Most flights allow power banks up to 100 Wh in carry-on; 101–160 Wh need airline approval (usually two spares); over 160 Wh are banned.
Planning a trip and bringing a portable charger? Here’s the size limit in plain terms, plus where to pack it, how to read the label, and what airlines are changing about in-flight use. This guide distills the official rules from aviation bodies into simple steps you can act on before you head to the airport.
Power Bank Size Rules, At A Glance
The rules for portable chargers come from watt-hours (Wh), not milliamp-hours (mAh). Most consumer packs list Wh on the casing. If you only see mAh, you can convert it using the formula in the next section. Below is a quick reference you can use while shopping or packing:
| Battery Rating | Where It Can Go | Extra Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 Wh | Carry-on only | No airline approval needed; protect terminals |
| 101–160 Wh | Carry-on only | Airline approval usually required; max two spares |
| Over 160 Wh | Not permitted | Must ship as cargo; passengers can’t bring these |
How To Read Wh And Convert From mAh
Wh tells you the energy capacity. Many packs print a number like “74 Wh” or “99 Wh” on the case. If you only see mAh, use Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000, where V is the battery’s voltage. Most single-cell packs use 3.7 V nominal. That means a label of 20,000 mAh at 3.7 V comes out near 74 Wh, while 26,800 mAh is near 99 Wh. A 30,000 mAh pack at 3.7 V lands around 111 Wh, which pushes it into the approval zone.
Quick tip: some brands print two numbers—cell capacity and rated capacity. The one that matters for airline limits is watt-hours. When Wh is missing, check the tech sheet on the product page or do the short math above.
Carry-On Only: Why Checked Bags Are Off-Limits
Portable chargers count as spare lithium-ion batteries. These must stay in the cabin where crew can respond fast if a cell fails. Checked bags can’t be accessed in flight, so spare batteries belong in your personal item or cabin suitcase. Keep terminals covered and pack the bank where it won’t get crushed.
Close Variation: Power Bank Size Allowed On Planes (With Simple Examples)
Most travelers fly with packs under 100 Wh, which pass without paperwork. Larger laptop-class banks from 101 to 160 Wh can ride along too, but only in the cabin and only after your carrier says yes. Airlines also cap these to two per person. Packs above 160 Wh aren’t for passenger baggage at all.
Common Capacities And What They Mean
- 10,000–20,000 mAh at 3.7 V → under 75 Wh: fine in carry-on.
- 26,800 mAh at 3.7 V → about 99 Wh: fine in carry-on.
- 30,000–40,000 mAh at 3.7 V → 111–148 Wh: ask your airline first, max two.
- Huge packs built for e-bikes or studio lights → often over 160 Wh: not allowed in baggage.
Official Sources You Can Trust
The U.S. checkpoint page on lithium battery rules lists portable chargers as spare batteries that must ride in carry-on with a 100 Wh limit when no airline approval is needed. The FAA’s PackSafe guidance confirms you may carry up to two spares in the 101–160 Wh band with airline approval, and none of these spares belong in checked bags. These limits appear in industry and regional guidance worldwide. Check airline pages.
Step-By-Step: Pack Your Charger The Right Way
Before You Fly
- Check the label for Wh. If you only see mAh, convert using Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000.
- Confirm the band: under 100 Wh, 101–160 Wh, or above 160 Wh.
- Contact your carrier if you’re in the 101–160 Wh band, and keep proof of approval.
- Inspect the case. Skip any pack with swelling, dents, or loose ports.
At The Airport
- Place the bank in your cabin bag, not the checked suitcase.
- Use tape caps or a pouch to cover exposed terminals.
- Follow crew directions if asked to show the rating on the label.
On The Aircraft
Many carriers now forbid using a power bank during the flight, even though carrying one is fine. Expect crew to ask that portable chargers stay off, stowed under the seat or in a pocket you can reach. Cabin outlets or seat USB ports are the safer way to charge midair.
