Yes, you can carry a power bank on a flight in carry-on only, within watt-hour limits and with terminals protected from short-circuit.
Travel with a portable charger gets easy once you know two things: where it can go and how big it can be. This guide lays out the cabin-only rule, watt-hour thresholds, airline approval cases, and a quick way to read your label or convert mAh to Wh. You’ll also get packing tips that speed up screening and keep your gear safe in the cabin.
Carry-On Only: What Goes Where
Portable chargers count as spare lithium-ion batteries. Spare lithium cells can’t go in checked bags. They must ride in the cabin, where crew can respond fast if there’s a problem. Devices with batteries installed may be checked in some cases, but loose batteries and power banks stay with you.
| Item Type | Carry-On | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Power bank (lithium-ion, ≤100 Wh) | Allowed; protect terminals; no charging during flight on many airlines | Not allowed |
| Power bank (101–160 Wh) | Allowed with airline approval; usually max two spares | Not allowed |
| Power bank (>160 Wh) | Not allowed for personal use | Not allowed |
| Phone/laptop/tablet with battery installed | Allowed; keep accessible and powered off when asked | Permitted by many carriers if fully powered off; check your airline |
| Lithium-metal spares (non-rechargeable) | Allowed within limits; protect terminals | Not allowed |
Carrying A Power Bank On A Plane: The Rules In Plain English
Air safety rules use watt-hours (Wh) to set size limits. Most pocket-size chargers fall under 100 Wh. Larger “brick” packs can land in the 101–160 Wh window, which triggers a call for airline approval and a cap of two spares. Anything over 160 Wh is out for personal travel. These thresholds apply worldwide on mainstream carriers, with small policy twists from airline to airline.
What “Approval” Usually Means
Approval for the 101–160 Wh range is an airline decision. Many carriers allow one or two spares when you ask in advance or at the gate. Some may say no or set extra steps. If you’re bringing big photography packs or a high-capacity jump-starter that’s under 160 Wh, contact the airline early and keep the label visible for gate staff.
Where To Place It During The Flight
Keep the power bank in your personal item or the overhead bag, not in seatbacks where it can get crushed. Some airlines now forbid using or charging with a portable charger during the flight. Plan to charge at the gate or use seat power when available. When a crew member asks you to unplug, do it right away.
How To Read Your Label (And Convert mAh To Wh)
Every power bank should list a voltage (V) and capacity in either Wh or mAh. If Wh is printed, you’re set. If you only see mAh, convert it:
The Formula
Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000
Example: A 20,000 mAh pack at 3.7 V is 74 Wh. That fits under the 100 Wh line. A 30,000 mAh pack at 3.7 V comes out near 111 Wh, which enters the airline-approval zone.
What If The Label Shows Multiple Numbers?
Power banks often list a “rated capacity” at the internal cell voltage (commonly 3.6–3.7 V) and separate USB outputs at 5 V or higher for fast-charge protocols. For the rule set, use the internal cell voltage printed by the maker, since that reflects the true stored energy in Wh. If the Wh value is printed, rely on that number.
Proof-Backed Rules You Can Trust
Two official pages spell out the carry-on-only rule and the watt-hour thresholds. See the TSA’s item page for power banks and the FAA’s PackSafe lithium batteries guidance. Those pages reflect the cabin rule for spares, the 100 Wh line, and the 101–160 Wh approval window.
Pack It Right: Quick Wins For Screening
Good packing keeps you moving at the checkpoint and lowers risk in flight. Here’s a simple routine that works for most trips:
- Place the power bank where you can reach it fast. Many officers will ask you to remove it during screening.
- Cover exposed terminals. Use the original sleeve, a small pouch, or a bit of tape over contacts for units with visible prongs.
- Bring only what you’ll use. One mid-size pack beats a handful of tiny cells rolling in the bag.
- Turn things off. Don’t board with a device actively charging from your pack.
- Watch for swelling, heat, or odor. If a battery looks damaged or gets hot, tell a crew member.
Airline Differences You Might See
The core limits are similar worldwide, yet airlines set their own onboard use rules. Many carriers now block in-flight charging with power banks. Some carriers require you to keep spare batteries on your person rather than in the overhead. A few insist on extra labeling or original packaging for larger packs. If you’re crossing regions, glance at your airline page before you head to the airport, especially with camera rigs or heavier battery packs.
