Can I Bring a Power Bank on a Plane?

Key restrictions

Carry-on baggage only — power banks are prohibited in checked luggage worldwide.

Up to 100Wh (about 27,000mAh) allowed without approval on most airlines.

100–160Wh requires airline approval, usually limited to two per passenger.

Over 160Wh is forbidden on passenger aircraft.

If your bag is gate-checked, you must remove the power bank and keep it with you.

Why this matters

Power banks are lithium-ion batteries, and lithium batteries can catch fire if they are damaged or short-circuit. A fire in the cabin can be spotted and extinguished by the crew; a fire in the cargo hold cannot. That is why every major aviation authority — the FAA, EASA, ICAO, and CAAC — bans spare lithium batteries, including power banks, from checked baggage.

This is one of the most consistently enforced rules in air travel. It applies on every airline, on both domestic and international flights.

Restrictions

The limits are set by battery capacity in watt-hours (Wh), printed on the power bank itself:

Up to 100Wh (roughly 27,000mAh): allowed in carry-on without approval. Most airlines do not publish a strict count for personal use, but expect questions if you carry more than a few.
100–160Wh: allowed only with airline approval, normally capped at two per passenger.
Over 160Wh: not allowed on passenger aircraft at all.

Unmarked power banks with no visible capacity rating can be refused at security, especially at airports in China, where a clear CCC mark and rating label are now required.

What the official guidance says

The FAA's PackSafe guidance classifies power banks as spare lithium-ion batteries: they must travel in carry-on baggage, terminals must be protected from short circuit, and the 100Wh/160Wh thresholds apply. TSA follows the same rule at screening. If a carry-on bag is gate-checked at a full flight, the FAA requires the power bank to be removed and kept in the cabin.

Frequently asked questions

How many mAh is 100Wh?

At the typical 3.7V cell voltage, 100Wh is roughly 27,000mAh. Most consumer power banks of 20,000mAh or less are well inside the limit.

Can I use my power bank during the flight?

Many airlines allow charging devices from a power bank in flight, but a growing number — particularly in Asia — now prohibit in-flight use or require the bank to stay visible. Check your airline's policy.

What happens if I leave a power bank in checked luggage?

Security screening usually flags it. Your bag may be delayed, opened, or the power bank removed and confiscated. If found at the gate, you will be asked to move it to carry-on.