Airline Rules Are Converging—With Small Twists
Core limits come from the Wh bands above. Airlines may add house rules about how you store, use, or show the device. Several carriers in Asia and the Middle East now bar in-flight use of power banks altogether. Others allow carry but ask that the bank sits in a small bag near your feet instead of in an overhead bin. Always scan your carrier’s baggage page a day before you leave.
Quick Snapshot Of Current Airline Practices
| Airline | In-Flight Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Airlines | Not allowed | No charging from or into power banks on board |
| EVA Air | Not allowed | Carry in cabin only; keep under seat or in pocket |
| Emirates | Not allowed | Carry in cabin; do not place in overhead; label must show Wh |
What About Batteries Inside Devices?
Phone, tablet, laptop, camera, and drone batteries that are installed in the device follow slightly different packing rules. Those items can be checked when fully powered down, yet most travelers keep them in the cabin to avoid damage or loss. Loose spares—camera bricks, drone packs, and portable chargers—must stay in carry-on with terminals protected.
Picking The Right Capacity For A Trip
For short hops and day tours, banks in the 5,000–10,000 mAh range are light, cheap, and easy to pass at security. City breaks and long days out pair well with 10,000–20,000 mAh. Long-haul flyers who travel with cameras or tablets often pick 20,000–26,800 mAh packs to stay under 100 Wh while getting multiple phone refills. Creators who need 30,000 mAh or more should plan ahead with airline approval or switch to a two-bank setup under 100 Wh each.
Label Red Flags That Can Slow You Down
- No Wh printed anywhere and no detailed spec sheet online.
- Claims like “airline approved” with no Wh rating—screeners still need the number.
- Suspiciously high mAh at 5 V without listing cell voltage (look for 3.6–3.85 V nominal).
- Swollen case, heat marks near ports, or tape covering old damage.
Simple Math Cheat Sheet (mAh → Wh)
Use these sample conversions to judge real-world models. The math assumes a common 3.7 V cell. If your pack quotes a different voltage, swap that number into the formula.
- 10,000 mAh → ~37 Wh
- 20,000 mAh → ~74 Wh
- 26,800 mAh → ~99 Wh
- 30,000 mAh → ~111 Wh
- 40,000 mAh → ~148 Wh
Protection And Storage That Screeners Like
Leave the retail box at home and carry the bank in a slim pouch. Cover any exposed terminals. Pack short cables to avoid tangles. If asked, show the Wh label quickly and keep moving. If a gate agent wants the bank at your feet, slide it into the seat pocket or a small bag under the seat.
Travel Scenarios And The Right Answer
Short Domestic Flight With One Phone
A 10,000 mAh pack is plenty. It sits well under 100 Wh, weighs little, and clears screening.
Weekend City Break With A Tablet
Pick 20,000–26,800 mAh. You’ll stay under 100 Wh and top up both devices.
Work Trip With A USB-C Laptop
Look for a bank that lists PD output and a Wh number at or below 99 Wh. If you need more, carry two sub-100 Wh packs instead of one big unit.
Creator Kit With Camera Bricks
Bring spare camera batteries in the cabin with the contacts covered. If a USB-C power bank over 100 Wh would help, contact your airline well in advance and travel with written approval.
Frequently Missed Fine Print
- There’s no set global limit on how many small banks under 100 Wh you can carry for personal use, but crew can step in if the quantity looks commercial.
- Terminal protection matters. Use tape caps or sleeves to prevent short circuits.
- Some airports ask to remove large power banks from the bag during screening, just like laptops. Follow the tray instructions.
- Airlines can change in-flight charging rules without much notice. Check your carrier’s page the week you fly.
One-Page Packing Card
Clip this list into your trip folder so you never get caught at the counter:
- Keep every portable charger in cabin baggage.
- Under 100 Wh: pack and go.
- 101–160 Wh: ask the airline; bring proof; two max.
- Over 160 Wh: don’t bring it in baggage.
- Cover terminals and avoid crushed spots.
- Expect no in-flight use on many carriers—plan to use seat power instead.