Yes, power banks up to 100 Wh are fine; 101–160 Wh need airline approval (max two spares), and 160 Wh+ are banned from passenger cabins and checked bags.
Airlines and regulators don’t care about “mAh” on the label as much as watt-hours (Wh). Wh tells crews how much energy the battery holds, which maps to safety rules. Here’s a clear, tested way to pick the right charger for your next trip, convert mAh to Wh, and pack it so you pass screening on the first try.
Power Bank Limits At A Glance
| Battery Rating (Wh) | Carry-On | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 Wh | Yes | No pre-approval needed; spares stay out of checked bags. |
| 101–160 Wh | Yes (with airline OK) | Max two spares per person; expect staff to check the label. |
| >160 Wh | No | Forbidden on passenger aircraft unless covered by special mobility rules. |
Carrying A Power Bank On Flights: Size Rules
The core rule set comes from aviation safety regulators and the industry body that writes the model code airlines follow. In plain terms: batteries live in the cabin where crews can act quickly if one overheats. Loose lithium packs never belong in checked baggage. The energy cap that matters to travelers is 100 Wh by default, with a narrow window up to 160 Wh when the airline signs off in advance (and only two spares).
Why Watt-Hours Matter More Than Milliamp-Hours
mAh describes how much charge a cell holds at its nominal voltage. Since different cells use different voltages, mAh alone can mislead. Wh equals voltage × amp-hours, so it compares apples to apples across devices. Most consumer power banks use 3.6–3.85 V cells (often labeled 3.7 V). That’s why a “20,000 mAh” pack isn’t 20 Ah at 5 V; the rated capacity is at cell voltage before conversion losses.
How To Convert mAh To Wh In Seconds
Use this simple math: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × 3.7. If your pack lists 3.85 V, use that number instead of 3.7. Some brands print the Wh figure directly; if you see both, defer to the printed Wh value for screening.
Examples You Can Copy
- 10,000 mAh at 3.7 V → (10,000 ÷ 1000) × 3.7 = 37 Wh (green light).
- 20,000 mAh at 3.7 V → 20 × 3.7 = 74 Wh (green light).
- 27,000 mAh at 3.7 V → 27 × 3.7 = 99.9 Wh (right under the line).
- 30,000 mAh at 3.7 V → 30 × 3.7 = 111 Wh (needs airline approval; only two spares allowed).
What Counts As “Spare,” What Counts As “Installed”
A power bank is a spare battery. It is not “installed in equipment” like a laptop or phone. Spares must ride in carry-on only, with terminals protected. Tape over exposed leads if present, keep the pack in a sleeve or pouch, and use the built-in switch to turn it off. Don’t charge it or anything else during taxi, takeoff, or landing; many airlines now ask that power banks stay idle the whole time in flight.
Airline Approval For 101–160 Wh Packs
Got a big brick in the 26,800–43,000 mAh range? That usually lands between 101 and 160 Wh. You need a yes from the carrier before you fly. Approval methods vary: some airlines approve by phone or chat; others require a note on the booking. Expect a limit of two spares per person in this band. Bring proof of Wh on the label or the spec sheet. If staff can’t verify the number at the gate, they’ll say no.
Regional Rule Quick Hits
Rules line up globally with the same thresholds: default up to 100 Wh, airline approval up to 160 Wh, banned above that. The wording differs, but the numbers match. Two helpful references you can keep handy:
- FAA PackSafe: Lithium Batteries — clear charts on Wh limits, carry-on rules, and the two-spare cap in the approval band.
- IATA Passenger Lithium Battery Guide (PDF) — industry standard that airlines mirror for power banks and other spares.
Checked Baggage Rules You Shouldn’t Test
No loose lithium packs in checked luggage. If you forget one in a suitcase, screening may pull the bag, delay it, or require removal at the counter. Cabin crew can deal with a smoking pack; a cargo hold can’t. If your bag must be gate-checked, take power banks out before you hand it over.
