and keeps them in hand luggage only (see “Passengers travelling with lithium batteries” guidance).
- The UK CAA outlines limits and short-circuit protection for spare packs in passenger bags.
Common Airline Variations You Might See
Some carriers now ask passengers not to charge from a power bank while the unit sits inside a bag or pocket. The aim is quick access if the pack smokes. A few airlines also ask you to keep the bank visible when charging—seat pocket or tray table—so crew can reach it. Those tweaks don’t change the base rule: keep the bank in the cabin, never in the hold.
If You’re Shopping For A New Power Bank
Pick a model with a printed Wh rating on the case. Clear labeling speeds any checkpoint chat. Stick with brands that publish cell chemistry, safety cutoffs, and cycle life. A slim pack near 10,000–20,000 mAh covers phones and earbuds for a weekend. For laptops, look for USB-C PD output and keep the Wh under 100 to skip the approval step. If you need more punch, carry two smaller units rather than one oversize brick.
What To Do If Screeners Pull Your Bag
Stay calm and show the label. Tell the officer the watt-hours and that the device has protection built in. If your pack lacks a label, be ready to explain the math from the box specs or manual. In rare cases, officers can ask you to leave a suspect pack behind. That’s better than a gate delay for the whole flight.
Repair, Replacement, And End-Of-Life
Packs wear out. When capacity drops or a cell puffs, retire it. Don’t try to open sealed cases with tools. Take old units to a battery recycler or the electronics desk at a big-box store. Travel with a fresh cable and a short USB-C adapter to avoid strain on ports, which reduces heat and keeps wear down.
Simple Checklist Before You Fly
- Read the label and note Wh.
- Pack the bank in your personal item, not the suitcase.
- Protect from crushing and keep it easy to pull out.
- Bring airline approval in writing for 101–160 Wh units.
- Leave oversized packs at home or ship by cargo services that handle batteries.
Why These Rules Work For You
Cabin-only carriage keeps any fault within reach of crew and passengers. That means rapid cooling, quick isolation, and less smoke spread. Your trip stays on schedule, and your seatmates stay calm. Pack smart and you’ll breeze through the gate with power to spare.