Yes, you can carry power banks on planes, but only in cabin bags and within airline battery limits.
Travel days drain phones fast. A slim charger saves the day, yet it also carries a fire risk if packed wrong. This guide lays out clear rules, size limits, airline twists, and practical packing steps so you board with no drama.
What Counts As A Power Bank
A power bank is a spare lithium battery designed to charge devices outside the wall. Aviation rules treat it the same way they treat any loose lithium cell. That is why placement, watt-hour ratings, and short-circuit protection matter.
Carry-On Versus Checked Bag
Short version: cabin bag wins. Loose lithium packs must stay with you in the cabin. Baggage holds are not monitored like the aisle, and crews can only act fast if the item is nearby. If a gate agent takes your roller at the aircraft door, remove the pack and keep it on your person.
Global Rules At A Glance
| Rule Area | Carry-On | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|
| United States (FAA/TSA) | Allowed with limits | Not allowed |
| IATA Global Guidance | Allowed with limits | Not allowed |
| European Operators | Allowed with limits | Not allowed |
| UK Operators | Allowed with limits | Not allowed |
| Australia | Allowed with limits | Not allowed |
Why Rules Exist
Lithium cells can enter thermal runaway when damaged, crushed, or shorted. In a cabin, smoke can be spotted and the pack cooled or contained in a fire bag. In a cargo hold, detection is harder, and suppression systems are not tuned for battery fires. That gap drives the cabin-only rule for loose cells and chargers.
Understanding Watt-Hours
Airlines use watt-hours (Wh) to classify battery size. Many packs print only milliamp-hours (mAh) and voltage. Convert with a simple formula: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V. Common phone packs sit around 10,000–20,000 mAh at 3.7 V, which lands near 37–74 Wh. That range sails under standard limits.
Standard Limits At A Glance
Most carriers allow packs up to 100 Wh in carry-on without asking. A few allow two spares from 101 to 160 Wh with prior approval. Anything larger is out unless it powers mobility aids under special handling. Quantity caps can apply, yet typical travelers never hit them with one or two daily chargers.
Are Portable Chargers Allowed On Planes? Practical Rules
Core Carry Rules
Keep each pack in your hand luggage. Do not place it in the hold. Cover exposed terminals. Use a pouch or the retail box to block coins, keys, or cables from bridging the contacts. Many packs have recessed ports, which helps, but insulation still matters during screening and boarding.
Using A Charger In Flight
Cabin use varies by carrier and route. Some airlines permit charging in all phases; others ask that packs stay visible while in use and not be stashed in a closed bag. Crew instructions beat anything you read online. If asked to unplug, do it and stow the unit where you can see it.
Size Labels And Approval
Check the print on the case. If it lists mAh only, do the quick math and write the Wh on masking tape so staff can read it. For a unit around 150 Wh, ask the airline in advance. Approval often caps at two units in that band. Above 160 Wh, leave it at home unless it is tied to approved medical gear.
Regional Notes
United States
Security officers screen the item, but the safety rules come from the aviation regulator. Carry-on only. Packs must be protected from damage and accidental activation. See the FAA’s page on airline passengers and batteries and the TSA’s item page for power banks.
Europe
Cabin only for loose cells. Crew may restrict charging during taxi, takeoff, and landing. Budget carriers can be stricter on in-seat use.
United Kingdom
Guidance aligns with cabin-only carriage and stresses proof of UN38.3 testing for certain gear. That matters more to operators than to passengers, yet it explains why brands with test reports breeze through checks.
Australia
Cabin only, with close attention to cheap, unbranded cells. Some airlines ban charging during flight legs with past incidents.
Common Airline Tweaks
Policies can shift by route. Several carriers now ask that packs stay visible while charging. Others ban in-seat charging on select flights after onboard incidents. Many flag daisy-chain setups and long cables that snag aisles. If the safety card or crew briefing lists a charging restriction, treat it as the rule for that leg. The safest approach is simple: charge during cruise, keep the pack where you can see it, and unplug once your device reaches a healthy range. Ask if unsure.