Label Reading: Where To Find The Wh Number
Turn the pack over and look for a line like “Rated capacity: XX,XXX mAh (3.7 V)” or a direct “XX.X Wh.” Many packs show both. Some show multiple outputs (5 V USB-A, 9 V PD, 12 V). Those are output modes, not cell voltage. For screening, the printed Wh rating or the mAh × 3.7 math rules the day. No label? Bring the product sheet saved to your phone and keep the retail box if it lists Wh.
What About PD Bricks And Laptop Packs?
High-output doesn’t always mean high Wh. A slim 20,000 mAh USB-C PD pack that charges a laptop at 60 W still sits at ~74 Wh—well under the 100 Wh line. The watt rating describes how fast it can deliver energy, not how much it stores. Staff check Wh, not USB-C power profiles.
Multiple Packs: How Many Can You Bring?
Most airlines take a practical view: several small packs under 100 Wh are fine when they’re for your own devices. If you’re hauling a box full of batteries for resale or distribution, expect rejection. In the approval band, the common cap is two spares. Keep them easy to inspect and separated to avoid shorting.
mAh-To-Wh Quick Reference Table
This table uses 3.7 V, which matches the rated cell voltage on most consumer packs. If your label lists 3.85 V, multiply by 3.85 instead.
| Label (mAh @ 3.7 V) | Approx Wh | Approval? |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh | 18.5 Wh | No |
| 10,000 mAh | 37 Wh | No |
| 20,000 mAh | 74 Wh | No |
| 26,800 mAh | 99.2 Wh | No |
| 30,000 mAh | 111 Wh | Yes (two spares max) |
| 40,000 mAh | 148 Wh | Yes (two spares max) |
| 45,000 mAh | 166.5 Wh | Not allowed |
Packing Steps That Speed Up Screening
Protect The Terminals
Use the original sleeve or a small pouch. If the pack has exposed leads, cap them or tape them. Avoid loose metal items nearby—coins and keys can bridge terminals.
Keep It Accessible
Put power banks at the top of your carry-on. If officers want to inspect the label, you won’t need to unpack your whole bag. A clear zip pouch works well.
Switch Off And Don’t Charge
Turn off the pack before boarding. Many carriers now forbid using power banks in flight, even while seated. Cabin announcements will spell it out; follow the crew’s call.
Special Cases That Trip People Up
“But My Pack Says 20,000 mAh And 5 V”
The 5 V line is an output mode, not the cell rating used for limits. Convert using the 3.7–3.85 V range unless the label shows a different nominal cell voltage.
“The Label Only Shows mAh”
Do the math and write the Wh on a small piece of painter’s tape. Place it next to the capacity line. Staff appreciate the clarity, and you fly sooner.
“My Portable Charger Has A Built-In Cable And LED Light”
Accessory features don’t change the rule. It’s still a spare battery and stays in the cabin.
“Can I Stack Two Packs Together With A Cable?”
Don’t daisy-chain in flight. Airlines discourage any setup that increases heat. If a crew member asks you to unplug, just do it.
Buying A New Pack For Travel
Stick to brands that clearly print Wh and cell voltage on the shell. Look for independent safety marks (UL, ETL, TÜV) and protections like over-charge and short-circuit cutoffs. A flat, 10,000–20,000 mAh pack with USB-C PD covers phones, tablets, and many thin laptops without pushing the approval line. If you need a big pack in the 101–160 Wh band—say for long shoots—secure airline approval in writing and carry only two spares.
How This Guide Was Built
The thresholds and carry rules here align with current regulator pages and the industry guidance airlines apply worldwide. The linked references show the same 0–100 Wh default, the 101–160 Wh approval band with a two-spare cap, and the ban above 160 Wh. Some carriers also restrict in-flight use of power banks; follow cabin crew instructions if they ask you to keep packs off during the flight.
Quick Checklist Before You Head To The Airport
- Confirm the Wh on your pack; if needed, convert from mAh at 3.7 V.
- Stay at or under 100 Wh for a smoother trip.
- In the 101–160 Wh band, get airline approval and bring no more than two spares.
- Keep all spares in carry-on; never in checked bags.
- Protect terminals and pack the bank where it’s easy to inspect.
- Follow crew instructions about in-flight charging and device use.