Up to 100 Wh (~27,000 mAh) in carry-on is fine; 101–160 Wh needs airline approval, and power banks aren’t allowed in checked bags.
If you’re packing a charger for a flight, the limit you’ll see on airline and security pages is measured in watt-hours (Wh), not just milliamp-hours (mAh). Most pocket-size packs fall well under 100 Wh, which keeps things simple. Larger bricks can be allowed with airline sign-off, but they still need to ride in your hand luggage. Below you’ll find the rules in plain language, a quick way to convert mAh to Wh, and clear packing tips that speed you through the checkpoint.
Allowed Power Bank Capacity On Flights: mAh And Wh Limits
Air travel rules center on energy, not just capacity digits on the label. Energy equals watt-hours, and that value tells security how much risk a battery poses. Here’s the quick view you can act on today.
| Battery Size (Wh) | Where It Goes | Extra Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 Wh (≈ up to ~27,000 mAh at 3.7 V) | Carry-on only | No airline approval needed |
| 101–160 Wh (≈ ~27,001–43,000 mAh at 3.7 V) | Carry-on only | Airline approval usually required; often max two spares |
| >160 Wh | Not allowed for passengers | Handled as cargo only under special rules |
Why Airlines Care About Wh, Not Just mAh
mAh tells you “how much charge,” but Wh tells you “how much energy.” Since energy drives heat during a failure, regulators publish limits in Wh. Luckily, you can translate your pack’s label in seconds.
The Quick Formula
Wh = (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1,000
Most single-cell packs use a nominal voltage around 3.6–3.7 V. Multi-cell designs sometimes print a different nominal value; always use what’s printed on the spec label. If the box lists Wh directly, you’re set.
Worked Example
A 20,000 mAh pack rated at 3.7 V has: 20,000 × 3.7 ÷ 1,000 = 74 Wh. That’s well within the standard limit and fine for cabin bags.
Where To Pack Your Charger
Power banks count as spare lithium batteries. That means they go in hand luggage, never in checked baggage. Cabin crew can respond to a problem far faster in the cabin than in the hold, which is the entire point of the rule. Keep the pack in a spot you can reach, and leave ports uncovered so you or a crew member can disconnect a cable fast if it gets warm.
Common Airline Approval Situations
Airline approval usually shows up when your pack sits between 101 and 160 Wh. Carriers often limit you to two spares in that bracket. Approval can be as simple as a note on the booking, a checkbox in manage-my-trip, or a quick call to customer service. Some carriers also want the capacity label to show Wh clearly. If your label only shows mAh, carry a screenshot of the spec sheet or a photo of the box panel that lists voltage and Wh.
Labels, Specs, And What Screeners Look For
Screeners and gate agents look for a clear capacity number and whether the battery is installed in equipment or loose. A power bank is “loose,” even when a cable is plugged in. Good labels help everyone move faster. If the shell lacks data, the agent can ask questions or refuse the item, especially for big bricks that appear oversized for personal electronics.
Regional Nuance Without The Jargon
Global aviation bodies publish nearly the same thresholds. Many carriers follow the same bracket: 0–100 Wh, 101–160 Wh with approval, and no larger batteries in passenger bags. Some airlines also restrict using a power bank during the flight or forbid charging while the pack sits inside a bag or overhead bin. Check your booking email and the in-flight magazine card for any extra notes.
How To Choose A Pack That Always Clears Screening
Pick a size that fits your trip and keeps boarding simple. Here’s a practical way to decide.
Day Trips And Short Hops
A 5,000–10,000 mAh pack covers a phone and earbuds with room to spare. These usually sit well under 40 Wh and breeze through checkpoints.
Multi-Day Travel
10,000–20,000 mAh is the sweet spot for phones, tablets, and wearables. You’ll still be far below 100 Wh, yet you can recharge a phone multiple times and top off a tablet.
Laptops And Gaming Handhelds
Look at packs around 20,000–26,800 mAh with USB-C PD. That range often comes in at 60–99 Wh, which keeps you in the “no approval needed” lane while still delivering 45–65 W output for many ultraportables and handheld consoles.
