Yes—Mophie power banks go in carry-on only; up to 100 Wh is fine, 101–160 Wh may need airline approval, and anything above that is not allowed.
Mophie makes power banks and battery cases that keep phones and tablets alive when outlets are scarce. Air travel adds rules to that handy backup. The good news: you can fly with a Mophie without stress once you know where it must ride, how big it can be, and the simple steps that keep screeners and crew happy.
Bringing A Mophie On A Plane: Rules That Matter
A Mophie power bank counts as a spare lithium-ion battery. Spare lithium batteries stay in the cabin, not the hold. The TSA power bank page says carry-on yes, checked no. The FAA PackSafe lithium batteries page adds the watt-hour limits that decide when you need airline sign-off.
What Counts As A “Mophie” Here
Two products carry the name. First, the classic power bank you plug a cable into. Second, a phone case with a built-in battery. The power bank is a true spare battery. The case is a battery installed in a device. Both can fly, yet they follow slightly different packing rules.
Carry-On Only, Not Checked
Place power banks in your personal item or backpack so they stay with you. If a bag is gate-checked, take the power bank out before you hand the bag over. Screens at the checkpoint may ask you to remove it like a laptop. Keep ports covered and make sure it cannot switch on by accident.
Capacity Limits You Need To Know
Capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh). Up to 100 Wh needs no airline approval. Between 101 and 160 Wh, many airlines allow two spares per person with approval. Above 160 Wh, leave it at home or ship by cargo. Most pocket-size Mophies fall well under 100 Wh.
Big Table Of Common Mophie Sizes
This table converts mAh ratings to Wh using 3.7 V, which is the usual cell voltage for these packs. Check your label to confirm the exact rating.
| Listed Capacity (mAh) | Approx Wh | Carry-On Status |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh | ≈ 18.5 Wh | Allowed in carry-on; no approval needed |
| 10,000 mAh | ≈ 37 Wh | Allowed in carry-on; no approval needed |
| 20,000 mAh | ≈ 74 Wh | Allowed in carry-on; no approval needed |
| 24,000 mAh | ≈ 88.8 Wh | Allowed in carry-on; no approval needed |
| 27,000 mAh | ≈ 99.9 Wh | Allowed in carry-on; near the 100 Wh line |
| 30,000 mAh | ≈ 111 Wh | Carry-on only; airline approval usually required |
Watt-Hours: Quick Math For Limits
If your Mophie shows only mAh, use this: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × 3.7. A label that reads 10,000 mAh turns into about 37 Wh. Some packs print the Wh directly; if so, use that number. Stay at or under 100 Wh for the smoothest trip.
Installed Battery Cases Versus Power Banks
A Mophie battery case holds a battery inside a phone case. That counts as a device with an installed battery. You can keep it on the phone in your carry-on. If you must pack it in a checked bag, power the phone down and protect the case from pressure or switch-on. Spare power banks never ride in checked bags.
Where To Pack And How To Protect It
Pick a spot you can reach from your seat. Many airlines want the pack visible while in use. Keeping it in the seat pocket or under the seat eases crew checks. Do not charge devices from a power bank that is buried in a bag or placed in an overhead bin.
Prevent Short Circuits
Keep the ports and any exposed contacts covered. Use a sleeve or the original box. If you carry loose cables, keep metal items away from the ports so they cannot bridge the contacts. A short can start heat buildup fast.
Gate-Check Surprise
Full flights cause last-minute gate checks. When staff ask you to tag a carry-on, grab the Mophie before you hand the bag over. The same goes for spare camera batteries, vape pens, or earbuds with charging cases.
Screening Tips That Save Time
Charge the pack to a sensible level, then switch it off. A pack with clear markings speeds things along, so keep the label legible. If your label rubbed off, a small note card with the Wh math helps. Keep the cable handy in case a screener asks you to power a device.
What To Do If The Wh Is Over 100
If your Mophie crosses into 101–160 Wh, contact the airline before you fly. Ask for approval and ask about limits per person. Expect a cap of two spares. If the pack is over 160 Wh, it cannot fly with you in a bag.
