Travel today is nearly impossible without gadgets—phones, tablets, cameras, earbuds, GoPros, smartwatches and more. With technology comes one lifeline: a power bank. Whether you’re on a long-haul flight, trekking remote mountains, road-tripping or simply commuting daily, portable chargers keep your devices alive.

But when it comes to air travel, most passengers get confused and anxious:

Can I carry a power bank on a flight?Are power banks allowed in check-in luggage?What battery size is permitted?Will security confiscate it?Is there a difference between domestic and international rules?

This massive guide breaks down every aspect of power bank travel regulations—airline rules, watt-hour limits, TSA/ICAO/IATA guidelines, safety restrictions, and real-world tips so you never face trouble at the airport.

Understanding Why Rules Exist

Power banks contain lithium-ion (Li-ion) or lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries. These are extremely energy dense and can overheat, swell or catch fire if damaged. In the cargo hold, fire cannot be controlled, so international aviation authorities classify power banks as “dangerous goods.”

That’s why airlines enforce strict transport policies.

In short:

Luggage TypeAllowed?Notes

Cabin/Carry-on Bag YesWith capacity limits

Checked-In Baggage NoDue to fire risk

Hand-Carried (Outside Bag) YesMust be kept with passenger

Now, let’s break it down in detail.

Are Power Banks Allowed on Flights?

The Short Answer

Yes, power banks are allowed—but only in carry-on luggage, not checked-in bags.

All aviation authorities worldwide including:

• TSA (USA Transportation Security Administration)

• FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)

• ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)

• IATA (International Air Transport Association)

• DGCA (India)

have similar rules.

The restriction is based on battery energy capacity measured in Watt-Hours (Wh).

Power Bank Watt-Hour Limits

Airlines use Wh to calculate allowed battery capacity:

Capacity (Wh)Allowed Status

Up to 100WhAllowed without airline approval

100Wh – 160WhAllowed but requires airline approval

Above 160WhProhibited

Most consumer power banks are 5,000–30,000mAh (18–100 Wh) so they are generally safe to carry.

How to Calculate Wh (if only mAh is mentioned)

Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × Voltage(3.7V standard)

Example:20,000mAh power bank= (20000 ÷ 1000) × 3.7= 74Wh → Allowed with no approval required.

Why Checked-In Power Banks Are Banned

In the cargo hold, there is:

• No supervision

• No immediate fire response

• No means to detect overheating

If a lithium battery ignites, heat spreads rapidly—creating a hazard for the entire aircraft. In the cabin, however, crew can extinguish it using a fire containment bag or halon extinguisher.

Therefore:

Do not pack power banks in suitcase or checked luggage.They will be removed by security and may delay or cancel your baggage release.

Airline-Wise Rules for Power Banks

United States (TSA/FAA)

 Up to 100Wh without approval 100-160Wh with permission Above 160Wh banned

UK & EU

Similar to TSA and EASA guidelines.

India (DGCA)

Only in cabin baggage Max 2 units recommended No power banks in checked luggage

UAE (Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai)

100Wh allowed freely 100-160Wh needs approval Not allowed in checked bags

Asian Airlines (Singapore, Thai, ANA, JAL)

Policies mirror IATA standards.

REALITY CHECK:

Most airlines rarely ask for Wh approval if power bank looks normal consumer size.Oversized jump-starter batteries, solar power stations however will be flagged.

Countries With Stricter Screening

Some airports specifically scan for power banks:

CountryNote

ChinaRequires capacity printed on power bank

JapanUnlabeled batteries may be denied

IndonesiaLimits 2 units per passenger

AustraliaChecks for damaged/swollen units

If your power bank has no printed Wh/mAh/Voltage, security may confiscate it.

Which Types of Power Banks Are Allowed?

Allowed 

TypeAllowed?

Normal Lithium-Ion Power Bank

Lithium-Polymer Power Bank

USB-C Fast Charging Power Bank

MagSafe Wireless Power Bank

Solar Charge Power Bank (if within Wh limit)

Laptop Power Bank (100Wh)

Jump Starter Car Battery prohibited

Required Conditions for Air Travel

Before traveling, ensure power bank:

✔ Capacity labeled clearly✔ No exposed wiring✔ Not physically damaged✔ Not swollen or bulging✔ Has no signs of overheating✔ Carried in hand baggage only✔ Ideally in protective cover

Damaged batteries can explode under pressure change—such units are refused instantly.

How Many Power Banks Can You Carry?

Most airlines allow:

• 1–2 units per passenger for personal use

• Some allow more if Wh < 100

For business travelers (photographers, vloggers, journalists), bring proof of work to avoid issues when carrying multiple units.

What Happens if You Bring Power Bank in Checked-In Luggage?

Airport authorities may:

• Remove it before loading baggage

• Call you to take it out

• Open suitcase for inspection

• Delay your baggage arrival

• Confiscate item permanently

In worst cases of non-compliance, you can be denied boarding.

Always pack it in your backpack or cabin bag.

Why Power Banks Must Be Switched Off in Flight

Lithium batteries discharge slowly even when idle. To avoid heat generation and short circuit:

Keep power bank OFF Do not charge devices continuously Do not store near metal objects like keys or coins Place in a pouch or case

Overcharging or using while covered can trap heat leading to combustion.

Signs Your Power Bank is Unsafe for Travel

Stop carrying immediately if:

⚠ It feels hot even when unused⚠ Swollen or bulgy body⚠ Leakage or corrosive smell⚠ Charging port loose or sparking⚠ Power cuts off automatically⚠ Burn marks visible

Dispose responsibly at a battery recycling center—not household waste.

Tips to Travel Safely With Power Banks

• Keep it accessible for security scanning

• Use original certified charging cables

• Store below 70% charge for long flights

• Avoid placing under pillows or blankets while charging

• Do not leave unattended while connected

• Avoid cheap no-brand batteries

Reliable brands reduce risk significantly.

Recommended Safe Travel Power Banks

BrandReason

AnkerBest safety control & certification

BelkinReliable for fast charge devices

XiaomiBudget-friendly quality

Apple MagSafePerfect for iPhones

BaseusHigh-capacity compact design

SamsungSmart charging protection

Choose only certified:

• UL Certified

• CE, FCC, RoHS Approved

• BIS Certified (India)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I carry a 20000mAh power bank on flight?

Yes. Most 20000mAh ≈ 74Wh → permitted in cabin.

2. Are power banks allowed in domestic flights?

Yes, but only in hand baggage—not checked.

3. Can I carry two power banks?

Yes. Most airlines allow 1–2 units.

4. What if no Wh is printed?

Security may reject it. Keep purchase proof or avoid.

5. Is wireless/MagSafe power bank allowed?

Yes, same rules as normal batteries.

6. Can I use power bank during flight?

Yes, unless airline prohibits during take-off & landing.

Final Summary

Power banks are allowed on flights Only in cabin hand luggage Up to 100Wh freely permitted 100-160Wh may need approval Above 160Wh banned Not allowed in checked-in bags

Carrying a power bank is completely safe when you follow guidelines, choose certified brands and store carefully. With this knowledge, your travel becomes stress-free—no airport arguments, confiscations or surprises.