Power Bank Rules on Planes (2026): Limits, mAh to Wh and Onboard Bans
Power banks are the item most often pulled out of bags at check-in and at the gate. The rules are consistent across almost every airline because they come from the same aviation safety standards (FAA, EASA, ICAO and IATA): power banks travel in the cabin only, and their size is limited by watt-hours (Wh), not by the milliamp-hours (mAh) printed in large type on the box. What has changed since 2025 is that a growing number of airlines also restrict using a power bank during the flight.
| Power bank capacity | Carry-on | Checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 Wh (about 27,000 mAh at 3.7 V) | Allowed | Never |
| 101–160 Wh | Only with airline approval, usually max 2 | Never |
| Over 160 Wh | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Why Power Banks Can't Go in Checked Luggage
Lithium-ion cells can overheat and catch fire if they are damaged or short-circuit. In the cabin, crew can see and contain a fire; in the hold they cannot. That is why spare lithium batteries and power banks are banned from checked baggage everywhere, including bags that are gate-checked or tagged for "delivery at aircraft" on full flights. If your carry-on is taken at the gate, remove power banks and spare batteries first.
How to Convert mAh to Wh
Most power banks show their capacity in mAh. To convert to Wh:
Wh = mAh × voltage ÷ 1000
Use the cell voltage printed on the label, usually 3.6 or 3.7 V. Examples at 3.7 V:
| Capacity | Watt-hours | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 mAh | 37 Wh | Allowed in carry-on |
| 20,000 mAh | 74 Wh | Allowed in carry-on |
| 26,800 mAh | 99 Wh | Allowed in carry-on (common "max" size) |
| 30,000 mAh | 111 Wh | Needs airline approval |
| 40,000 mAh | 148 Wh | Needs airline approval |
| 50,000 mAh | 185 Wh | Not allowed |
If a power bank shows no capacity or Wh rating at all, security staff can refuse it. Choose one with the rating clearly printed.
How Many Power Banks Can You Bring?
For power banks up to 100 Wh, the international standard allows spare batteries "for personal use", and many airlines set their own number limit — Lufthansa Group, for example, allows up to two per passenger. Units between 100 and 160 Wh need approval in advance and are generally limited to two. Laptops, phones and cameras with their batteries installed are not counted as spares.
Airlines That Ban Using Power Banks On Board
Since 2025 a number of airlines have added rules about using power banks in flight. A clear example is the Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings and ITA Airways): from January 15, 2026, power banks may not be used or charged on board, a maximum of two may be carried, and they must be kept in the seat pocket, under the seat or on your person — not in the overhead bin. Several Asian and Middle Eastern airlines apply similar bans on in-flight use. Always check your airline's current rule before you fly; our airline guides note it where it applies.
Packing Power Banks Safely
- Keep power banks in your personal item, not your overhead bag, so they stay with you if the bag is gate-checked.
- Protect the terminals of loose batteries with tape or a pouch, and don't let them touch keys or coins.
- Do not bring damaged, swollen or recalled batteries.
- Turn off devices you pack, so they cannot switch on in your bag.
- On flights to and from China, power banks without the Chinese CCC (3C) certification mark may be refused.
E-Cigarettes, Smart Luggage and Other Batteries
- E-cigarettes and vapes: cabin only; using or charging them on board is prohibited.
- Smart luggage: the battery must be removable. If the bag is checked, remove the battery and take it in the cabin.
- Camera and drone batteries: spares follow the same Wh limits as power banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a power bank on a plane?
Yes, in your carry-on or personal item only. Power banks are never allowed in checked luggage.
What size power bank is allowed on a plane?
Up to 100 Wh (about 27,000 mAh at 3.7 V) without approval. Between 100 and 160 Wh you need airline approval, usually for a maximum of two. Over 160 Wh is not allowed.
Is a 20,000 mAh power bank allowed on a plane?
Yes. At 3.7 V it is about 74 Wh, well under the 100 Wh limit.
Can I use my power bank during the flight?
It depends on the airline. Lufthansa Group airlines ban using and charging power banks on board from January 15, 2026, and several other airlines have similar rules.
What happens if my bag with a power bank is gate-checked?
Take the power bank out before handing over the bag. Power banks must stay in the cabin with you.