One passenger can bring power banks up to 100 Wh in carry-on; 101–160 Wh need airline approval, and anything larger is banned.
Why Airlines Care About Watt Hours
Airlines treat power banks as spare lithium-ion batteries. Fire risk goes up with capacity, so the rules measure size in watt hours (Wh), not milliamp hours (mAh). Wh describes how much energy is stored. That is why labels that show Wh matter at screening and at the gate.
Power Bank Size Allowed On Flights: The Limits
| Battery Capacity (Wh) | Where It Goes | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 Wh | Carry-on only | No universal cap; airline rules may set a number |
| 101–160 Wh | Carry-on only | Max two spares with airline approval |
| Over 160 Wh | Not allowed in passenger bags | — |
What The 100 Wh Limit Means In Practice
Most pocket-size packs sit under 100 Wh. That covers common 5,000–20,000 mAh models built around 3.7 V cells. You can place these in your cabin bag or personal item. Do not put them in checked baggage. Security officers may ask to see the rating on the case. Keep ports covered and the switch off.
When You Need Airline Approval (101–160 Wh)
Large laptop bricks and some camera packs land in this band. You can bring up to two of these as spares, but only with airline approval. Approval is usually a note in your booking or a flag in your reservation. Reach your carrier’s help desk in advance, then keep the email handy. These must ride in the cabin and must be protected from damage.
What Is Always Prohibited (>160 Wh)
Very large energy packs, tool batteries above this range, and camping stations are not allowed in passenger bags. Airlines treat those as cargo items that need special packing and shipper training. Consumer travel is not the place for them.
How To Read The Label And Do The Math
Many cases show Wh directly. If you only see mAh, use a simple rule: Wh = (mAh × voltage) ÷ 1000. Most consumer cells sit at 3.7 V nominal. A 10,000 mAh pack at 3.7 V equals 37 Wh. A 20,000 mAh pack equals 74 Wh. Both sit below the 100 Wh cap. Brands sometimes round the figure; go by the printed Wh if present.
Quantity Limits You Should Know
Small spares under 100 Wh do not have a universal count cap in the core rules, yet carriers can set a number. Many allow several small packs, and some post a cap of two to five. The mid-band of 101–160 Wh is capped at two spares with airline approval. Installed batteries inside a device are a separate case and usually do not count against your spare limit.
Carry-On Only: Why Checked Bags Are Off Limits
Cargo holds are harder to access in an emergency. Cabin crews are trained and have tools to manage battery smoke or heat in the cabin. That is why screening agents will pull a suitcase that hides a power bank and ask you to remove it. Gate agents also check suitcases at the door for the same reason.
How Different Regions Phrase The Same Rule
The United States uses Wh bands and the same pattern shows up in most regions that follow international guidance. European regulators echo the 100 Wh base level and the 160 Wh ceiling with operator approval. Airlines may tack on small extras, such as visibility while charging or a ban on charging onboard. Always scan your carrier’s page before you pack.
Step-By-Step: Pick, Pack, And Pass Screening
- Check the case for the Wh rating. If missing, do the mAh math at 3.7 V.
- Keep packs in carry-on. Never in checked bags.
- Tape or cover exposed ports if you carry camera plates or tool packs.
- Use a sleeve or pouch to avoid pressure on the switch.
- Bring airline approval if your pack sits in the 101–160 Wh band.
- Do not charge devices during takeoff, landing, or while the pack is buried.
- If a unit swells, smells odd, or gets hot, stop using it and tell the crew.
Common mAh Sizes And Where They Land
| Labeled Capacity (mAh @ 3.7 V) | Watt Hours (Wh) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh | ≈ 18.5 Wh | Carry-on; no approval |
| 10,000 mAh | ≈ 37 Wh | Carry-on; no approval |
| 20,000 mAh | ≈ 74 Wh | Carry-on; no approval |
| 26,800 mAh | ≈ 99 Wh | Carry-on; no approval |
| 30,000 mAh | ≈ 111 Wh | Carry-on with airline approval (max two spares) |
Special Cases And Edge Rules
Smart suitcases with built-in batteries must have a removable pack. Take it out before checking the bag. E-bikes, hoverboards, e-scooters, and large tool packs exceed passenger limits and require cargo handling. Camera battery plates that expose contacts need terminal caps or tape. Power banks with built-in AC outlets are treated by Wh, not by outlet type, so the same size bands apply.
