Is Your Power Bank Flight-Safe?

What Size Power Bank Is Allowed?

Airlines group power banks into three categories based on their energy.

• Small and medium (under 100 Wh): Allowed on all airlines. No special permission needed. This includes most power banks up to about 27,000 mAh. IATA

• Large (100 to 160 Wh): Allowed, but you need to ask your airline first. Maximum 2 units. Contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight. FAA

• Extra-large (over 160 Wh): Not allowed on passenger flights. No exceptions, even with permission. TSA

How Do I Know How Many Watt-Hours My Power Bank Has?

Most power banks show their size in mAh -- the big number like 10000 or 20000 on the back. Here is the simple formula:

Use our calculator at the top of this page -- enter your mAh number and we will convert it instantly.

Quick Reference: Common Power Bank Sizes

What's New in 2026?

These highlights took effect in 2026. For a full timeline including 2025, see the articles list on this page or open All articles.

• Lufthansa, Swiss, and Austrian Airlines — You can still bring your power bank, but you can't use it or charge anything during the flight. Source
• India (DGCA) — Early 2026 directions: no charging phones or power banks from aircraft outlets during flight; keep spare batteries in hand baggage as your airline directs. Source
• IATA DGR 67 — The 1 January 2026 addendum updates the official dangerous goods manual; pair the passenger lithium PDF with your carrier's notice when you fly. Source
• Japan (JAL / MLIT) — From mid-April 2026: up to two power banks per passenger (160 Wh or less each), and no charging power banks or devices from them on board. Source
• Edelweiss & Eurowings — From 15 January 2026, the same Lufthansa Group cabin rules: two power banks, cabin stowage only (no overhead bins on Edelweiss), off for the whole flight. Source

Do Different Airlines Have Different Rules?

Yes. While the basic rules (under 100 Wh = OK, over 160 Wh = no) are the same everywhere, airlines can add their own restrictions on top:

China

Needs a readable label and a CCC certification mark. No charging during the flight. CAAC official notice

India

Power banks must stay in your carry-on during the flight (not in the seat pocket). BCAS India guidance

Emirates & AirAsia

Only 1 power bank per person. Emirates restricted items

Japan & South Korea

Increasingly strict about in-flight use. Must be accessible for crew inspection. Korea JoongAng Daily

Use our calculator and select your airline to see exactly what rules apply to your flight. We cover over 200 airlines.

Tips for Traveling With a Power Bank

• Always carry it on — never put it in checked luggage.
• Cover the ports — use a case or tape over the USB ports to prevent accidental short circuits.
• Check for damage — if it's swollen, cracked, or feels unusually hot, don't take it on a plane.
• Keep the label readable — airport security may refuse power banks without visible capacity markings.
• Keep it within reach — don't bury it at the bottom of your bag. Crew may need to see it.
• Unplug during turbulence — if you're charging a device, disconnect it when things get bumpy.

Common Questions

Is a 20,000 mAh power bank allowed on flights?

Yes. A 20,000 mAh power bank equals about 74 Wh, which is well under the 100 Wh limit. It's allowed on virtually every airline. Just put it in your carry-on.

What about a 27,000 mAh power bank?

That's about 99.9 Wh — technically under the limit, but extremely close. Most airlines will allow it, but since it's borderline, we'd recommend checking with your airline beforehand just to be safe.

Can I use my power bank during the flight?

It depends on your airline. Many Asian and European carriers now ban in-flight use. North American airlines generally still allow it but want you to keep the power bank visible. Use our tool above and select your airline to check.

What if my power bank is over 160 Wh?

It's not allowed on any passenger flight, anywhere in the world. There are no exceptions, even with airline approval. If you need that much portable power, consider getting a smaller power bank for travel or contact your airline's cargo department about shipping it separately.