Can You Bring a Power Bank on a Plane?
Yes, you can bring most power banks on a plane — but there are a few rules you need to know. The most important one: your power bank must go in your carry-on bag (the one you take into the cabin). It's never allowed in checked luggage. This rule applies everywhere in the world, on every airline, no exceptions.
Whether your specific power bank is allowed depends on how much energy it stores, measured in something called "Watt-hours" (Wh). Don't worry if that sounds technical — our free tool above does the math for you. Just enter the number printed on your power bank and we'll tell you if it's allowed.
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 you'd buy in a store — anything up to about 27,000 mAh.
- Large (100 to 160 Wh): Allowed, but you need to ask your airline first. You can bring a maximum of 2. Contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight.
- Extra-large (over 160 Wh): Not allowed on passenger flights. No exceptions, even with permission. This mostly applies to big portable power stations.
How Do I Know How Many Watt-Hours My Power Bank Has?
Most power banks show their size in "mAh" (milliamp-hours) — that's the big number like 10000 or 20000 printed on the back. Airlines need to know the Wh number instead. Here's the simple formula:
Wh = (mAh × 3.7) ÷ 1,000
3.7 is the standard voltage for most power bank batteries
But you don't need to do any math yourself. Just use our calculator at the top of this page — enter your mAh number and we'll convert it instantly.
Quick Reference: Common Power Bank Sizes
- 5,000 mAh = 18.5 Wh — Always allowed
- 10,000 mAh = 37 Wh — Always allowed
- 20,000 mAh = 74 Wh — Always allowed
- 26,800 mAh = 99.2 Wh — Allowed (just under the limit)
- 27,000 mAh = 99.9 Wh — Very close to the limit, check with your airline
- 30,000 mAh = 111 Wh — You'll need airline permission
- 50,000 mAh = 185 Wh — Not allowed on passenger flights
What's New in 2026?
Several airlines changed their rules in 2025 and 2026, mostly because of battery fire incidents on planes. The biggest changes:
- Lufthansa, Swiss, and Austrian Airlines — You can still bring your power bank, but you can't use it or charge anything during the flight.
- Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways — Same rule: power banks must stay switched off and in your bag for the whole flight.
- Emirates and flydubai — Now only allow 1 power bank per passenger, no matter the size.
- All South Korean airlines — Power banks must be kept visible and within reach so cabin crew can check them.
- Chinese airports — Your power bank needs a readable label showing its capacity. If it's worn off or missing, they may take it.
Why Can't I Put It in My Suitcase?
It comes down to safety. If a battery catches fire in the cargo hold (where checked bags go), no one can get to it. But in the cabin, the crew can respond immediately. That's why every aviation authority in the world says: power banks in carry-on only.
If security finds a power bank in your checked bag, they'll remove it and your bag could be delayed. At some airports (especially in China and India), they may pull your entire bag off the flight.
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 3C certification mark. No charging during the flight.
- India: Power banks must stay in your carry-on during the flight (not in the seat pocket).
- Emirates and AirAsia: Only 1 power bank per person.
- Japan and South Korea: Increasingly strict about in-flight use. Must be accessible for crew inspection.
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.