Yes, carrying a power bank on flights is allowed in carry-on only, with size limits and protected terminals.
Airlines and regulators treat a power bank as a spare lithium-ion battery. That means it rides in the cabin, not in checked bags. Size matters too. Most travel-size packs sit under the standard cap, while bigger bricks may need airline sign-off. The guide below keeps you packed, safe, and ready to board.
Power Bank Air Travel Rules At A Glance
| Battery Type/Size | Where It Goes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion ≤ 100 Wh | Carry-on | Allowed; treat as spare battery; protect ports |
| Lithium-ion 101–160 Wh | Carry-on | Up to two, airline approval needed |
| Lithium-ion > 160 Wh | Not allowed | Prohibited on passenger flights |
| Lithium metal (spare) | Carry-on | Limits by lithium content; power banks are usually Li-ion |
| Any spare battery in checked bag | Not allowed | Remove from checked luggage |
What The Rules Mean In Plain Terms
A power bank counts as a spare battery, not a device. Spare cells stay in the cabin so crew can act fast if a pack overheats. The cabin has fire-response gear; the hold does not. That is the logic behind the carry-on rule you see posted at airports worldwide.
Size is measured in watt-hours (Wh), not milliamp-hours (mAh). Many packs print only mAh and voltage (V). You can convert mAh to Wh with a simple formula: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V. Most packs use a 3.6–3.7 V cell rating. So a 10,000 mAh pack at 3.7 V equals 37 Wh, and a 26,800 mAh pack sits near 99 Wh. Both fall under the 100 Wh cap and need no airline approval.
Safety Of Taking A Power Bank On A Plane — Rules That Apply
This section lines up the steps that keep you within policy and cut risk in flight.
Packing Steps That Pass Gate Checks
- Pack power banks in hand luggage. Do not place spare cells in checked bags.
- Cover ports or switch off the pack. Use a cap, tape, or the case that shipped with it.
- Keep each pack away from loose metal. No coins or keys near the terminals.
- Bring only packs in good shape. Swollen, dented, or recalled units should stay home.
- Keep watt-hour data visible or handy. A photo of the label speeds any checkpoint chat.
Use During The Flight
Many airlines allow charging in the seat. Some pause charging during taxi, takeoff, and landing. A few carriers ask that battery packs stay in view while in use. Follow the crew’s direction. If a pack runs hot, unplug it and flag cabin crew right away.
How Many Packs You Can Bring
Packs at or under 100 Wh: no set count in many regions, as long as it is for personal use. Larger packs from 101 to 160 Wh: up to two with airline approval. Carry only what you need, and keep them ready for inspection.
How To Check Your Pack’s Watt-Hours
Flip the pack and find the label. If you see Wh listed, you are done. If you only see a capacity like “20,000 mAh” and a voltage, run the quick math below. Use 3.7 V when the label quotes a range.
Quick Math Examples
- 5,000 mAh × 3.7 V ÷ 1000 = 18.5 Wh
- 10,000 mAh × 3.7 V ÷ 1000 = 37 Wh
- 20,000 mAh × 3.7 V ÷ 1000 = 74 Wh
- 26,800 mAh × 3.7 V ÷ 1000 ≈ 99 Wh
- 30,000 mAh × 3.7 V ÷ 1000 = 111 Wh (airline approval tier)
If a spec sheet lists “rated energy,” use that value directly. Camera bricks and high-end laptop packs may sit in the 100–160 Wh tier. Those ride in the cabin and can require approval from the carrier before you board.
Regional And Airline Differences
Policy lines up across many markets, yet small twists exist. A carrier can tighten rules for charging, item counts, or how you stow a pack during the flight. Some carriers cap device numbers or set stricter rules on in-seat charging. If you fly across regions, scan your booking email for a link to battery rules, or search the airline name with “battery policy.”
You can double-check against regulator pages as well. The TSA lithium battery rules cover carry-on limits and define a power bank as a spare cell. The FAA Pack Safe FAQ explains the 0–100 Wh allowance, the 101–160 Wh approval tier, and the ban on larger spares. For a global view, see the IATA guidance for passengers.
Edge Cases You Asked About
Battery Cases And Wireless Packs
Phone battery cases and wireless power banks still count as spare cells when not attached to a device. Keep them in hand luggage. Follow the same Wh tiers and protect the contacts.
Smart Luggage With Built-In Packs
Bags with built-in batteries need a removable pack. Remove it before checking the bag. If the pack can’t be removed, the bag can be refused at the counter.
