Yes, a 20,000 mAh power bank is allowed in carry-on on most airlines; keep it out of checked bags and under 100 Wh.
Airlines treat portable chargers as spare lithium-ion batteries. Rules look at energy in watt-hours, not just milliamp-hours. A 20,000 mAh pack rated at 3.7 V equals 74 Wh, which sits below the 100 Wh line used worldwide. That’s why it can ride in the cabin but must stay out of the hold.
Quick Answer, Then The Details
Here’s the summary before the nuance. Under 100 Wh: cabin only, no airline approval needed. Between 100 and 160 Wh: cabin only, but ask the airline first and expect a two-spare limit. Over 160 Wh: not permitted for passenger carriage. Power banks always count as spares, even if a cable is attached.
Power Bank Capacity Bands And What They Mean
This table gives you the practical view by energy rating. It covers nearly every travel situation for small chargers and camera or drone bricks.
| Band | Carry-On | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100 Wh (≈ up to ~27,000 mAh at 3.7 V) | Allowed; quantity often guided by “personal use” | Not allowed |
| 100–160 Wh | Allowed with airline approval; usually up to two spares | Not allowed |
| Over 160 Wh | Not allowed for passengers | Not allowed |
Where The 100 Wh Line Comes From
Civil aviation agencies align on a common threshold. Global and national regulators use watt-hours to classify battery risk. Under that threshold, the risk profile fits cabin monitoring. Above it, restrictions kick in fast. The same logic applies to laptop batteries and camera bricks. If you want the official language, see the FAA PackSafe guidance and the IATA lithium battery table.
How To Check Your Pack’s Rating
Look for “Wh” on the case. If it only shows mAh and volts, use the simple math:
Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V
Most compact chargers use 3.7 V cells, so a 20,000 mAh unit is about 74 Wh. If your label lists 5 V USB output, don’t use 5 V in the math; use the cell voltage printed on the spec line. When in doubt, check the maker’s datasheet or product page.
20000 mAh Power Bank On Planes — Rules That Apply
Cabin only. That single line solves most confusion. Spare batteries and portable chargers may go in hand baggage and on your person. They may not go into the hold. Gate agents will ask you to remove any pack from a suitcase taken to the hold at the door. Cover exposed contacts if your unit has metal tabs. Use the pack’s switch or button to keep it off.
Airline Approval And Quantity
Under 100 Wh, you usually don’t need to ask. Many carriers still publish a “reasonable number for personal use” line. For 100–160 Wh, expect a cap of two spares with prior approval. That band covers large camera or drone packs, not pocket-size chargers. If your trip crosses regions, the stricter policy tends to win at the gate.
Can You Use A Power Bank On Board?
Some carriers restrict in-flight use even when carriage is allowed. That means the pack can travel with you, but you may be asked not to charge during the flight. Watch the safety card and cabin announcements. When use is allowed, keep the unit visible, off soft furnishings, and unplug if it runs warm.
Packing Checklist That Prevents Hassles
- Put the charger in your daypack, not a checked suitcase.
- Protect the ports. Use the pouch that came with it or a small zip bag.
- Bring cables with intact insulation and no bent plugs.
- Turn the pack off. Many units have a button that stops accidental discharge.
- Keep it accessible for screening. Agents may ask to see labels.
- Never use damaged or swollen batteries. Hand them to the airline if a problem shows up mid-flight.
Common Edge Cases To Know
Smart Luggage Batteries
Smart luggage with a built-in battery must be removable. If the battery can’t come out, the case won’t be accepted. Bring a small screwdriver if the latch uses screws.
Big Jump-Starter Packs
Some car jump-starter bricks cross the 100 Wh line. Check the spec label before you pack. If it sits over 100 Wh, you’ll need approval, and over 160 Wh is a no-go.
Routes With Extra Labelling Rules
Connecting flights through certain regions can require visible safety certification marks or limit in-flight charging. If a pack was recalled or lacks basic markings, leave it at home and buy a certified unit.
Why Checked Bags Are Off-Limits
Cabins have fire-containment options close at hand. Flight crews carry fire-resistant bags and water-based extinguishers sized for portable devices. In the hold, early signs of thermal runaway can go unnoticed. That’s why rules funnel spares to the cabin where smoke, heat, or hissing get fast attention.
How Many 20,000 mAh Packs Can You Bring?
Under the Wh limit, many airlines accept several units for personal use. Some carriers publish a number; others use discretion. The safest approach is two to four compact packs total. Keep them separate and individually protected. If an agent asks you to reduce the number, you’ll be ready to hand a spare to a companion or drop it at a landside locker.
Label Details That Can Mislead
Packages often show big mAh numbers based on 3.7 V cells, then advertise USB-C output at 5 V or higher. That’s not trickery; it reflects conversion losses and different measurement points. The only number regulators care about is the Wh printed by the manufacturer. If the Wh is missing, the simple formula gives you a clear answer at the counter.
Route-Specific Notes
United States
PackSafe and TSA pages spell out cabin-only carriage for spare lithium-ion cells and portable chargers. Agents expect the Wh label to be visible and the terminals protected. A damaged or recalled unit can be refused even if the rating fits within limits.
European Union And United Kingdom
Airport staff often quote the 100 Wh baseline. Some airports also ask that spares be in original packaging or sleeves to prevent contact with metal. Expect a request to remove the pack from a bag during screening.
Middle East
Some airlines have announced limits on using portable chargers during the flight or set per-person caps. Carriage in hand baggage remains the norm; usage rules can vary by carrier.
Australia And New Zealand
The cabin-only rule applies. Many passengers rely on in-seat power for phones and tablets to avoid heat build-up from third-party chargers during a long sector.
Who Says What (Authority Snapshot)
These references show the broad alignment among regulators. Details may vary by carrier, so check your airline’s page if you carry large camera or drone bricks.
| Authority | Carry-On | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|
| TSA (U.S.) | Power banks in hand baggage only | Prohibited |
| FAA PackSafe (U.S.) | Under 100 Wh allowed; 101–160 Wh with approval and two-spare cap | Prohibited |
| IATA DGR | Under 100 Wh allowed; 101–160 Wh with operator approval | Removed from hold before loading |
| EASA/Europe | Aligns with 100 Wh baseline; airlines may add usage limits | Prohibited |
Troubleshooting At The Airport
If security questions your charger, point to the Wh line, not the USB output. If the label is missing or scuffed, open the product page on your phone showing the rating. Offer to isolate the pack, cover the contacts, and place it in a tray. Calm answers keep you moving.
What To Buy Next Time
Pick packs with clear Wh labeling, short-circuit protection, and a physical on/off. Choose brands that publish UN 38.3 test compliance. A slim 10,000–20,000 mAh model with 3.7 V cells sits well below airline thresholds and covers a full day for a phone and earbuds. Skip unbranded bricks and anything with heat, odor, or swelling in the past.
Clear Takeaway Card
A 20,000 mAh unit equals about 74 Wh, which fits under the 100 Wh limit used worldwide. Bring it in your carry-on, protect the terminals, and keep it visible. Don’t pack chargers in the hold. If your route has stricter airline rules on usage or quantity, follow the crew’s directions.