Power banks have become everyday essentials. From travelers relying on smartphones for boarding passes to remote workers juggling video calls, portable chargers keep modern life running. Yet many people still ask a deceptively simple question: Are power banks allowed?

The answer depends on where and how you’re using them. Airlines, cruise lines, workplaces, schools, and public venues all have different rules—mostly driven by lithium-ion battery safety.

What Is a Power Bank and Why Are There Restrictions?

A power bank is a portable battery pack—usually lithium-ion or lithium-polymer—used to recharge electronic devices.

Why lithium batteries are regulated

Lithium-based batteries:

• Store high energy density in a small space

• Can overheat, short-circuit, or catch fire if damaged or poorly manufactured

• Are difficult to extinguish once ignited

According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), lithium battery fires pose a unique risk, especially in enclosed environments like aircraft cabins or cargo holds.

Authoritative sources:

• FAA – Lithium Batteries in Air Travel (faa.gov)

• UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) – Dangerous Goods Guidance (gov.uk)

• ICAO Technical Instructions

Are Power Banks Allowed on Airplanes?

Short answer

Yes, power banks are allowed on airplanes—but only in carry-on baggage and within strict limits.

Airline and aviation authority rules

Most global airlines follow ICAO and IATA (International Air Transport Association) guidelines.

General aviation rules (globally accepted)

Capacity (Watt-hours)	Allowed?	Conditions
Up to 100 Wh		Carry-on only
100–160 Wh		Airline approval required
Over 160 Wh		Prohibited on passenger aircraft

Key rules:

• Never allowed in checked baggage

•  Cannot be used to charge devices during some flights (airline-specific)

• Must not be damaged, recalled, or counterfeit

How to check your power bank’s watt-hours

Most power banks list capacity in mAh. Convert to Wh:

Wh = (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1000

Example:

• 20,000 mAh × 3.7V ÷ 1000 = 74 Wh → allowed

Real-world example

A traveler flying from London to New York had a 30,000 mAh power bank (~111 Wh). TSA allowed it only after airline approval and inspection.

Sources:

• FAA.gov

• TSA.gov

• IATA Lithium Battery Guidance

Are Power Banks Allowed in Checked Luggage?

No. Power banks are not allowed in checked baggage under any circumstances.

Why checked bags are prohibited

• Fires in cargo holds may go undetected

• Lithium battery fires require special suppression methods

• Past aviation incidents prompted strict bans

According to the FAA and UK CAA, spare lithium batteries—including power banks—must remain in the cabin.

Are Power Banks Allowed on Cruise Ships?

Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and major cruise lines

Generally allowed, but with conditions.

Common cruise ship policies

• Allowed in cabins and carry-on bags

• Must be UL-certified or equivalent

• Some cruise lines limit charging while unattended

• High-capacity or damaged units may be confiscated

Cruise-specific safety concerns

Cruise ships have:

• Enclosed cabins

• Centralized electrical systems

• Strict fire-prevention protocols

Some lines prohibit charging power banks overnight or while guests are ashore.

Example:Royal Caribbean allows power banks but bans non-certified electrical devices that pose fire risks.

Sources:

• Royal Caribbean Guest Safety Policies

• Carnival Cruise Line FAQ

Are Power Banks Allowed on Trains and Buses?

Trains (Amtrak, UK Rail, EU Rail)

Yes, generally allowed

Most rail operators:

• Allow power banks in carry-on bags

• Do not impose watt-hour limits

• Expect passengers to use certified, undamaged devices

Buses and coaches

• Allowed on most long-distance buses

• Some operators restrict charging onboard

• International buses may follow airline-style battery limits

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on uniform global watt-hour limits for trains and buses.

Are Power Banks Allowed in Offices and Workplaces?

Typical workplace policies

 Allowed in most offices Restricted in high-risk environments

Where power banks may be restricted

• Hospitals and medical facilities

• Manufacturing plants

• Laboratories

• Data centers

Why workplaces restrict them

• Fire risk near sensitive equipment

• Electrical compliance standards

• Insurance and safety audits

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends employers assess lithium battery fire risks under workplace safety regulations.

Sources:

• HSE.gov.uk

• OSHA (osha.gov)

Are Power Banks Allowed in Schools and Universities?

Common policies

• Allowed for personal use

• Banned during exams

• Restricted in dormitories (charging rules)

Universities often prohibit:

• Charging under pillows or bedding

• Non-certified chargers

• Modified or high-capacity units

Fire safety data from Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows that improper charging is a leading cause of lithium battery incidents in dormitories.

Are Power Banks Allowed in Stadiums, Concerts, and Public Venues?

Venue-specific rules

Depends on venue policy

Many venues allow:

• Small power banks (≤10,000 mAh)

• Single-port chargers

Some prohibit:

• Large or heavy power banks

• Cables exceeding length limits

• Devices resembling prohibited items

Always check venue websites before attending events.

Comparison Table: Power Bank Rules by Location

Location	Allowed?	Key Restrictions
Airplanes	Yes	Carry-on only, ≤100 Wh
Checked baggage	No	Fully prohibited
Cruise ships	Yes	Certification & charging rules
Trains	Yes	Minimal restrictions
Offices	Usually	Depends on safety policy
Schools	Yes	Exam & dorm rules
Stadiums	Sometimes	Size & capacity limits

Step-by-Step: How to Travel Safely With a Power Bank

Step 1: Check capacity

• Confirm watt-hours (≤100 Wh for flights)

Step 2: Inspect condition

• No swelling, cracks, or overheating history

Step 3: Use certified products

• Look for UL, CE, FCC, BIS (India) markings

Step 4: Pack correctly

• Carry-on only for flights

• Use protective cases

Step 5: Follow charging rules

• Avoid overnight or unattended charging

• Do not cover while charging

Expert Safety Tips Backed by Research

According to studies referenced in PubMed and guidance from the WHO, lithium battery incidents often stem from:

• Overcharging

• Physical damage

• Poor manufacturing quality

Best practices

• Avoid cheap, unbranded power banks

• Keep away from heat and moisture

• Replace units older than 3–5 years

Consumer Reports emphasizes buying from reputable brands and avoiding recalled products.

Environmental and Health Considerations

Battery disposal

Improper disposal can:

• Release toxic metals

• Pollute groundwater

The WHO and environmental agencies recommend recycling lithium batteries at authorized facilities.

Health risks

While normal use is safe, overheating batteries may release gases harmful if inhaled in enclosed spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are power banks allowed in hand luggage?

Yes. Aviation authorities require power banks to be in carry-on bags only.

2. Are power banks allowed in checked luggage?

No. All major aviation authorities prohibit this.

3. What size power bank is allowed on flights?

Up to 100 Wh without approval; 100–160 Wh with airline permission.

4. Are power banks allowed on international flights?

Yes, subject to the same ICAO and airline-specific rules.

5. Can I use my power bank during a flight?

Some airlines allow it; others restrict in-flight charging.

6. Are power banks allowed on cruise ships?

Generally yes, but charging rules may apply.

7. Are solar power banks allowed?

Yes, if they meet capacity and certification standards.

8. Can power banks be confiscated?

Yes, if damaged, oversized, or non-compliant.

9. Are power banks allowed in exam halls?

Often no—schools ban them to prevent cheating.

10. Are power banks safe to use overnight?

Experts advise against unattended overnight charging.

Final Verdict

Are power banks allowed?

Yes—in most places. But rules vary widely depending on safety risks and regulations.

By choosing certified devices, understanding capacity limits, and following official guidance from aviation authorities, government agencies, and consumer safety organizations, you can use power banks safely and confidently wherever you go.