Real-World Sizing: Where Common Packs Land
Use the ranges below as a reality check when you look at your label. Values assume common 3.6–3.7 V cells.
| Power Bank Size | Approx. Wh | Allowance Snapshot |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 mAh | ~37 Wh | Carry-on allowed; no airline approval |
| 20,000 mAh | ~74 Wh | Carry-on allowed; no airline approval |
| 26,800 mAh (common max before next tier) | ~99 Wh | Carry-on allowed; no airline approval |
| 30,000 mAh | ~111 Wh | Carry-on with airline OK; up to two spares |
| 50,000 mAh “brick” | ~185 Wh | Not allowed for personal travel |
What About Fast-Charge, PD, And Built-In Cables?
Charging tech doesn’t change the safety category. USB-C PD, PPS, Quick Charge, or built-in cords don’t alter the Wh. Still, feature-heavy packs can run warm when stacked under a backpack. Give the unit air and stop charging when the device is full. If your airline bans power-bank use in flight, unplug and stow it.
When A Power Bank Should Stay Home
Leave the pack behind if it shows swelling, dents, liquid damage, or a loose case. Skip anything with a missing label that hides capacity or voltage. Off-brand units without clear ratings raise screening delays and safety risk. If the capacity pushes past 160 Wh, it’s not for passenger cabins.
How Many Spares Make Sense?
Most travelers do well with one mid-size pack under 100 Wh. If you shoot photos or carry two phones, add a second unit. If you truly need a pack over 100 Wh, contact the airline early and plan for a cap of two spares with approval. Bring the data sheet or a clear label to speed the check at the gate.
Gate-Check And Regional Hop Gotchas
Gate agents sometimes tag carry-ons when bins fill up. Pull your power bank and any loose batteries out of that bag before it rolls down the jet bridge. On small regional aircraft, crew may ask you to hand over a roller at the aircraft door; again, remove the battery pack and keep it with you.
Quick Math Guide: From Box Specs To Wh
Step-By-Step
- Find the battery capacity figure. It might read 10,000 mAh, 20,000 mAh, or a similar value.
- Find the internal voltage number. Most list 3.6 V or 3.7 V for the cell.
- Multiply mAh by V, then divide by 1000. That result is your Wh.
- Map that Wh to the tiers above to see where it falls.
Tip: Some makers print the Wh directly. If you see “Wh” on the case, use that number and skip the math.
Kids, Schools, And Group Trips
For school tours or team travel, keep one adult as the “battery wrangler.” Collect packs during takeoff and landing, don’t allow charging in seats if the airline bans it, and check labels before the trip. Keep spares in small pouches and spread them across carry-ons rather than stacking a bunch in one bag.
Photography, Drones, And Specialty Packs
Camera batteries often sit under 100 Wh, yet some cinema rigs and LED panels use larger units in the 100–160 Wh window. Drone packs vary. Print or save the spec sheet, and contact the airline in advance if any pack sits in the approval range. Bring only what you’ll use, cap exposed terminals, and keep each pack in its own sleeve.
Why Cabin-Only Is The Rule
Lithium cells can go into thermal runaway when damaged or shorted. The cabin is staffed and equipped to respond quickly with fire containment steps. The cargo hold isn’t set up for that same level of response, so spare batteries stay out of checked bags. That single rule removes most risk for a typical trip.
What To Do If A Battery Heats Up
Stop charging and disconnect the cable. If heat continues, tell a crew member at once. Don’t smother a smoking pack in a bag; the crew has a plan and tools for battery events. Your part is simple—speak up early.
Traveler Checklist You Can Screenshot
- Power banks ride in the cabin only.
- Under 100 Wh: carry-on is fine; label visible.
- 101–160 Wh: ask your airline; usually max two spares.
- >160 Wh: not for passenger cabins.
- Protect terminals and pack each unit by itself.
- No charging with a power bank if your airline bans it.
- Pull spares out before any gate-check.
Wrap-And-Go Plan For Your Next Trip
Pick a mid-size pack under 100 Wh, toss it in a sleeve, and place it near the top of your carry-on. Label facing out. Keep a short USB-C cable handy for gate charging. Before boarding, disconnect and stow the unit so you’re set no matter what the airline says about in-flight use. That’s it—you’re traveling with backup power and zero drama.