What About Laptops And Tablets?
A laptop with a battery near 60 Wh sits below the cap, so it may go in the cabin or in checked baggage when installed in the device. Many carriers still prefer that you keep devices in the cabin. If you must check a device, power it off fully and protect it from switching on. Spare laptop batteries are treated the same as power banks and must ride in carry-on.
Can You Bring Multiple Small Packs?
Yes, as long as they sit under the base limit and the airline has not set a tight cap. A pair of 10,000 mAh packs is fine on most routes. Three or four small units are common for photographers or streamers. Keep them together in a pouch so you can present them quickly at screening.
Labeling Tips That Save Time
Pick units that print the Wh rating on the case. Clear labels reduce questions at the checkpoint. Brands that hide the figure or print only peak mAh at 5 V can cause confusion. The cabin standard is based on cell voltage, not boosted output ratings, so bring the user guide or product page if the case lacks the Wh figure.
How Airline Approval Usually Works
Call or chat with your carrier with the model number and Wh figure. Ask for written approval for two spares in the mid-band if you need them. Some airlines add the note to your record. Others send a reply email that you can show on your phone. Gate staff want a clear match between your pack and the approval note.
Safety Habits That Flight Crews Like
Keep packs in a cool, dry pouch. Do not leave them wedged in seats. Use short cables to avoid snags. Do not daisy chain chargers. If a unit drops between seat cushions, call a crew member. A crushed battery can start to smoke. If a pack overheats, place it on a hard surface and alert the crew.
mAh To Wh Examples You Can Copy
Here is a quick way to judge common sizes. Use 3.7 V for estimates unless the maker states a different cell voltage.
- 5,000 mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000 ≈ 18.5 Wh
- 10,000 mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000 ≈ 37 Wh
- 20,000 mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000 ≈ 74 Wh
- 26,800 mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000 ≈ 99 Wh
- 27,000 mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000 ≈ 99.9 Wh
- 30,000 mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000 ≈ 111 Wh (needs approval)
The last line shows why you see many packs advertised at 26,800 mAh. That number keeps the Wh just under the base cap.
What To Do If Your Pack Has No Label
Print the product page that lists the Wh figure, or show the spec page on your phone. If you bought a no-name unit with no rating, replace it. Screeners and crews favor clear data and reputable brands. A clear case mark speeds your day and keeps lines moving.
Travel Scenarios: Domestic Vs. International
On a short domestic hop, screeners mainly check placement and visible ratings. On long trips with multiple stops, airline staff may ask about quantity and approval letters. Some carriers ban onboard charging or ask you to keep packs out in the open when in use. Follow crew instructions and stow the pack when told.
Troubleshooting At The Checkpoint
If a screener pulls your bag, stay calm and show the rating. Be ready to separate the pack from the rest of your gear. If the unit sits in the mid-band, show the approval note. If it sits above the ceiling, you will need to leave it behind. Trying to sneak it through risks delays and fees.
Buying Guide: Pick Travel-Friendly Packs
Choose a pack under 100 Wh with clear labels. A simple two-port unit covers most trips. A model that supports both USB-A and USB-C reduces cable clutter. If you carry a laptop, look for a printed Wh near 90–99 Wh and a USB-C PD output that meets your wattage needs. If you film or shoot, plan your count based on your airline’s limit.
Care And Storage Between Trips
Charge to around half when storing for weeks. Keep the case clean and dry. Avoid squashing the pack in tight pockets. Swap out damaged cables. Recycle worn units through electronics drop-offs. Fresh packs behave better and pass screening with less fuss.
Key Takeaways You Can Trust
- Under 100 Wh: cabin only, no universal count cap.
- 101–160 Wh: cabin only, two spares max, airline approval needed.
- Above 160 Wh: not allowed in passenger bags.
- Labels matter. Clear Wh marks speed screening.
- Keep packs cool, covered, and easy to present.
Source Backing For These Rules
See the FAA’s PackSafe lithium batteries page and the TSA’s page on batteries over 100 Wh for the Wh bands, placement, and approval limits. International carriers draw from IATA guidance that follows the same 100 Wh base and 160 Wh ceiling.