Power banks are tailor-made for travel, but if you’re jetting off somewhere, there are a few rules about taking them on flights you need to be aware of. I never fly without a couple of portable chargers in my hand luggage, because they’re ideal when you need your phone and other small gadgets to keep you entertained, help you navigate, and stay in touch. A few airlines have hit the headlines recently with stricter rules on flying with portable chargers, so let’s dig into what exactly is going on and the precise rules you need to follow.
Read our Best Power Banks and Best MagSafe Power Banks guides for our recommendations.
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Can I Take a Power Bank on a Plane?
There are two main rules about flying with power banks, and they’ve been in place for several years now:
- You must have power banks in your carry-on. They cannot be in checked luggage that goes into the hold
- Power banks must not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh). That equates to 27,000 milliamp-hours (mAh). You can calculate Wh with the formula V × Ah (voltage x amp-hours)
It may be possible to fly with power banks up to 160 Wh on some airlines, but generally only with prior approval. You are not allowed to fly with power banks that exceed 160 Wh.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the UK, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and many other official bodies around the world are in agreement on these rules, but individual airlines can also have their own rules.
How Many Power Banks or Batteries Can I Take?
The rules on this vary. The IATA says you can have up to 20 spare batteries or power banks, but they must be in your carry-on and under 100 Wh each. You can have up to two 160-Wh power banks or batteries with prior approval. The FAA guidelines are similar, with a few exceptions for things like electric wheelchairs. But individual airlines may have stricter rules.
What About Batteries Inside Devices?
When batteries are inside devices (phones, laptops, medical devices), they are allowed to go into checked baggage, provided they are turned off (completely switched off and not in standby or hibernation). Any spare batteries for these devices are subject to the same rules as power banks. The IATA says you can take up to 15 portable electronic devices on flights in your checked and carry-on luggage. Again, airlines may have their own rules on this.
Are There Any Other Power Bank Flight Rules?
Yes, there are several additional rules worth keeping in mind, though some of these rules are rarely checked.
- Power banks must be for personal use
- They must not have any signs of damage (look out for swelling or defects)
- They must not have been recalled
- Spare batteries should be enclosed in the original packaging or a separate bag
- When terminals are exposed, like with a spare laptop battery, they should be taped over
Can I Use a Power Bank on a Plane?
While there is no general rule against using a power bank on a plane, some airlines have forbidden their use after recent incidents that caused power banks to overheat and cause fires. Others state that the power bank must be in plain view when being used to charge something. If you are using a power bank on a flight and it shows any sign of overheating (feels very warm, emits smoke, or swells), you should discontinue use immediately and alert a flight attendant.
Which Airlines Have Strict Power Bank Rules?
Always check in with your airline before you travel. You can usually find a breakdown of what is allowed by searching for “[your airline name] restrictions.” Here are a few examples of airlines that have brought in stricter policies on power banks, but this is not an exhaustive list, and rules can change quickly.
- Southwest Airlines says portable chargers must be visible anytime you’re using them (they cannot be in a bag or overhead locker)
- Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Emirates, EVA Air, Singapore Airlines (and budget subsidiary Scoot), South Korean Airlines, and Thai Airways all forbid the use of power banks onboard
Advice for Taking Power Banks on Flights
If you do intend to take power banks on flights, I have a few tips for you to ensure things go smoothly.
- Inspect the power banks and make sure there are no signs of damage or swelling.
- Make sure that the capacity is stated clearly and doesn’t exceed 100 Wh or 27,000 mAh.
- Fully charge the power banks and gadgets before you leave the house.
- Check your airline’s website to find out if there are any restrictions on the number of power banks you can take, how they should be stored, and how they can be used onboard.
- Make sure your power banks are in your carry-on luggage, ideally in a separate pouch or bag. If you’re taking spare batteries, keep them in the packaging or tape any visible metal terminals with electrical tape.
- Use outlets at the airport to top up your gadgets before you board and minimize the need to use power banks during the flight. Many planes have charging outlets now, so you may even be able to charge onboard.
- If you do use a power bank to charge during a flight, keep it on the tray table in front of you so you can watch out for any issues and ensure it doesn’t overheat.
If you’re looking for a good, reliable, safe power bank, I recommend the Nimble Champ ($60) or the Anker Laptop Power Bank ($95). If you have an iPhone or Qi2 phone, consider one of the best MagSafe power banks.
