Yes, power banks are allowed on planes in carry-on bags, with watt-hour limits and no placement in checked baggage.
Quick Answer And Core Rules
Power banks count as spare lithium-ion batteries. Airlines and regulators treat them as items that must travel in the cabin. Keep every power bank in your hand luggage, protect the terminals, and stay within watt-hour limits.
| Battery Size (Wh) | Carry-On | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 Wh | Allowed without approval | Not allowed |
| 100–160 Wh | Allowed with airline approval (max two spares typical) | Not allowed |
| Over 160 Wh | Not allowed for passengers | Not allowed |
Carry-On Only: Why It Matters
Cabin crews can respond to a smoking or overheating battery with fire bags, halon, and water, as set out in the FAA PackSafe guidance. If a carry-on bag is gate-checked, remove every power bank and keep it with you.
Understanding Wh And mAh
Power banks list capacity in milliamp-hours (mAh) while airline rules track watt-hours (Wh). The simple conversion is: Wh = (mAh × 3.7) ÷ 1000. Many brands print Wh on the case. If not, use the math with 3.7 volts, the standard nominal cell voltage for lithium-ion packs.
Worked Examples
10,000 mAh → (10,000 × 3.7) ÷ 1000 ≈ 37 Wh. 20,000 mAh → ≈ 74 Wh. 26,800 mAh → ≈ 99 Wh. Each of these sits under 100 Wh and normally flies in a cabin bag without special approval.
Close Variant: Taking Power Banks In Cabin Bags — The Exact Limits
Here is what most passengers need to board without delay.
Tier One: Under 100 Wh
These are the everyday models. Brands often label them 5,000–26,800 mAh. You can bring them in your carry-on. No airline approval needed in most regions. Some carriers also cap the number of spares; a common ceiling follows the IATA passenger guidance.
Tier Two: 100–160 Wh
These larger units can power laptops and mirrorless rigs for long shoots. Many airlines allow up to two of these as spares with prior approval. You still keep them in your hand luggage. Expect staff to check the printed Wh rating at the counter or gate.
Tier Three: Over 160 Wh
Units above 160 Wh sit in the “no-go” range for passengers. They fall into cargo rules that do not apply to regular travelers, so leave them at home or ship by approved ground methods.
How Many Power Banks Can You Bring?
Rules set a cap on spares. Under widely used guidance, travelers may carry multiple small spares under 100 Wh in the cabin. Many airlines adopt a limit of up to twenty spares across small sizes, while larger spares in the 100–160 Wh range are usually capped at two. Carriers can set tighter numbers, so check your airline’s dangerous goods page.
Checked Bags: Why Power Banks Are Barred
The cargo hold lacks the human eyes and tools found in the cabin. A short circuit inside a dense bag stack can escalate, so spare lithium-ion items and power banks live in carry-on bags only. If staff take your roller at the door, pull out the battery pack before handing the bag over.
How To Pack A Power Bank Safely
Step 1: Read The Label
Find the Wh line or the mAh rating. If only mAh appears, convert to Wh with the simple formula above. Photograph the case so you can show staff if the print is tiny.
Step 2: Protect The Terminals
Keep each bank in a sleeve or pouch. If it has exposed contacts, cover them with tape or a cap. Avoid loose tosses into a bag of coins, keys, or cables.
Step 3: Pack In Hand Luggage
Place the device in your backpack or under-seat bag. Keep it accessible in case a screener asks to inspect it.
Step 4: Watch For Damage
Do not fly with swollen, cracked, or recalled packs. If the case feels hot or smells odd, hand it to crew at once and follow their directions.
Screening Basics
Screeners may ask you to remove a power bank and place it in a tray. Some checkpoints want devices separated if they block the X-ray image. Keeping the label readable speeds the process. If asked, power it on to show it is a battery pack, not a vape or device.
Regional Notes And Airline Quirks
Core rules look similar across major markets. IATA sets the shared baseline that many carriers follow. The FAA and TSA echo the carry-on-only rule in the United States. Several airlines restrict in-flight charging from power banks even though carrying them is fine. A small set of carriers caps the number of spares below the IATA ceiling. When flying long haul, scan your airline’s lithium battery page during check-in.
Devices With Built-In Batteries
Laptops, tablets, phones, cameras, earbuds, and gaming devices contain installed batteries. These may travel in cabin bags or checked bags when turned off and protected from activation. Spare batteries and power banks are the items that cannot go in checked bags.
Use On Board: Charging Etiquette
Many airlines permit carrying a power bank yet ask passengers not to use it during certain phases of flight or at all. Policies vary. Some cabins supply USB-A or USB-C at the seat. If you do plug in a pack, place it on a hard surface where you can see it, avoid covering it, and disconnect once the phone is topped up.
Travel Day Checklist
- Charge at home and stop at full.
- Keep a photo of the Wh label.
- Use a sleeve or pouch.
- Bring only what you need.
- Ask for approval if any unit sits between 100–160 Wh.
Model Capacity Guide
Shoppers often see only mAh on the product box. This guide lines up common sizes and how they map to airline tiers.
| Labeled Capacity | Approx. Wh | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 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, fits under 100 Wh ceiling |
| 30,000 mAh | ≈ 111 Wh | Cabin only with airline approval (often max two) |
| 50,000 mAh | ≈ 185 Wh | Not allowed for passengers |
Edge Cases You Asked About
Multiple Small Packs
Carrying a few tiny packs for family phones is fine in the cabin. Airlines may cap the total count; large carriers publish a limit for small spares.
Power Stations And Laptop Bricks
Large “portable stations” often exceed 160 Wh. Those stay off passenger flights. Some slim laptop bricks land near 100–160 Wh. If the label reads inside that band, contact the airline in advance and request approval for up to two spares.
Unknown Capacity Or Worn Labels
If the case lacks Wh or mAh, staff may refuse carriage. Bring a retail page screenshot or manual that shows the rating, and pack a different unit as backup.
Safety Tips That Keep You And Crew Happy
- Buy from brands that publish Wh and safety marks.
- Skip packs with swollen cases or any damage.
- Use short cables to reduce heat build-up.
- Rest the pack on a hard surface during charging.
- Unplug after your phone hits 100%.
- If you spot smoke or heat, call crew right away.
Official Rules You Can Trust
For a global baseline, see the IATA passenger guidance. It sets carry-on only for spares, a 100 Wh base allowance, airline approval for 100–160 Wh, and a ban above 160 Wh.
Bottom Line For Smooth Travel
Keep power banks in your carry-on, pick a size under 100 Wh for easy boarding, and protect the contacts. Ask the airline before packing larger laptop-class units. With a labeled case and a quick review of carrier rules, your charger should pass screening and ride along without stress.