Power Bank Capacity Limits for Flights: 100Wh, 160Wh and the Airlines
2026-09-24
With phones, laptops and tablets everywhere, a power bank has become standard travel kit. Which raises the question most people ask at the airport: can you take a power bank on a plane? Get it wrong and the airline may confiscate it, or worse, hold up your trip. Here are the international rules in detail.
The basic rules
1. It has to be in your hand luggage
A power bank cannot go in checked baggage. It has to travel in the cabin with you. Lithium batteries carry a fire risk, and in the hold a problem cannot be dealt with immediately.
2. Capacity limits
Airlines and IATA set clear limits based on watt-hours (Wh):
Under 100Wh (about 27,000mAh at 3.7V): carry freely, no airline approval needed.
100Wh–160Wh (about 27,000–43,000mAh at 3.7V): airline approval required, maximum two per passenger.
Over 160Wh: not permitted, in the cabin or the hold.
👉 How to work out the watt-hours:
Wh = mAh ÷ 1000 × voltage (V)
For a power bank marked 20,000mAh at 3.7V: (20,000 ÷ 1,000) × 3.7 = 74Wh. Under 100Wh, so it travels in your carry-on.
3. The capacity has to be legible
To clear screening, the power bank should clearly show its capacity in mAh or Wh. With no marking at all, it may be treated as non-compliant and refused.
4. Some types are not allowed
Power banks with built-in mains plugs (the kind that plug straight into a socket to charge) are prohibited by some airlines.
Swollen, damaged or deformed power banks will be confiscated at screening, because of the fire and explosion risk.
Airline-by-airline
Rules vary slightly. Check your airline's website or contact them before you travel. Some examples:
Airline
Under 100Wh
100–160Wh
Over 160Wh
Cathay Pacific
Permitted
Approval required, max 2
Prohibited
EVA Air
Permitted
Approval required, max 2
Prohibited
China Airlines
Permitted
Approval required, max 2
Prohibited
Japan Airlines
Permitted
Approval required, max 2
Prohibited
American Airlines
Permitted
Approval required, max 2
Prohibited
FAQ
Q1. What if there is no Wh marking?
If the mAh and voltage are shown, work it out yourself. With no marking of any kind, it may not be allowed.
Q2. Can I carry several power banks?
Under 100Wh, airlines usually set no quantity limit — though carrying a lot invites extra screening. Between 100Wh and 160Wh, approval is required and the limit is two per passenger.
Q3. Can I use it during the flight?
Generally yes, but avoid letting it overheat and follow crew instructions — it cannot be used during take-off and landing. Note that some carriers, including several Asian airlines, now prohibit in-flight use entirely.
Summary: getting a power bank through without trouble
