Power Bank Flight Rules: What You Can Take on a Plane
Updated: 6 hours ago
Last Updated Oct 2026
Can you take a power bank on a plane? Whether you are taking a cross-country flight or embarking on an international journey, a trusty power bank is essential for keeping your phone, tablet, and headphones charged. However, tossing a portable charger into your bag without checking the rules can lead to a stressful security checkpoint conversation, or worse, having your favourite gear confiscated.
Aviation authorities like the UK Civil Aviation Authority, FAA and the TSA, along with global organisations like IATA, enforce strict guidelines on lithium-ion batteries. To ensure a smooth trip through security, here is everything you need to know about what is allowed, what is banned, and how to pack safely.
1. The Golden Rule: Carry-On Baggage Only when travelling
The single most important rule when travelling with a power bank is this: they must go in your carry-on luggage.
Allowed: Storing power banks, portable phone chargers, and spare lithium batteries in your backpack, purse, or carry-on rolling bag.
Prohibited: Packing power banks inside your checked bags.
Why the strict restriction? Power banks contain lithium-ion batteries. While rare, these batteries carry a risk of thermal runaway, meaning they can overheat, catch fire, or short-circuit. If a battery malfunctions in the cabin, flight crews and passengers can spot it immediately and take safety action. If it catches fire deep inside the cargo hold in a checked suitcase, it can go undetected with catastrophic consequences.
Pro-tip: If you are forced to gate-check your carry-on bag at the last minute, remember to open the bag and pull your power bank out to keep it with you in the cabin.
2. Understanding the Watt-Hour (Wh) Limits
Not all power banks are created equal. Regulators categorise portable chargers based on their energy capacity, measured in Watt-hours (Wh):
100 Wh or less (Standard & Allowed): Nearly all everyday power banks used to charge smartphones and tablets fall comfortably below this threshold. You can generally bring these without any special airline approval.
More than 101 Wh to 160 Wh (Restricted): These are heavy-duty power banks or external batteries used for larger electronics (like heavy-duty laptop chargers). They typically require advance airline approval, and passengers are strictly limited to a maximum of two spare batteries.
Over 160 Wh (Completely Banned): Power banks exceeding 160 Wh are strictly prohibited on commercial passenger aircraft.
How to Check Your Power Bank's Capacity
Most reputable manufacturers print the Watt-hour (Wh) rating directly on the casing or the back specifications label.
If your power bank only lists milliamp-hours (mAh), you can easily calculate the Watt-hours using this formula:
Wh = mAh ÷ 1,000 × Voltage (typically 3.7V), but check; do not presume.
For example, a standard 20,000 mAh power bank calculates to roughly 74Wh, placing it safely under the 100 Wh limit. However, if your calculation lands close to the edge, always defer to the printed figures on the device.
3. Quantity Limits and In-Flight Usage
In addition to capacity limits, airlines and safety bodies closely monitor how many power banks you carry and how you use them onboard:
Quantity Caps: Many airlines limit passengers to a maximum of two spare power banks or portable chargers in total. Some international carriers allow one; check your airline's baggage policy before heading to the airport.
Preventing Short Circuits: Loose batteries can be dangerous if their metal terminals make contact with coins, keys, or other metal objects. Make sure your power bank's terminals are protected by keeping it in its original packaging, a small protective pouch, or by placing tape over any exposed contacts.
In-Flight Charging Etiquette: While rules vary slightly by carrier, modern guidelines generally advise keeping your power bank safely stored in your seat pocket or personal bag during flight. Avoid placing them in overhead bins where they are out of sight, and check individual airline policies on whether you can use your power bank to charge devices mid-flight or plug the power bank itself into seat power ports. Most do not.
Warning: Never travel with damaged, swollen, leaking, overheating or recalled power banks or batteries.
Summary Checklist for Your Next Flight
Keep it close: Pack all power banks in your carry-on or personal item—never in checked bags.
Check the math: Ensure your power bank is under 100 Wh (or under 160 Wh with prior airline approval).
Protect the terminals: Keep loose chargers secure so they can't rattle against metal objects and short-circuit.
Know your airline: Check with your specific carrier if you plan to travel with multiple power chargers or unusually high-capacity batteries.
By following these quick guidelines, you can breeze through airport security and keep your devices safely powered throughout your travels. Bon Voyage!
Last Review Oct 2026 Easy Jet: https://www.easyjet.com/en/help-centre/baggage/dangerous-goods
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