Yes, power banks are allowed in hand luggage when treated as spare lithium batteries and kept in the cabin.
Portable chargers count as spare lithium batteries. That means they belong in your cabin bag, not in the hold. Airlines and regulators use the battery’s watt-hour (Wh) rating to set limits, with simple breakpoints at 100 Wh and 160 Wh. Keep the units in your carry-on, cover the terminals, and you’ll breeze through security with fewer surprises.
Power Banks In Cabin Bags: The Clear Rules
Regulators align on a few core points. Power banks travel in the cabin only. Small units under 100 Wh fly without special approval on most airlines. Mid-size units from 100 to 160 Wh usually need airline sign-off and are capped at two spares per person. Anything larger than 160 Wh is not for passenger bags. These rules come from aviation authorities and industry bodies that manage lithium-battery risk in flight.
Why Carry-On Only?
If a battery overheats, cabin crew can respond quickly with fire-containment steps. In a cargo hold, detection and access are limited. That’s why agencies direct travelers to keep spare lithium batteries—and power banks—in the cabin. See the FAA’s PackSafe page on lithium batteries and IATA’s passenger guidance where power banks are treated as spares and restricted to carry-on.
Carry-On Limits By Capacity
| Battery Capacity (Wh) | Carry-On Allowed? | Pieces & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 100 Wh | Yes | Commonly allowed without airline approval; protect terminals; keep in cabin. |
| > 100 to ≤ 160 Wh | Usually | Airline approval often required; up to two spares per person on many carriers. |
| > 160 Wh | No | Not permitted in passenger baggage; intended for cargo under specialist rules. |
How To Check Your Power Bank’s Wh Rating
Flip the unit and look for a label with “Wh.” If you only see milliamp-hours (mAh) and volts (V), you can calculate the watt-hour number with a quick formula: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V. Many compact phone chargers land between 20–40 Wh. Larger laptop-grade units may reach 99 Wh to stay under the common 100 Wh threshold.
Examples That Fit The Rules
- 10,000 mAh at 3.7 V → ~37 Wh (cabin bag is fine).
- 26,800 mAh at 3.7 V → ~99 Wh (designed to sit under the 100 Wh cutoff).
- 30,000 mAh at 11.1 V → ~333 Wh (not allowed in passenger bags).
Packing Steps That Keep You Out Of Trouble
1) Protect The Terminals
Short circuits are the risk. Keep each unit in a sleeve or pouch. Tape any exposed contacts, and avoid loose metal items near the ports.
2) Keep It In The Cabin, Not The Hold
Never place a portable charger in checked baggage. If the gate needs to valet your carry-on, pull the power bank out first and bring it into the cabin with you. The TSA’s item page for power banks and the FAA PackSafe guidance both spell this out plainly.
3) Limit Quantity For Mid-Size Units
For the 100–160 Wh range, many airlines cap spares at two. These mid-size models often target cameras or laptops. If you need more capacity, bring multiple smaller units under 100 Wh instead of one large pack.
4) Don’t Charge During Taxi, Takeoff, Or Landing
Cabin crew may ask you to disconnect during critical phases. Several regulators also urge travelers not to charge in flight at all, and some airlines explicitly forbid using a portable charger while airborne. EASA has published safety information advising against charging such devices in flight; see its lithium battery guidance.
Country And Airline Nuances
The baseline rules are global, yet carriers can tighten them. A national regulator or a single airline can require extra labeling, lower quantity caps, or a blanket ban on in-flight use. Some carriers also ask you to keep the unit under the seat rather than in the overhead bin. If you’re on a multi-segment itinerary, the strictest segment wins.
Regional Touchpoints To Know
- United States: FAA and TSA drive the cabin-only rule for spares and power banks. Expect gate-check reminders to remove batteries from bags before they go to the hold.
- United Kingdom: The UK Civil Aviation Authority mirrors the 100 Wh / 160 Wh thresholds and calls for two spares max in the mid-range, with terminals covered and units in the cabin.
- European Union: EASA advisories urge keeping devices at a lower state of charge and not using portable chargers during flight.
