Yes, power banks up to 100Wh are allowed in carry-on; 100–160Wh need airline approval; none in checked luggage.
Air travel battery rules feel tricky, yet they follow a simple energy cap. Below you’ll find the exact limits, quick math to read labels, and sizes that pass screening.
Allowed Power Bank Sizes At A Glance
The rules hinge on watt-hours (Wh), not milliamp-hours (mAh). Under 100Wh flies in a cabin bag with no special steps. From 100 to 160Wh, most airlines ask for approval and cap you at two spares. Above 160Wh is banned for passenger bags. Power banks count as spare batteries, so they must stay out of checked bags and ride in your hand luggage.
| Typical Capacity (mAh @ 3.7V) | Approx Wh | Airline Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh | 18.5 Wh | Carry-on allowed |
| 10,000 mAh | 37 Wh | Carry-on allowed |
| 20,000 mAh | 74 Wh | Carry-on allowed |
| 26,800 mAh | 99.2 Wh | Carry-on allowed |
| 30,000 mAh | 111 Wh | Carry-on, airline approval needed (max two) |
| 50,000 mAh | 185 Wh | Not permitted |
Why Airlines Use Watt-Hours
Watt-hours reflect total energy and risk. A phone pack may list only mAh. Multiply by the battery’s voltage to get Wh. Most cells inside power banks run at 3.7V nominal. If you only see mAh, do the math and write the Wh on a strip of tape to speed up questions at the gate.
The Simple mAh → Wh Formula
Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1,000. With 3.7V cells, a 10,000 mAh pack equals 37Wh. A 26,800 mAh pack equals about 99Wh. That last size sits just under the 100Wh line, which is why many brands sell models at 26,800 mAh.
Checked Bags Vs Carry-On
Power banks ride in the cabin. Checked bags are off-limits for spare lithium cells and chargers. Cabin carriage lets crew act fast during a rare battery incident. Keep the pack where you can reach it and avoid tight spots that trap heat.
Close Variant: What Size Power Bank Can Fly In Hand Luggage Without Trouble?
Anything under 100Wh goes in a cabin bag with no pre-approval. From 100 to 160Wh, contact the airline before you fly and expect a limit of two spares. Packs over 160Wh are out for passengers. That three-tier system shows up across major regulators and matches airline charts.
Regional And Regulator Rules That Shape Airline Limits
In the United States, the FAA’s PackSafe page sets the baseline for passengers: a 100Wh cap for general carriage, a window up to 160Wh when the airline says yes, and a two-spare limit in that window. It also flags damaged or recalled cells as no-go items. IATA classifies power banks as spare lithium batteries that must stay in hand luggage and be protected from short circuits. European notices mirror the 100/160Wh pattern and ban anything beyond 160Wh in passenger bags.
Two Authoritative Links For Quick Reference
Bookmark the FAA PackSafe lithium battery rules and IATA’s passenger lithium battery guide. These pages outline the watt-hour bands, carry-on only status for spares, and packing steps.
How Many Power Banks Can You Bring?
Under 100Wh, airlines typically allow more than one, as long as the total looks reasonable for personal use. In the 100–160Wh band, expect a firm limit of two spares and an approval note on your booking. Some carriers also restrict using a power bank. If the seat has outlets, plug in there and keep your pack idle.
Label, Pack, And Handle It Right
- Find the Wh rating. If the case only lists mAh, calculate Wh and add a small label.
- Protect the terminals. Cover exposed contacts or use a sleeve to prevent short circuits.
- Use a pouch. A soft case prevents scuffs and pocket lint in the USB ports.
- Keep it with you. Place power banks in your backpack or handbag, not the suitcase.
Common Sizes That Sail Through Screening
Most travel-friendly models sit between 10,000 and 20,000 mAh at 3.7V. That range balances size, weight, and flight rules. Laptop-class bricks with DC ports can push near 100Wh yet still pass. Once you reach packs near 30,000 mAh, you enter the approval zone. Beyond that, you risk a denial at the gate. A compact case keeps cables tidy and protects ports from pocket debris inside.
Reading Labels That Skip Watt-Hours
Some makers advertise capacity in mAh at 5V output. That can confuse the math. Use the cell voltage, not the USB output. If the spec sheet lists 3.7V cells and 20,000 mAh, your Wh math uses 3.7V. That gives 74Wh, which is fine for cabin bags. If a label lists cells at 7.4V (two in series), adjust the math: Wh = (mAh × 7.4) ÷ 1,000. The label tells the truth; you just need the right voltage.
Real-World Scenarios For Travel
Two 20,000 mAh Packs At 74Wh Each
Yes. Two packs at 74Wh each sit well under the 100Wh limit for general carriage. Place both in your cabin bag. Keep spare cables in a small zip bag to avoid snags and mess inside.
A 30,000 mAh Brick At 3.7V Needs Approval
That equals roughly 111Wh. Ask the airline for approval before travel. Expect a cap of two spares in that band. If the answer is no, bring a smaller model or two mid-size packs instead.
Checked Bags And Empty Power Banks
No. Capacity does not change the rule for spares. Power banks ride in the cabin only. If a gate agent asks, remove any charger from a suitcase and carry it on.
Using A Charger During The Flight
Some airlines ban in-flight use of power banks. Many prefer that you plug into the seat outlet. If a crew member asks you to unplug a battery pack, do it and switch to the seat power.
Troubleshooting At Security
If an officer asks, point to the Wh mark. If only mAh is shown, state the math and show your note. Power the pack off and place it in a bin by itself. Short, polite replies and clear labels move you along.
More Quick Math Examples
15,000 mAh at 3.7V equals 55.5Wh, which sails through. 24,000 mAh at 3.7V equals 88.8Wh, also fine. A camera battery at 7.4V and 2,000 mAh equals 14.8Wh, fine as a spare in carry-on.
Airline Approval: What It Looks Like
Approval can be a note in your booking or an email from customer service. Ask early, include the exact Wh rating, and attach a photo of the marking. Carry that message on your phone.
Quick Reference: Regulator Rules Summary
| Body | Core Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FAA (US) | Up to 100Wh; 101–160Wh with airline approval | Max two spares in 101–160Wh; spares in cabin only |
| IATA | Carry-on only for spares; 100Wh base, up to 160Wh with approval | Short-circuit protection required |
| Europe (EASA) | 100Wh base; 101–160Wh with operator approval | Over 160Wh not allowed in passenger bags |
Best Size For Different Trips
Weekend city hop: A 10,000 mAh pack keeps a phone alive through maps, photos, and rides.
Work travel with laptop: Aim for 20,000–26,800 mAh with USB-C PD to stay under 100Wh.
Photo or video shoot: Two mid-size packs beat one jumbo unit and avoid approvals.
Key Takeaway: Fly With The Right Size And Clear Labels
You can bring power banks in your cabin bag. Under 100Wh, you are set. From 100 to 160Wh, ask the airline and limit yourself to two. Over 160Wh stays home. Mark your Wh and keep the charger handy for a smooth trip.