Most airlines allow power banks up to 100 Wh in carry-on; 100–160 Wh needs airline approval; over 160 Wh isn’t allowed.
Here’s the deal in plain terms: airlines and aviation regulators measure portable chargers by watt-hours (Wh), not watts. That single detail answers nearly every question about what you can bring. Under 100 Wh sails through in your cabin bag. Between 100 Wh and 160 Wh usually needs the airline’s sign-off. Anything above 160 Wh stays home. Power banks count as spare lithium batteries, so they must ride in your hand luggage, never the hold.
Allowed Power Bank Watt-Hours On Flights: Rules That Matter
The limits come from harmonized passenger-safety rules used worldwide. In short: carry-on only, with thresholds tied to battery energy. The TSA page for power banks says portable chargers go in carry-on. The FAA’s PackSafe guide shows the 0–100 Wh, 101–160 Wh (approval), and 160 Wh+ (no go) thresholds that airlines follow for passenger batteries. You can read the FAA’s chart in its official resource under “Batteries carried by airline passengers.”
Why Wh, Not Watts?
Watts describe the rate of power at a moment. Watt-hours measure stored energy, which relates to fire risk and is the figure regulators care about. That’s why your power bank label or spec sheet lists Wh, or gives milliamp-hours (mAh) plus a nominal voltage so you can convert to Wh.
Quick Placement Rules
Portable chargers are always treated as spare batteries. That means cabin only. Placing a spare lithium battery inside checked baggage invites a bag-open request at the counter or a forced removal at the gate.
At-A-Glance Limits For Travelers
| Battery Category | Where It Goes | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 100 Wh power bank | Carry-on only | No airline approval needed |
| 101–160 Wh power bank | Carry-on only | Airline approval usually required; quantity limits often apply |
| > 160 Wh power bank | Not permitted | Prohibited for passenger baggage |
| Battery installed in a phone/tablet/laptop | Carry-on preferred; checked may be allowed by some carriers | Device must be off/protected from activation if checked |
| Loose lithium batteries of any size | Carry-on only | Terminals must be protected from short-circuit |
Regulators align on the same thresholds. The FAA PackSafe lithium batteries page confirms carry-on placement and caps, including the common two-unit limit in the 101–160 Wh bracket. International guidance from IATA tracks the same carry-on-only approach for spare lithium batteries and calls out the 100 Wh and 160 Wh breakpoints used by airlines.
How To Read Your Power Bank Label
Look for a printed Wh figure. If you only see mAh, you can convert with a quick formula. Most consumer packs use 3.7 V cells inside; that’s the number to use unless the maker prints a different nominal voltage.
The Simple Conversion
Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V
- 10,000 mAh at 3.7 V → 37 Wh (well under 100 Wh)
- 20,000 mAh at 3.7 V → 74 Wh (still under 100 Wh)
- 26,800 mAh at 3.7 V → 99 Wh (right at the common cap)
- 40,000 mAh at 3.7 V → 148 Wh (needs airline approval)
- 50,000 mAh at 3.7 V → 185 Wh (not allowed)
Some brands print multiple outputs (5 V USB-A, 9 V/12 V USB-C, etc.). Ignore output “watts” for transport rules; the stored energy number is what screening agents use.
Carry-On Only: What Screeners Expect
Keep your portable charger inside your personal item or backpack, with ports covered and no metal touching the terminals. If asked, show the Wh label or the mAh and voltage. Agents may swab or visually check the pack, especially if the label is missing or the case looks damaged.
Quantity Caps For Mid-Size Packs
The 101–160 Wh range often comes with a two-unit limit per traveler and an approval note on the airline’s site or your booking. The FAA resource spells this out in clear terms, and many carriers mirror it verbatim.
What About Smart Luggage?
Suitcases with built-in batteries must let you remove the battery. If the battery is removable and ≤ 100 Wh, it goes in the cabin. If it’s in the 101–160 Wh bracket, you’ll need airline approval and the battery must be detached and carried on. Fixed batteries that can’t be removed cause problems at check-in.
Regional Notes And Airline Variations
Rules are largely consistent across regions because airlines follow the same safety model. That said, an airline can tighten quantity limits or add steps like a one-pack rule on certain routes. Check your booking email or the carrier’s dangerous goods page if you plan to bring a large pack near 160 Wh.
If you’re flying from or through the UK, the UK CAA safety guidance repeats the same thresholds and placement and reminds travelers to protect battery terminals from short-circuit.
