Can I Bring A Power Bank On A Plane? | Smart Packing Tips

You can fly with a portable charger, you just can’t bury it in the hold. Power banks count as spare lithium batteries, so they live in the cabin. That way crew can act fast if a cell misbehaves. The rule is simple: cabin yes, checked bag no, with size limits for larger packs.

Two numbers drive every decision: watt-hours (Wh) for lithium-ion and grams of lithium for lithium-metal. Your charger is almost always lithium-ion, which means Wh. Many makers print the Wh on the case. If you only see mAh and volts, a quick bit of math gives you the Wh. Multiply volts by amp-hours. A 10,000 mAh pack at 3.7 V works out to 37 Wh. Easy.

Across the U.S., the answer mirrors the official pages. The TSA power bank page says carry-on only. The FAA PackSafe page adds the cutoffs most travelers see: packs up to 100 Wh ride in the cabin without extra steps, while 100–160 Wh needs airline permission and a cap on spares.

Bringing A Power Bank On A Plane: Rules That Matter

Outside the U.S., the pattern stays close. IATA’s guidance uses the same 100 Wh and 160 Wh points and calls for covered terminals. Airlines still set house rules, so a quick check before you book saves stress at the gate.

Pack It Right Every Time

• Carry it in your personal item or daypack so it never leaves your sight.
• Cover the USB ports with tape or a cap, or slide the bank into a sleeve.
• Don’t stack coins, keys, or loose cables across the terminals.
• If staff gate-check your carry-on, pull the power bank out and take it onboard with you.
• Many crews ask you not to charge during the flight. Follow the cabin crew call on the day.

Choose The Right Size

Most travelers use 5,000–20,000 mAh. Those sit well under 100 Wh and breeze through. Packs between 100 and 160 Wh power camera rigs and laptops; they’re fine in many cabins with airline sign-off, often capped at two spares. Anything bigger is cargo territory and not for passengers.

Read The Label And Do The Math

Look for a line that says “Wh.” If it’s missing, convert. Move the mAh decimal three places left to get Ah, then multiply by volts. Many consumer banks use 3.7 V cells, so the math stays friendly. If the case shows a range of voltages, use the nominal value.

Mind Devices With Built-In Cells

Phone cases that charge, cameras, game consoles, and earbuds all use lithium cells. Devices can ride in carry-on or checked bags when fully switched off and protected, but spare cells and stand-alone chargers don’t go in the hold. Smart bags with a removable battery must have the battery taken out before checking the bag.

Why these limits? Lithium cells store dense energy. A damaged or faulty pack can heat up fast. Keeping spares in the cabin lets crew isolate heat, use a containment bag, and cool the area. That playbook isn’t available in the hold, so regulators keep spares out of checked luggage.

Airline Approval: What It Looks Like

When a pack falls in the 100–160 Wh band, some airlines want you to message them with the Wh rating before the trip. Others ask at the counter. A few publish a short form. Approval often includes a two-spare limit and a promise to keep the packs off any chargers during the flight.

Gate And Security Scenarios

Screeners may ask you to show the label. If the number is worn off, carry a photo of the spec sheet or a receipt that lists Wh. If your carry-on is too large and gets tagged at the door, move the charger to your personal item on the spot. Don’t let it vanish into the belly of the aircraft.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Throwing a power bank into a checked suitcase.
• Using a metal tin that could short the ports.
• Packing swollen or damaged packs. Retire them.
• Leaving loose cells without covers or pouches.
• Charging a device while the plane is taxiing or landing when crew ask you to switch off.

What Counts As A Power Bank?

Anything designed to charge other devices fits the label: pocket banks, laptop bricks, camera battery plates with USB-C, even solar banks with internal storage. If it’s a battery whose job is to charge other gear, treat it as a spare and keep it in the cabin.

Regional Nuance

Some regions add their own twists. Many EU carriers mirror common EASA safety notes that discourage in-seat charging and call for clear labels. Parts of Asia ask for proof of safety marks and may reject units without a visible rating. Rules change, so check both your airline and the local aviation site before you pack.

Label Examples You Might See

“10,000 mAh, 3.7 V, 37 Wh” is common. Laptop banks often read “26,800 mAh, 99 Wh.” A pro-grade brick might show “130 Wh,” which lands in the approval zone. If you only see mAh and V, convert with the simple formula below.

Fire Safety: Quick Actions

If a device or charger gets hot, call a crew member at once. Don’t try to move a smoking pack. Crew carry gear for these events and will guide the next steps. If the heat stops and the pack cools down, keep it visible and avoid charging until you land.

Smart Luggage And Trackers

Ride-on bags and suitcases with a built-in bank must let you remove the battery for check-in. Remove it at the desk and carry it with you. Small Bluetooth trackers use button cells, not lithium-ion packs, and usually stay under the radar, but always follow airline guidance.

What To Buy

Pick a bank with a printed Wh rating, sturdy ports, and a travel mode that locks the button. A soft sleeve or a small pouch adds protection. For laptops, aim for a unit that sits just under 100 Wh or carry paperwork for airline approval if you need more capacity.

Travel Day Checklist

• Wh is visible or you have proof.
• Ports covered; no loose metal nearby.
• Charger rides in the cabin, not the hold.
• Bag stands ready for gate checks.
• You know your airline’s limit on spares.

Final Checks Before You Fly

Power banks make trips smoother when you pack them the right way. Keep them in the cabin, size them to the Wh limits that apply to your route, and follow crew directions. Do that, and your phone, camera, and laptop stay topped up without any trouble at the airport or on board.