Outputs, Cables, And Heat
Higher-wattage USB-C PD ports move energy fast. Fast energy means heat if cables kink or connectors get blocked. Use certified cables, don’t sandwich the pack in pillows or clothes, and unplug anything that starts to feel hot. Crew members take heat seriously because a small thermal event can escalate quickly in a tight cabin.
What To Do If Your Pack Has No Wh Number
Take a photo of the product page or manual showing voltage and capacity. If nothing shows up, apply the formula with 3.7 V as a typical value and print the math on a small label. That solves most boarding desk questions.
Special Cases You Might Run Into
Smart Luggage With Built-In Batteries
Removable cells are fine in the cabin. If the pack can’t be removed, some carriers won’t accept the bag. Remove the pack and carry it on board.
Battery Packs For Cameras Or Drones
Loose lithium-ion camera packs count as spares. Tape the terminals or use plastic sleeves. Keep them in a small pouch and spread them across bags if you travel with many cells. Drone flight packs often sit under 100 Wh; bigger sets may need airline approval in the same 101–160 Wh window.
Charging During The Flight
Some carriers now ask you to keep any active power bank in plain sight, not buried in a bag or bin. Others ban using the pack at all while seated, even though carrying it is fine. If a crew member asks you to unplug, just switch to the seat outlet or wait until landing.
mAh To Wh Cheatsheet (And What That Means For You)
These examples use 3.7 V, the most common nominal value for single-cell packs. If your label lists a different voltage, apply the same formula with that number.
| Printed Size (mAh @ 3.7 V) | Energy (Wh) | Cabin Status |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh | 18.5 Wh | Carry-on, no approval needed |
| 10,000 mAh | 37 Wh | Carry-on, no approval needed |
| 20,000 mAh | 74 Wh | Carry-on, no approval needed |
| 26,800 mAh | 99.2 Wh | Carry-on, no approval needed |
| 30,000 mAh | 111 Wh | Carry-on; airline approval usually needed |
| 40,000 mAh | 148 Wh | Carry-on; airline approval usually needed |
How Many Pieces You Can Bring
There’s no universal count limit for small packs under 100 Wh, but screeners can ask questions if you carry a bag full of cells. The bigger bracket (101–160 Wh) is often limited to two spares per passenger. If you travel as a family or crew, spread packs across travelers to keep each person within the typical allowance.
Packing Checklist That Speeds Up Screening
- Carry-on only: Never in checked bags.
- Ports covered, terminals protected: Use end caps or a slim sleeve.
- Label visible: Keep Wh or mAh + V facing up.
- No damage: Bulging, dented, or wet packs should stay home.
- One cable per port: Avoid Y-splitters or daisy chains.
- Don’t charge while buried: Keep an active pack in sight.
When Airline Policies Are Stricter Than The Baseline
Airlines can add their own rules on top of the global baseline. Some forbid using power banks in the cabin. Others ask you to keep the pack out on the tray table while in use. A few request that you unplug during taxi, takeoff, and landing. If your confirmation email or app shows a battery notice, treat that as the final word for that flight.
Two Official Pages Worth Saving
You can double-check the limits on two pages that regulators keep current. The TSA’s entry for portable chargers spells out the “carry-on only” rule, and the FAA’s Pack Safe page lays out the 0–100 Wh and 101–160 Wh brackets with airline approval guidance. Add both to your bookmarks before a trip:
Quick Answers To Situations That Trip People Up
No Label, But You Know The Model
Show the product page on your phone where Wh or voltage is listed. If the agent can see the number, you’ll move faster.
A Big Brick For A Laptop
Check the label. Many 25,000–26,800 mAh packs are just under 100 Wh by design. If yours prints 101–160 Wh, get airline approval ahead of time and bring only one or two.
Using The Pack Mid-Flight
If the crew allows it, keep the pack visible and don’t wedge it into seat pockets with sharp items. Unplug if it warms up.
Connection Types
USB-C PD is fine. AC-outlet battery stations marketed for camping often exceed 160 Wh; leave those home or ship them separately.
Bottom Line For Stress-Free Boarding
Pick a pack that lives under 100 Wh, carry it in the cabin, and keep its label visible. If you need a bigger unit, ask the airline for approval and limit yourself to one or two. With the quick conversion formula and the tables above, you can check any charger in seconds and walk to the gate with confidence.