Packing Tips That Speed Up Screening
Keep Labels Visible
Put the printed Wh face-up in an outer pocket. If your pack lists only mAh, tape a small card with the Wh math next to it. That saves a conversation at the scanner.
Protect The Terminals
Use a pouch, case, or original box. Toss in a few rubber port covers or tape over any exposed metal contacts. No loose coins or keys near the ports.
Separate From Large Electronics
Place the charger in the tray on its own if asked. Some airports want it outside the bag for a cleaner X-ray image.
Turn Off While Boarding
Many airlines don’t allow a power bank to charge devices during taxi, takeoff, or landing. Unplug when crew asks. Heat is your cue—if the pack warms up, stop charging and let it cool.
Choosing A Travel-Friendly Power Bank
If you travel often, pick a pack with a clear Wh label and built-in protections like over-charge, over-current, and thermal cutoffs. Capacity near 20,000–26,800 mAh at 3.7 V strikes a sweet spot for phones and small laptops while staying below the 100 Wh line.
Features That Help On The Road
- Clear Markings: Wh printed on the case.
- USB-C PD: Faster top-ups for phones and many laptops.
- Low-current mode: Handy for earbuds and watches.
- Pass-through limits: Avoid charging the bank itself on board; crews may ask you to stop.
Size Guide By Use Case
Phone-only travelers do well with 10,000–20,000 mAh (37–74 Wh). Tablet and lightweight-laptop users often prefer 20,000–26,800 mAh (74–99 Wh). Gaming handhelds and power-hungry laptops might tempt you toward 40,000 mAh, but that’s around 148 Wh, which moves you into the approval zone and invites extra checks.
What To Do If Your Pack Lacks A Label
Print the specs page from the maker’s site and bring it along. If you only know mAh, do the math and write the Wh on a small sticker. Security teams want a clear number they can verify in seconds.
mAh-To-Wh Reference (Using 3.7 V Cells)
| Rated Capacity | Energy (Wh) | Travel 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; airline approval commonly required |
| 40,000 mAh | 148 Wh | Carry-on; airline approval commonly required |
| 50,000 mAh | 185 Wh | Not permitted |
How Airline Approval Usually Works
Check the dangerous goods or battery page on your carrier’s site and contact support with your flight number, battery model, and Wh rating. Keep the confirmation email on your phone. At the airport, be ready to show the message to the check-in desk or gate agent.
If You’re Connecting On Another Airline
Approval needs to cover every segment. If your first carrier clears a 150 Wh pack but the second carrier doesn’t, the stricter rule wins. When in doubt, bring a sub-100 Wh pack or split capacity across two smaller units.
Storage And Safety On Board
Keep the pack in an accessible spot, not buried. Avoid soft pouches that trap heat against textiles. If you notice swelling, hissing, smoke, or a sharp smell, tell the crew. Crews carry battery fire kits and know the drill.
Common Mistakes That Trigger Confiscation
- Checking a power bank: Spare lithium packs are cabin-only.
- No visible rating: Missing Wh or voltage invites extra screening.
- Over the cap: Packs above 160 Wh get pulled.
- Exposed metal: Coins or keys across terminals can short a pack.
- Damaged case: Dents, cracks, or swelling lead to refusal.
Fast Answers For Travelers
What’s The Max Size With No Paperwork?
Anything at or under 100 Wh rides in your carry-on with no pre-approval in most regions.
Can I Bring Two Large Packs?
In the 101–160 Wh bracket, many carriers cap spares at two per person with approval. Check your airline’s page and carry the confirmation.
Does A Built-In Battery In Luggage Count?
If the battery removes cleanly, carry it in the cabin. If it can’t be removed, the bag may be refused at check-in.
Key Takeaways For Travelers
- Under 100 Wh: easy carry-on.
- 101–160 Wh: carry-on with airline sign-off; usually two units max.
- Over 160 Wh: not allowed for passenger baggage.
- Spare batteries, including portable chargers: never in checked bags.
- Label, pouch, and cool storage keep screening smooth and safe.
References You Can Show At The Airport
Screeners and airline staff rely on the same playbook. The TSA “Power Banks” page states carry-on only for portable chargers. The FAA PackSafe lithium batteries guidance outlines the 0–100 Wh, 101–160 Wh (approval), and 160 Wh+ thresholds used across passenger flights. Internationally, IATA’s 2025 battery guidance and fact sheets mirror the same energy-based limits that airlines apply at check-in and the gate.