Can You Take Power Banks on a Flight

Yes, you can normally take power banks on a flight if they are below 100Wh. Power banks above 100Wh typically need airline approval before taking them on a flight. You should never place these in checked luggage. They must always be in your carry-on bag.

Quick rule: ✅ Carry-on = allowed (within limits) ❌ Checked baggage = not allowed

In most cases, the key takeaway is simple:

• Power banks must be packed in your carry-on (not checked luggage)
• There are limits based on watt-hours (Wh), not just mAh
• Some airlines apply stricter rules than the general TSA/ICAO guidance

Power banks are considered spare lithium batteries, which means they’re not allowed in checked luggage. Keep them in your cabin bag or personal item so, if something overheats, it can be handled quickly.

Below, we’ll break down what’s allowed, how to check your power bank rating, and the safest way to pack it so you’re not delayed at security or forced to throw it away at the gate.

Understanding Airline and TSA Regulations

Regulations for power banks on a flight are specific and vary between airlines. Generally, airlines view power banks as spare batteries. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires placing these in your carry-on bag. Checked luggage isn’t an option for power banks.

Airlines follow guidelines issued by the FAA for flights within the United States. These guidelines ensure safety during travel. It’s always wise to verify any additional rules your airline might enforce regarding power banks. Checking beforehand can prevent misunderstandings at the airport.

Powerbank Capacity: What You Need to Know

When bringing power banks on a flight, it’s crucial to understand the capacity limits imposed. Manufacturers measure the capacity of power banks in milliampere-hours (mAh) or watt-hours (Wh).

Here’s a quick breakdown of the regulations:

• Below 100Wh: Generally allowed
• 100Wh to 160Wh: Requires airline approval
• Above 160Wh: Not allowed

Always have the powerbank’s capacity clearly labeled for easy identification during security checks. This step will help ensure a smooth travel experience.

Why Is There Regulation Around Power Banks?

Strict regulations exist for a good reason. The primary concern behind these rules is safety. Power banks contain lithium-ion batteries, which, if damaged or improperly stored, pose a fire risk.

Risk of Thermal Runaway

Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and enter a dangerous state called thermal runaway. This occurs when a battery short-circuits or is exposed to extreme heat, leading to smoke, fire, or even explosions. Since aircraft cabins are confined spaces, such incidents can be hazardous.

With the risk and usage of power banks now increasing, some airlines are tightening their restrictions.

Packing Your Powerbank: Carry-On vs. Checked Luggage

When traveling by air, knowing where to pack your power bank is essential. You should never place these in checked luggage. They must always be in your carry-on bag.

This rule helps prevent potential safety hazards. It also ensures that your power bank is accessible throughout the journey. In the event of a battery issue, being in the cabin allows the crew to manage the situation promptly.

Remember to store your power bank in an easy-to-reach location. You might need to present it during security screenings. Having it ready will speed up the process and reduce inconvenience.

Tips for Traveling with Powerbanks

Some useful tips to consider before you travel:

Know your watt-hours (Wh) before you fly

Airline limits are based on watt-hours, even if your power bank is marketed using mAh. Many travelers assume any size is fine — but limits do apply.

Before you pack:

• Check the label for Wh
• If only mAh is shown, convert to Wh before you fly
• If there’s no label, some airlines may not accept it

If the rating is hard to read, take a quick photo of the label before you travel.

Prevent short circuits

A power bank can become a safety issue if its ports or terminals touch metal (keys, coins, loose cables). To reduce risk:

• Keep it in a protective case
• Avoid tossing it loose in a bag with chargers or metal objects
• Don’t pack it where it can be crushed (like the bottom of an overstuffed backpack)

If your carry-on gets gate-checked, remove the power bank first

This is one of the most common mistakes for travelers: your cabin bag is fine — until the airline decides it needs to go in the hold at the last minute.

If your bag is being gate-checked:

• Take out your power bank (and any spare lithium batteries)
• Keep them with you in the cabin

Don’t bring damaged power banks

If a power bank is cracked, leaking or has been dropped hard, leave it at home. If it gets unusually hot, smells strange, or starts smoking:

• Stop using it immediately
• Move it away from other items if safe to do so
• Tell cabin crew right away

This is rare — but it’s exactly why airlines want power banks accessible in the cabin, not buried in the cargo hold.

