Can You Take a Power Bank on an Airplane? Air Travel Rules to Know

You’re packing for your next flight and wondering: can you take a power bank on an airplane? The short answer is yes, but there are a few rules you’ll need to follow. Between CATSA’s security checks and airline-specific limits, not all portable chargers make the cut.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s allowed, how to check your power bank’s capacity, and which models are best for travel. No confusion, just what you need to know to keep your devices charged at 30,000 feet.

 

Alt: Using Anker power bank on plane

CATSA-ACSTA Regulations Regarding Portable Chargers

Flying out and wondering “Can I take a power bank on an airplane?” The answer is a bit of both—yes and no. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA, or ACSTA in French) treats every power bank as a spare lithium battery. That means there are a few strict rules you’ll need to follow:

• Always pack your power bank in your carry-on—they’re notallowed in checked luggage.
• Batteries under 100 watt-hours (Wh)are automatically allowed. This covers most standard phone and tablet power banks.
• If your charger is between 100 and 160 Wh, you can bring up to two—but you’ll need approval from the airline before you board.
• Anything over 160 Whis too big to fly with you. These have to be shipped separately as cargo under dangerous goods regulations.

You’ll also want to make sure your power bank is in good shape—no swelling, no visible damage—and that the terminals (charging ports) are covered or taped off. Security may also ask you to keep it somewhere easily accessible in your bag, in case they need to check it or if there’s an emergency in-flight.

Can You Take a Power Bank on an International Flight?

Now, you might also want to ask, are power banks allowed on airplanes flying internationally? Well, the rules around power banks are pretty consistent, because most countries follow the same guidelines set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

So yes, you can take a battery pack on an international flight, but the same size and safety limits apply:

• under 100 Wh is fine
• 100-160 Wh is “two max with approval”
• anything larger is cargo-only

That said, some international carriers—especially in Asia—have stricter rules. After an incident involving a power bank fire on an Air Busan flight in January 2025, a few airlines started banning in-flight charging or placing tighter limits on where you can store your battery (for example, not in the overhead bin).

While not usually relevant to passengers, it’s worth noting that any lithium batteries shipped as cargo must be no more than 30% charged. This rule doesn’t apply to personal use power banks in your carry-on, but it does show how seriously airlines take battery safety.

How to Determine the Watt-Hours of a Battery Pack?

Now that you understand the rules, taking a power bank on airplane is only stressful if your battery only shows capacity in mAh and volts. But worry not. You can calculate the watt-hours (Wh) yourself in just a few seconds using a basic formula.

The Simple Formula

To convert mAh to Wh, here’s the formula you’ll need:

Wh = (mAh ÷ 1,000) × V

Let’s break that down:

1. Convert mAh to Ah (amp-hours):Divide the battery’s mAh rating by 1,000.
2. Multiply by voltage (V):Most lithium-ion power banks use a nominal cell voltage of 7V.

Example:

A 10,000 mAh power bank using 3.7V cells would be:

(10,000 ÷ 1,000) × 3.7 = 37 Wh

Easy, right?

Where to Find the Info

• Check the label:Most power banks have their voltage and capacity printed somewhere near the ports or specs label.
• If it only shows 5V (USB output):That’s not the number you want. Use 7V instead—it’s the industry standard for the internal battery cells.
• Still can’t find it?Look up the model online or check the manufacturer’s website. Many list the watt-hours in the product details.

Quick Reference Guide

Here’s a cheat sheet to help you quickly estimate watt-hours for common battery sizes:

Power Bank Capacity	Voltage (V)	Estimated Watt-Hours (Wh)	Airline Approval Needed?
5,000 mAh	3.7 V	18.5 Wh	No
10,000 mAh	3.7 V	37 Wh	No
20,000 mAh	3.7 V	74 Wh	No
26,800 mAh	3.7 V	99 Wh	No (maximum without approval)
30,000 mAh	3.7 V	111 Wh	Yes (requires airline approval)
50,000 mAh	3.7 V	185 Wh	Not allowed in carry-on; cargo only

Best Portable Power Chargers Allowed on Airplanes

When you’re flying, especially long-haul or with multiple layovers, a solid power bank is more than a convenience, it’s a travel essential. To save you the guesswork, here are three best power banks from Anker that not only comply with airline regulations but also bring something unique to the table:

Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000 mAh)

Qi2 certification lets this Anker MagGo Power Bank snap to your iPhone perfectly and push out 15W wirelessly—twice the speed of older magnetic banks. A USB-C port adds up to 27 W when you’d rather plug in, and the smart OLED display shows remaining power plus time-to-full at a glance.

