How Much Capacity Of Power Bank Allowed In Flight? | Carry-On Rules Guide

Here’s the plain answer travelers want: airline and aviation rules measure a portable charger by watt-hours (Wh), not milliamp-hours (mAh). Under 100 Wh, you’re fine in the cabin on nearly every carrier. Between 100 and 160 Wh, you usually need the airline to say yes before you board. Over 160 Wh, that pack belongs on cargo routes, not in a seat row.

Power Bank Capacity Rules At A Glance

To make sense of what flies and what doesn’t, use this quick view. It reflects the standard carried by major regulators and industry bodies used by airlines worldwide. “Spare” means the battery is not installed in a device.

Battery Capacity (Wh)	Carry-On (Spare)	Checked Bag
0–100 Wh	Allowed; terminals protected; quantity limits vary by airline	Not allowed for spares
100–160 Wh	Usually allowed only with airline approval; often max 2 spares	Not allowed for spares
>160 Wh	Not allowed on passenger flights	Not allowed on passenger flights

Why Airlines Use Watt-Hours, Not Milliamp-Hours

mAh on a label describes current at a given cell voltage, which isn’t a direct safety signal. Wh captures actual stored energy: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × nominal volts. Most USB packs use lithium-ion cells with a nominal 3.7 V. So a 10,000 mAh model at 3.7 V is about 37 Wh; a 26,800 mAh model sits near 99 Wh. That’s why you’ll see many travel-friendly packs land just under 100 Wh.

Some brands print mAh at 5 V (USB output). That number looks bigger, yet the pack’s safety category is based on cell voltage. If the label lists only mAh, check the spec sheet for Wh or do the math with 3.7 V unless the maker states a different nominal value.

Close Variant: Allowed Capacity For Power Banks On Flights (With Examples)

Let’s ground the rule with common sizes you’ll see on store shelves. The figures below assume 3.7 V cells. Your label might show small swings due to rounding or multi-cell configurations.

• 5,000 mAh → ~18.5 Wh → sails through in the cabin.
• 10,000 mAh → ~37 Wh → cabin-only, no airline sign-off needed.
• 20,000 mAh → ~74 Wh → still cabin-only, routine at security.
• 26,800 mAh → ~99 Wh → near the common ceiling; bring it in carry-on.
• 30,000 mAh → ~111 Wh → falls in the approval band on many carriers.
• 40,000 mAh → ~148 Wh → approval band; many airlines still cap the count at two spares.
• 50,000 mAh → ~185 Wh → over the passenger limit; leave it off commercial flights.

Carry-On Only: Why Checked Bags Are Off-Limits For Spares

Cabins carry trained crews, smoke detectors, and access for quick response. Cargo holds don’t offer the same response window. That’s why spare lithium packs, including portable chargers, ride in the cabin only. If a pack swells, vents, or overheats, a flight attendant can act fast with approved procedures.

Airline Approval: When You’re In The 100–160 Wh Band

Many carriers permit up to two spares in this range when you ask first. Approval is often noted on your booking file. Bring product specs that show Wh and model ID. Keep packs in your personal item for a quick visual check at the gate if staff ask.

Tips that help:

• Print or save a PDF of the spec sheet with the Wh rating.
• Tape over exposed terminals if the design leaves metal visible.
• Use a sleeve or original box to avoid pressure switches being pressed by other items.

How Many Power Banks Can You Bring?

Under 100 Wh, many carriers don’t set a strict number at the regulator level, yet airline policies can cap spares. A common pattern is two to four spares per person, with stricter caps once you cross 100 Wh. Check your airline’s page before you pack to avoid gate surprises.

Devices With Batteries Installed Versus Spare Packs

Phones, laptops, cameras, and headphones contain cells that usually sit under 100 Wh. When installed inside a device, many airlines allow them in carry-on or checked baggage if powered fully off in the hold. That said, portable chargers are “spares,” not devices, so they shouldn’t go in checked bags at all. When in doubt, pick the cabin.

How To Convert mAh To Wh Without Guesswork

Use this three-step method each time you face a label that shows only mAh:

1. Find the nominal voltage (often 3.7 V for Li-ion cells inside power banks).
2. Convert mAh to Ah: mAh ÷ 1000.
3. Multiply Ah × nominal volts = Wh.

Example: a 20,000 mAh pack → 20,000 ÷ 1000 = 20 Ah; 20 × 3.7 = 74 Wh. That’s solidly within the under-100 Wh cabin band.

Label Red Flags That Slow You At Security

Screening moves faster when your pack shows a clear Wh figure. Trouble starts when the case lists only marketing numbers, or when the spec lists “input/output at 5 V” but hides the cell spec. If the Wh isn’t printed, keep a screenshot of the product page or manual. A visible Wh label in plain text wins every time.

Charging In Flight: What Airlines Permit

Policies vary. Some carriers allow you to top up a phone; others ask you to keep power banks switched off during takeoff, landing, or turbulence. If the crew asks you to stop charging, just unplug and stow the pack where you can see it. Never wedge a charging device behind cushions or inside overhead bins while it’s in use.

Regional Notes You Should Know

The rule spine is global: cabin carriage for spares, Wh-based limits, approval above 100 Wh, and a hard stop above 160 Wh. Local pages from regulators and industry bodies line up on this. Airlines can tighten the screws, so a quick check of your carrier’s site before you fly is smart.

Safe Packing: Quick Checklist

• Pack power banks in carry-on within easy reach.
• Protect terminals with caps, tape, or a sleeve.
• Use original cases to prevent buttons from being pressed.
• Keep packs under seats or in a bag you can reach, not in seat pockets if they’re bulging.
• If a pack feels hot, smells odd, or swells, alert the crew at once.

Common Sizes And Flight Status

Here’s a handy conversion set that travelers ask for all the time. Values assume 3.7 V cells and round to the nearest whole Wh.

Labeled Capacity (mAh)	Estimated Wh	Typical Flight Status
5,000	19	Carry-on allowed
10,000	37	Carry-on allowed
20,000	74	Carry-on allowed
26,800	99	Carry-on allowed
30,000	111	Carry-on with airline approval
40,000	148	Carry-on with airline approval (often max 2 spares)
50,000	185	Not permitted on passenger flights

What To Do Before You Fly

Run this pre-trip check so you’re never stuck at security:

1. Check the label for Wh. If missing, convert from mAh at 3.7 V.
2. Count your spares. Keep it modest under 100 Wh, and keep it to two if any pack sits between 100 and 160 Wh.
3. Open your airline’s battery page and skim the section on portable chargers.
4. Pack for inspection. Place power banks where you can present them fast.

Authoritative Pages You Can Show Staff

You can link staff to the aviation pages that set the standard language. The FAA PackSafe lithium battery page lays out the 0–100 Wh, 101–160 Wh, and over-160 Wh bands in plain terms. Industry guidance echoes this on the IATA lithium batteries fact sheet. Carry screenshots of those snippets if your label is worn or unclear.

Edge Cases: Large Power Stations And Drone Packs

Portable power stations and some cinema or drone bricks often exceed 160 Wh. Those units don’t ride on passenger flights. Mid-range drone batteries sometimes sit in the 100–160 Wh band; that’s the ask-first zone. Pack them in Li-po safe bags, cover terminals, and bring email or chat approval from the airline so gate agents can see it fast.

Quick Recap You Can Act On

• Under 100 Wh: cabin only, widely accepted.
• 100–160 Wh: ask first; many airlines allow two spares.
• Over 160 Wh: not for passenger cabins or holds.
• Spare packs never go in checked bags.
• Label Wh, protect terminals, and keep packs where you can see them in flight.