What Happens If The Label Is Missing?
Security officers may refuse a battery without a clear Wh mark or a reliable spec sheet. If the label rubbed off, carry the manual or a manufacturer page that states the Wh rating. Avoid guessing at the number at the checkpoint.
Safety Tips That Help Everyone On Board
Keep State Of Charge Moderate
Lower charge equals lower risk. A power bank carried at mid-charge runs cooler than a fully topped-off unit. That aligns with broader battery transport principles in aviation safety documents.
Give It Space To Breathe
Don’t bury the unit under coats where heat can build. If you feel it warming rapidly, unplug it and let it cool. Never wedge a charging setup in a tight pocket.
Stick With Certified Brands
Reputable makers publish clear Wh labels, safety cut-offs, and test summaries. Cheap, unlabeled units are the ones that raise eyebrows at screening—and carry higher failure rates according to safety briefings.
If Something Smokes Or Swells
Call a flight attendant at once. Leave the device where it is, point it out, and follow instructions. Crew have equipment for lithium-battery events, including containment bags and procedures.
How Many Power Banks Can You Bring?
Small units under 100 Wh rarely face a hard numeric cap, though an airline can set one. Mid-range units in the 100–160 Wh band usually allow up to two spares with approval. Airlines also count devices with batteries inside (phones, tablets, laptops) against separate limits for personal electronics, which is why the mid-range spare count stays tight.
Approval Tips For Mid-Range Models
- Check your booking email or the airline’s restricted-items page for the approval channel.
- Provide the brand, model, Wh rating, and a link to the product page or manual.
- Bring a screenshot of the approval message in case staff ask at the gate.
Quick Reference: Typical Airline Handling
| Item Type | Where It Goes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Power bank ≤ 100 Wh | Cabin bag | No approval on most carriers; keep terminals insulated. |
| Power bank 100–160 Wh | Cabin bag | Airline approval often required; limit of two spares is common. |
| Power bank > 160 Wh | Not in passenger bags | Handled as cargo under dangerous-goods rules only. |
Answers To Everyday Scenarios
Can You Put A Portable Charger In A Camera Bag?
Yes, as long as it rides in the cabin. Keep it separate from metal gear like tripods or lens plates, or cover the ports to avoid accidental contact.
What If The Gate Checks Your Carry-On?
Remove the portable charger and any loose lithium batteries before staff take the bag to the hold. Carry them into the cabin in a small pouch.
Can You Use A Power Bank During The Flight?
Many airlines allow phones and tablets in flight but now restrict charging from portable packs. Crew may ask you to disconnect. Some carriers ban use of power banks altogether during the journey. Follow the crew’s instructions.
How To Pick A Travel-Friendly Charger
Stay Under 100 Wh When Possible
Units at 99 Wh or less avoid approval steps and cut the risk of last-minute gate hiccups. Two slim 10,000 mAh units can be a smoother choice than a single chunky pack near 160 Wh.
Look For Clear Labeling
The case should show Wh, model number, and safety marks. If a label is missing or vague, pick a different unit. Clear data speeds up screening and helps if staff ask questions.
Choose Ports You’ll Use
Bring what you need and skip the rest. Extra ports add heat under load. A simple unit with the right connector set is often the most travel-friendly choice.
Regulations You Can Cite At The Airport
Two sources speak plainly to travelers. The FAA’s PackSafe page lays out the cabin-only rule for spares and power banks (FAA PackSafe: lithium batteries). IATA’s passenger sheet states that articles whose primary purpose is to power another device—like power banks—are spare batteries and must ride in the cabin (IATA passenger lithium battery guide). If you’re flying from the UK, the CAA safety page mirrors the same thresholds and quantity caps.
Bottom Line For Smooth Screening
Keep portable chargers in the cabin, label facing up, and terminals covered. Stay under 100 Wh when you can. For 100–160 Wh models, arrange approval before travel and keep the email handy. Don’t charge during the flight if your airline bans it. With those steps, you’ll meet the rules and keep your devices happy from gate to gate.