Smart Luggage With Removable Batteries
Bags with built-in packs must have a removable cell. Take the battery out before checking the bag. Keep that cell in your cabin bag. If the battery cannot be removed, the bag cannot be checked. Many brands ship with a quick-release tray just for this rule.
What Security Officers Look For
Screeners look for loose batteries thrown in pockets, missing port covers, swollen cases, and taped power buttons that can wedge on. They also watch for DIY packs with exposed boards. A neat pouch, clear labels, and no tangle of live cables make the line faster.
Packing Checklist That Works
- Keep packs in cabin baggage.
- Cover terminals or use a sleeve.
- Note the Wh rating where staff can see it.
- Carry only what you need for the trip.
- Do not daisy-chain chargers.
- Stop using the unit if it feels hot, swells, hisses, or smells odd.
- If a bag goes to the hold at the gate, remove the pack first.
Charging Etiquette On Board
Use short cables so the unit rests on the tray or in a seat pocket. Do not wedge it under a pillow or a coat. Give it air. Unplug once your phone reaches a safe range. Set the pack where you can see both the case and the cable ends.
Spotting Risky Units
Skip no-name cells with no Wh label, no rated voltage, and no protection claims like overcharge and short-circuit control. Swelling, dents, or a rattling sound call for replacement. If the pack uses fake capacity numbers, pass on it. Real 20,000 mAh packs weigh more than a deck of cards.
How Many Packs Can You Bring
Many operators allow multiple spares under 100 Wh, yet some cap totals. A common informal cap is about twenty spares in supplier guidance, which far exceeds normal travel needs. Bring two modest units instead of one giant brick so you stay well under all lines.
Special Cases: Power Banks For Cameras And Laptops
Camera grips and laptop boosters that act like loose packs fall under the same cabin-only rule. If the battery is installed inside a device, rules soften, but a powered device in a checked bag must be fully off, protected from activation, and packed to prevent crush.
What To Do If A Battery Heats Up
If a unit gets hot or vents, place it on a hard surface away from fabrics. Unplug devices. Alert crew right away. Do not douse with water or crush the pack. Crew carry halon and water-gel pads and will take over. Your job is distance and early notice.
Watt-Hour Bands And Approvals
| Battery Size | Allowed In Cabin | Extra Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 Wh | Yes | Pack to prevent short-circuit; keep accessible |
| 101–160 Wh | Yes, up to two with approval | Ask airline before travel; label clearly |
| Over 160 Wh | No for spare packs | Only for approved mobility aids with airline clearance |
Quick Math And Common Models
10,000 mAh at 3.7 V equals 37 Wh. 20,000 mAh equals 74 Wh. Both sit under routine limits for cabin carriage on most routes. Laptop-class power stations often exceed 100 Wh. If yours lists 27,000 mAh at 5 V, check the actual cell voltage on the spec sheet; the true Wh may still be under the line.
Brand And Cable Tips
Buy from a brand that publishes test reports and uses proper cells. Use short, certified cables and skip daisy-chain rigs that keep packs feeding each other. A tidy setup reduces heat and strain on ports.
International Trips And Layovers
Your first leg may allow in-seat charging while a later leg bans it. Gate signs and safety cards outline house rules. Transit security can rescreen your bag. Keep packs together in a clear pouch so checks are quick.
Kids, Tour Groups, And Shared Bags
Group trips lead to a pile of chargers in one tote. Spread units across travelers to avoid hitting quantity caps. Keep owners tied to their own gear so someone watches each pack during charging breaks.
Quick Clarifications Travelers Ask
Can you put a charger in the outer pocket of a backpack in the overhead bin? Yes, yet staff may ask you to keep it visible while in use. Can you bring loose 18650 cells? Only in cabin, each insulated. Can you bring a jump-starter pack? Only if it meets Wh limits and the airline allows it; many do not.
Tiny Steps That Prevent Hassle
Print the Wh math on a label at home. Use a zip case with a mesh divider for cables. Add a little switch cover if your unit likes to turn on inside bags. A minute of prep at home beats a bin search at the checkpoint.
Method Short Note
This guide follows regulator pages and airline-neutral standards. Rules can vary by carrier and destination, so always check the operator page for your exact flight.