Damaged, Bulging, Or Recalled Packs
Do not fly with a swollen or damaged battery. If your Mophie was part of a recall, replace it before the trip. Airline and airport staff may refuse unsafe batteries at the checkpoint or the gate.
Using Your Mophie During The Flight
Rules in the cabin vary by carrier. Many carriers allow power banks in use as long as the pack stays out of any bag and in plain sight. Some carriers ask you to keep the pack under the seat or in the seat pocket. A growing number now block in-flight use of power banks even in the cabin. If crew ask you to unplug, do it and switch the pack off.
Safer Use At Your Seat
- Place the pack on the tray table, seat pocket, or under the seat—not in the overhead bin.
- Use a short cable and keep the pack away from blankets or coats so heat can vent.
- Stop charging if the pack gets hot, smells odd, or shows warning lights.
- Never charge the power bank itself during the flight unless the crew says it is fine.
Common Scenarios And What To Do
Here is a quick table you can skim before you pack or board.
| Scenario | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Mophie under 100 Wh | Carry-on only; keep accessible | Within standard cabin limit |
| Mophie 101–160 Wh | Ask airline for approval; carry-on only | Most carriers allow two with approval |
| Mophie over 160 Wh | Do not bring as baggage | Not permitted in passenger bags |
| Battery case on phone | Carry-on; power phone down if packed | Installed battery rules apply |
| Bag gets gate-checked | Remove all spares before tagging | Spare batteries stay in cabin |
| In-flight charging | Follow crew directions; keep pack visible | Cabin safety and quick access |
| Label missing | Write Wh on a card and keep with pack | Speeds screening if asked |
| Pack is swollen | Do not travel with it | Fire risk |
Smart Packing Workflow
Check the label, do the Wh math, and snap a photo of the rating. Place the Mophie in an outside pocket of your backpack. Add a soft case or sleeve. Pack a short USB-C or Lightning cable. If you carry more than one pack, separate them so ports cannot touch.
Travel Day Routine
- Before you leave, switch the pack off and cover the ports.
- At screening, pull it out only if a screener asks.
- At the gate, keep it with you in case of a last-minute bag check.
- On board, set it where crew can see it while it powers your device.
When A Mophie Is Part Of A Smart Bag
Some suitcases include a removable battery. If you plan to check that bag, remove the battery and carry it on. If the battery cannot be removed, do not check the bag. Airlines post rules for smart bags on their sites and many follow the same pattern.
Kids, Teens, And Shared Power
Traveling with family means more devices and more cables. Give each person a short cable and remind them to keep the pack in view. Do not let kids charge under a blanket. If the pack slips between seats, tell a crew member before you reach for it.
International Flights And Connections
Flying overseas? The carry-on rule for power banks holds on most routes because carriers follow IATA guidance and local civil aviation rules. Keep the same habit through each leg: cabin only, label visible, ports covered, pack where crew can see it in use. If you transit through an airport with extra screening, present the pack with your laptop. If you swap airlines, check email or the app for any battery notices. Some carriers now pause in-flight power-bank use on select routes, so charge devices at the gate and let the pack sit idle until landing. Policies can change without notice.
Quick Myths To Ignore
“Any power bank can go in checked luggage.” False. Spare lithium batteries never go in checked bags. “All airlines let you charge with a power bank on board.” Not true across the board. Policies differ and crew calls stand. “Higher mAh always means faster charging.” mAh measures capacity, not speed; charging speed depends on the output and the device.
Why This Guidance Stays Current
The links above point to the official TSA and FAA pages. They set the baseline for U.S. flights. Airlines then add their own cabin rules. Check your carrier the week you fly, since cabin practices can change during the year.
Bottom Line For Flying With A Mophie
Carry-on only, ports covered, label clear. Stay at or under 100 Wh for the easiest trip. Ask the airline if you carry a larger pack. Keep the power bank in sight while it powers your device, and follow any crew instruction fast. Do that, and your Mophie will fly without drama.