Check your airline’s rules before you fly

Many airlines follow international lithium battery guidelines — but some apply stricter policies, including:

• Lower size limits
• Limits on how many power banks you can bring
• Restrictions on using or charging power banks onboard

If you’re flying internationally, it’s worth checking your airline’s policy page to avoid surprises. Enjoy using your devices without interruptions during your journey.

View our previous article on using USB luggage power ports.

Airlines Powerbank Rules

Here are some of the most popular airlines’ rules on power banks:

Emirates’ Power Bank Safety Rules

Emirates has recently updated its policy on carrying and using power banks onboard. Compared to most airlines, these rules are stricter and worth paying attention to if you are flying with them:

• Carry-on only: Power banks are prohibited in checked luggage.
• Capacity limit: Each passenger may bring only one power bank under 100Wh.
• No usage onboard: Passengers cannot use power banks to charge devices or recharge the power bank during the flight.
• Placement rule: Power banks must be stowed in the seat pocket or under the seat. They may not be placed in overhead bins.
• Clear labeling: The power bank must visibly display its capacity rating.

These rules were introduced after a surge in lithium battery-related safety incidents in aviation. Emirates aims to reduce the risk of overheating and ensure cabin crew can respond quickly if a battery problem occurs.

American Airlines (USA)

• Carry-on only (as spare lithium batteries)
• Up to 100Wh: Allowed
• 100Wh–160Wh: Allowed with airline approval (commonly limited to 2 spares per passenger)

If your battery is over 100Wh, contact the airline before you travel.

Delta Air Lines (USA)

• Up to 100Wh: Allowed
• 100Wh–160Wh: Allowed with operator approval
• Over 160Wh: Not permitted

Delta’s own policy is explicit: lithium-ion batteries must be ≤100Wh unless approved and even with approval they must not exceed 160Wh.

United Airlines (USA)

• Spare batteries (including power banks): Must be in carry-on
• Max size for spare lithium-ion batteries: 100Wh

United’s passenger-facing guidance is stricter than many “industry standard” summaries so if your power bank is above 100Wh, you should verify directly with United before flying.

Southwest Airlines (USA)

• Up to 100Wh: Allowed in carry-on
• 100Wh–160Wh: Typically requires airline approval (industry standard approach)
• Important onboard restriction: Southwest specifies that portable chargers/power banks must not be used while stored in overhead bins (they should be visible/accessible if in use)

Ryanair (Europe)

• Power banks and spare lithium batteries must be in the cabin
• Up to 20 spare lithium batteries/power banks
• Each spare battery/power bank must be 100Wh or less

easyJet (Europe)

• Carry-on only for spare batteries/power banks
• 100Wh–160Wh: Permitted, but max two spare batteries in carry-on
• Must be individually protected to prevent short circuits

Lufthansa Group (Europe)

• Power banks are treated as spare/loose batteries
• Forbidden in checked baggage
• Must be carried in passenger cabin
• Max 2 power banks/spares between 100Wh–160Wh

International Airlines Group airlines generally follow IATA-style lithium battery rules, but check your airline’s page because limits and approvals may vary.

British Airways

• Up to 100Wh: Allowed in hand baggage
• Over 100Wh (up to 160Wh): Requires operator approval
• BA also emphasizes labeling: if the Wh rating isn’t shown and can’t be determined, it may not be accepted

Iberia

• Portable chargers/power banks are not allowed in checked baggage
• Prohibited if they exceed 160Wh
• Terminals must be protected (original packaging, tape, or separate bags)

Vueling

• Lithium-ion spare/loose batteries including power banks
• 100Wh–160Wh category is explicitly listed in its dangerous goods guidance (IATA-aligned)

IndiGo

• Follow standard lithium battery guidance: power banks treated as spare lithium batteries (carry-on only)
• If it’s near or above 100Wh, check with IndiGo before you travel

Turkish Airlines

• Up to 15 spare lithium-ion batteries/power banks ≤100Wh per person
• 2 spare batteries 100Wh–160Wh max (hand luggage only, packaged)
• Must be individually protected to prevent short circuits

Traveling with power banks can be seamless if you are informed. Knowing the regulations helps avoid unnecessary hassles at the airport.

Planning and adhering to airline guidelines guarantees a safe and smooth journey. Stay updated on any regulatory changes before your flight.