Can You Take a Power Bank on a Plane?

Power banks are classed as lithium battery devices, which means they’re regulated by airlines due to fire risk. You can take a power bank on most flights, but it must go in your hand luggage, not your checked bags.

Different airlines and countries may have slightly different limits, but most follow international safety guidelines.

What Are the Airline Rules for Taking a Power Bank on a Plane?

Airline and airport regulations typically include:

• Power banks must be carried in hand luggage

• NOT allowed in checked-in bags

• Power banks over a certain size (measured in watt-hours, Wh) are either restricted or require approval

Most airlines stick to the following limits:          

• Up to 100Wh: Allowed in hand luggage, no approval needed

• 100–160Wh: Often allowed, but you’ll need airline approval

• Over 160Wh: Prohibited

You’ll usually be allowed to carry 2 power banks max per passenger, depending on their size.

What is a Power Bank?

A power bank is a portable battery used to charge phones, tablets, laptops, and other devices on the go. Most are powered by lithium-ion or lithium-polymer cells — the same type of battery used in laptops and mobile phones — which is why they’re treated as a fire risk if damaged or improperly packed.

Where Can Power Banks Be Carried on a Plane?

Power banks must go in your carry-on bag or personal item (like a backpack or handbag). You should never pack them in your checked luggage, even if they're switched off. This is because lithium batteries can catch fire, and a fire in the cargo hold would be much harder to detect or control.

Keep them easily accessible — you may be asked to remove them during security checks.

Can You Take a Power Bank in Checked-In Luggage?

No. Airlines and aviation authorities strictly prohibit packing power banks in checked-in bags due to the risk of battery fires in the cargo hold. If you accidentally leave a power bank in your suitcase, it may be flagged during X-ray screening and could be removed or delay your bag.

Can You Take a Power Bank Through Airport Security?

Yes, as long as the power bank is:

• Within the size limit (under 100Wh or with approval if over)

• Carried in hand luggage

• Easily accessible for screening

You may be asked to remove it from your bag at the security checkpoint, similar to laptops and liquids. Make sure it’s charged and labelled clearly — customs officers sometimes ask for visible capacity ratings (mAh or Wh).

What is the Maximum Power Bank You’re Allowed on a Flight?

The limit depends on capacity, which is typically displayed in mAh (milliamp-hours) on the device. To compare across brands, this can be converted into watt-hours (Wh) using the formula:

Wh = (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1000

Most power banks operate at 3.7V. So, a 20,000mAh power bank = around 74Wh, which is well within the limit.

Here’s a quick reference:

• 10,000mAh = ~37Wh — ✔ allowed

• 20,000mAh = ~74Wh — ✔ allowed

• 27,000mAh = ~99.9Wh — ✔ allowed (just under limit)

• 30,000mAh+ = ~111Wh+ — may need approval or be denied

Always check your airline’s website — some low-cost or regional carriers may have stricter rules.

Final Tip

To avoid hassle:

• Buy a power bank with clear capacity labelling

• Choose one under 100Wh

• Keep it handy at security

• Never pack it in your checked suitcase

More Things to Know About Taking a Power Bank on a Plane

1. Label Visibility Matters

Make sure your power bank clearly displays its capacity in mAh or Wh. If it's not marked, security staff may confiscate it — especially in stricter airports. Some cheap or imported power banks don’t include this, which raises red flags at checkpoints.

2. Smart Luggage Rules

If you're using smart luggage (suitcases with built-in power banks), the battery must be removable. If you can’t remove it, airlines may not allow it onboard — even in the cabin.

3. Connecting Flights = Double Checks

Flying through multiple countries? Each airport might follow slightly different policies, especially outside the UK/EU. Always check the transit and destination country rules, not just your departure airport.

4. Battery Condition Matters

Damaged, swollen, or leaking batteries are prohibited. If your power bank looks dodgy or is taped up or cracked, expect it to be confiscated.

5. Airline Policies Can Be Stricter Than the Law

While IATA (International Air Transport Association) gives general guidance (like the 100Wh/160Wh limits), airlines can set tighter rules. For example:

• Some budget airlines might ban devices over 100Wh completely.

• Others may limit the number of power banks to one per passenger, regardless of size.

6. Charging Devices In-Flight

Yes, you can use your power bank to charge your phone or tablet during the flight, as long as:

• It’s not excessively large (e.g., a massive laptop-grade unit)

• It doesn’t disrupt others or block seats

• The airline doesn’t specifically ban it (rare, but possible)

7. Security Tip: Keep It Charged

In rare cases, security may ask you to power on your electronics to prove they're real. Keeping some charge in your power bank is a smart move.