Power Banks With AC Outlets
These packs often sit near or above 100 Wh. Check the label before you fly. If it reads over 100 Wh, contact your airline in advance to request approval.
Live View From The Crew’s Side
Crew members watch for heat, smoke, or a sweet chemical smell. If a device or pack shows any of those signs, they will move fast with a fire bag or other gear. If you see damage or a runaway charge, alert them at once.
Second Table: Common Capacities And Carry Status
| Capacity (mAh @ 3.7 V) | Wh | Carry Status |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 | 18.5 | Carry-on only |
| 10,000 | 37 | Carry-on only |
| 20,000 | 74 | Carry-on only |
| 26,800 | ≈99 | Carry-on only |
| 30,000 | 111 | Carry-on only; airline approval tier (max two) |
| 50,000 | 185 | Not allowed on passenger flights |
Device-Specific Notes
Phones, Tablets, And Game Handhelds
Leave the pack in a pocket or seatback where you can see it. Use short, certified cables. If the device slides between seats, call a crew member to retrieve it; crushing cells can spark heat.
Laptops And Camera Rigs
Many travel packs for these kits sit under 100 Wh, yet performance packs can exceed that range. Read the label. If you carry two big spares (101–160 Wh), reach out to the airline in advance and plan to show them at the gate.
Drones
Field chargers for drones sometimes cross 100 Wh. Check the markings. Where packs use swappable cells, store each unit in a pouch and cover contacts with caps or tape.
What Airline Approval Looks Like
Approval usually comes through a note in your booking, a response from the help desk, or a policy page that states the allowance. Share the Wh figure and how many spares you carry. Bring that email or screenshot to the counter. If staff ask, you can quote the Wh rating and show the device label.
If Your Pack Has No Label
Use the math method and save a photo of the result. Print the spec sheet from the maker if you can find it. If the value still isn’t clear, choose a smaller pack with clear markings for this trip.
Heat And Charging Tips That Keep Things Calm
- Charge to a moderate level before boarding. Skip a full 100% top-up.
- Use a short cable. Long or damaged cords can spark heat at the connector.
- Give the pack space to breathe. Don’t bury it under coats or blankets.
- Stop charging if the pack, cable, or device feels hot to the touch.
Mistakes That Trigger Bag Pulls
- Packing spare cells in checked luggage.
- Loose packs tossed in a tote with coins or keys.
- Oversize packs with no visible rating.
- Using a swollen or damaged unit.
- Trying to charge during takeoff or landing when the crew has paused power use.
International Trips And Small Rule Shifts
Baseline rules are similar across many regions, yet words and limits can vary at the edges. Some carriers cap total devices, some ask that chargers stay in view, and some block in-seat charging on certain routes. Print or save your airline’s page. That single page settles most desk questions in seconds.
Simple Script For The Counter
“I’m carrying one 20,000 mAh pack rated 74 Wh, plus a smaller 10,000 mAh pack at 37 Wh. Both are in my carry-on with ports covered.” That line tells staff you know the limits, and it places the packs in the correct bag from the start.
Sample Packing Layout
- Personal item: Power bank in a soft pouch with a short cable.
- Backpack: Second pack in a side pocket; no metal nearby.
- Checked bag: Zero spare cells. Devices with built-in batteries go powered off.
Why These Limits Exist
Lithium-ion cells hold dense energy. A short, crush, or defect can lead to thermal runaway. In the cabin, crew can cool or isolate a device fast. In the hold, response takes longer, so spare cells stay out of checked luggage. Clear cabin rules cut risk for everyone on board.
Quick Answers To Common Packing Scenarios
Two Or Three Small Packs
Bring them in hand luggage. Space them across pockets or pouches so nothing rubs together.
One Large Brick For A Drone Or Camera Rig
Check the Wh rating. If it reads 101–160 Wh, message your airline for approval and bring no more than two. Over 160 Wh is a no-go for passenger cabins.
Trips With Family
Each traveler can carry packs that meet the limits. Keep each person’s chargers in that person’s bag to speed screening.
International Connections
Rules through your first leg often match your second leg, yet cabin crew may have different charging calls. Listen for the announcement and follow the cue for that flight.
Bottom Line Rule Set
Carry the pack in the cabin. Keep it under 100 Wh for the smoothest trip. Larger packs up to 160 Wh may fly with permission, two max. Never place spare cells in checked bags. Protect the terminals and follow crew direction during use. With those steps, you and your devices arrive ready to go.