Capacity clocks in at 37 Wh, comfortably under the 100 Wh airline limit while still good for about 1.8 iPhone 15 Pro charges. A flip-out stand props your phone for binge-watching on the tray table, and Anker’s ActiveShield system checks temperature millions of times per day for peace of mind in the cabin.

Alt: Anker MagGo Power Bank

What’s good:

• 15W Qi2 magnetic wireless + 27 W USB-C fast charge
• Smart display for battery%, input/output wattage, and ETA
• Integrated kickstand and strong magnets keep the phone upright
• ActiveShield temperature monitoring and 250 g travel weight

Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (5,000 mAh)

If you like to travel light, the Anker 622 Magnetic Battery is barely half an inch thick yet hides a 5,000 mAh cell (≈18.5 Wh)—well below any airline threshold. Nine N-grade magnets grab the back of an iPhone and deliver up to 7.5 W wireless output.

A fold-out kickstand turns the pack into a mini easel for hands-free video calls or movies on the seatback tray. Anker’s MiniCell tech shrinks the circuitry so the bank slides into a jeans pocket, and USB-C passthrough means you can top it up while it charges your phone.

 

Alt: Anker 622 Magnetic Battery

What’s good:

• Ultra-slim, 130 g design with strong MagSafe-style snap
• Built-in kickstand for portrait or landscape viewing
• USB-C port supports recharging and wired output
• MultiProtect safety and multiple colour options

Anker Prime Power Bank (9,600 mAh, 65W Fusion)

Think of Anker Prime Power Bank Fusion as a wall charger and power bank in one: flip-out AC prongs pull up to 65W from any outlet, then the integrated 9,600 mAh battery stores about 35 Wh, keeping it flight compliant.

On battery power it still pumps 65W USB-C PD, enough for a MacBook Air or Steam Deck on a long haul. A bright display shows wattage, temperature, and remaining time, while ActiveShield 3.0 keeps thermals in check.

Alt: Anker Prime Power Bank Fusion

What’s good:

• 65W bidirectional USB-C for laptops, tablets, and phones
• Built-in GaN wall charger—no extra adapter to pack
• Informative screen plus ActiveShield 3.0 safety suite
• Charges itself to 100 % in about 2.5 h when plugged in

Conclusion

So, can you take a power bank on an airplane? You sure can, as long as it follows the clear guidelines. Most airlines (including CATSA rules) allow batteries under 100 Wh with no paperwork. Between 100 and 160 Wh, you’ll need to notify or get approval from the airline. Over 160 Wh? You can’t bring it in your bag—it has to be shipped separately as cargo. Wh not listed? Just use the simple formula (mAh ÷ 1,000) × V to calculate yourself. Most modern power banks are actually designed to stay within the limit, so no surprises, no delays.

FAQs

What size power bank can I take on a plane?

You can carry power banks in carry‑on baggage only. Under International Air Transport Association (IATA) and CATSA guidelines, any lithium‑ion power bank ≤ 100 Wh (approximately ≤ 27 000 mAh at 3.7 V) is allowed without airline approval, while those between 100 Wh and 160 Wh (≈ 27 000–43 000 mAh) require prior airline approval and are limited to two per passenger, and devices over 160 Wh are not permitted on passenger flights at all.

Is a power bank allowed in carry-on?

Yes. All spare lithium batteries, including power banks, must be packed in your carry‑on baggage—they are not allowed in checked luggage due to fire risk. Airlines and CATSA explicitly require that portable power banks be individually protected against short circuits (e.g., in a case or with tape over terminals) and carried with you in the cabin.

Can I bring a 20,000mAh power bank on a plane?

Yes. A typical 20,000 mAh power bank (at a nominal voltage of 3.7 V) equals about 74 Wh, placing it well below the 100 Wh limit. Therefore, you can safely bring a 20,000 mAh power bank in your carry‑on without seeking airline approval.

Which power bank is not allowed in flight?

Any power bank exceeding 160 Wh (roughly over 43,000 mAh at 3.7 V) is strictly prohibited on passenger aircraft, even in carry‑on, unless it is shipped as cargo. Additionally, power banks between 100–160 Wh without airline approval, or devices with unclear or missing watt‑hour markings, may be refused by security. Always check both the Wh rating and your airline’s policy to avoid confiscation.