What’s the Maximum Allowed Power Bank in Flight?

Portable power banks have become essential tools for keeping your devices powered, especially during travel. However, with increasing concerns about battery safety, airlines have implemented strict rules for the maximum allowed power bank in flight. Understanding the limits is not just a matter of convenience, but it’s necessary for compliance and your peace of mind.

If you’re traveling locally or internationally, being aware of both local and international regulations can help avoid confiscation or delay at airport security. This guide will walk you through the exact rules for carrying power banks on flights, how to calculate their watt-hour rating, what to do if your device exceeds the approved size, and tips for traveling with power banks.

alt: Anker MagGo Power Bank 10000mAh Slim

How Much Wh Power Bank is Allowed in Flight?

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) set international standards for lithium-ion batteries. In Canada, Transport Canada adopts these global standards, while CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) enforces them during airport screening. Here’s the maximum allowed power bank in flight:

• Under 100 Wh:Power banks rated under 100 watt-hours (Wh) are allowed on most flights worldwide, including all flights within and from Canada. Both ICAO and IATA classify these as low-risk, which is why Transport Canada permits them without any special approval. CATSA ensures compliance by checking these devices at security checkpoints.
• Between 100 Wh and 160 Wh:Devices that fall within the 100Wh to 160Wh range are still permitted, but only if you obtain airline approval before your flight. These higher-capacity batteries are typically used for laptops and professional equipment and may require inspection.
• Over 160 Wh:Any power bank rated over 160Wh is strictly prohibited on all commercial passenger flights according to ICAO, IATA, and Transport Canada regulations. These large-capacity batteries are considered too hazardous due to the potential for overheating and fire, and they are not permitted in either carry-on or checked baggage.

How to Calculate Watt-Hours (Wh) of Your Power Bank

Most power banks list their capacity in milliamp-hours (mAh), but airlines use watt-hours (Wh) to determine whether a device meets the safety limits. To check if your device is within the maximum allowed power bank in flight, you need to convert mAh into Wh using this formula.

Watt-hours (Wh) = (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1000

Most power banks operate at a standard voltage of 3.7V, especially those with lithium-ion cells. Keep in mind that some larger-capacity models may use a higher voltage than 3.7V. Let’s say you have a 10,000mAh power bank. The watt-hours would be:

Watt-hours (Wh) = (20,000 × 3.7) ÷ 1000 = 74Wh

This falls below the 100Wh mark. If you're asking, “Can I bring a 20000mAh power bank on a plane?” the answer is a big yes. You can bring it in your carry-on luggage without needing airline permission. Next, imagine you own a 28,000mAh power bank, the watt-hours would be:

Watt-hours (Wh) = (28,000 x 3.7) ÷ 1000 = 103.6Wh

Since this exceeds the 100Wh threshold, it does not automatically qualify for carry-on use. However, you can still bring it if you obtain airline approval before your flight. Lastly, let’s say you have a 50,000mAh power bank. The watt-hours would be:

Watt-hours (Wh) = (50,000 × 3.7) ÷ 1000 = 185Wh

This exceeds the maximum power bank on an airplane and is strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage. Power banks exceeding 160Wh must be shipped as cargo following proper dangerous goods procedures.

alt: Anker MagGo Power Bank 10000mAh

What Happens If Your Power Bank Exceeds the Maximum Size?

Bringing a power bank that exceeds the maximum allowed power bank in flight can lead to consequences. They are treated as safety risks during air travel, and specific rules will apply or outright bans take effect. Here’s what happens if your power bank exceeds the maximum size:

1. Confiscation

If you attempt to bring an oversized power bank through airport security, screening officers will confiscate it. They will not allow it past the checkpoint, even if it’s brand new or unused. No exceptions are made once it exceeds the limit.

2. Boarding Denial

If the power bank is discovered during boarding without prior approval, the airline may stop you from taking it on the plane. Some airlines treat undeclared large batteries as a breach of safety rules. This can delay your flight or force you to remove the device from your luggage.

3. Fines or Penalties

Power banks over 160Wh are considered dangerous goods due to the increased fire risk. They are not permitted on passenger flights under any circumstances. If you attempt to carry it onboard, even unintentionally, it may lead to fines or delays.

4. 4. Cargo Shipping

If your device is over the 160Wh threshold, the only legal way to transport it is through a certified cargo carrier that handles dangerous goods. This process includes packaging, labelling, and declaring the battery under strict conditions. Your airline will not handle this for you.

alt: Anker Nano Power Bank

Tips for Traveling with Power Banks

Knowing the maximum allowed power bank in flight is just one part of preparing your devices for travel. You also need to choose right power banks, pack them properly, and follow airline-specific rules. The following tips will help you stay within the allowed limits and avoid delays at airport security.

1. ChoosePower Bankswith Visible Labels

One of the most common issues at airport screening is when a power bank doesn’t show a clear label of its watt-hour rating. Airline security may ask you to verify its capacity, especially when you're close to the maximum limit. Bring a power bank with a visible label such as 10000mAh or 20000mAh. This helps you prove that you’re within the maximum power bank size on a plane.

2. Keep Power Bank Under 100Wh

Bring a power bank with a capacity below 100Wh for a seamless airport screening. This is better than bringing a power bank with a capacity between 100Wh and 160Wh, which are still subject to approval. Some power banks are also bulky despite being under 100Wh.

Consider slimmer options that are also under 100Wh, like the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim). It’s not only under 100Wh, but it’s also considered the slimmest power bank to date, measuring 0.58 inches in thickness. It’s designed for iPhones for wireless charging without cables.

3. Choose a Power Bank That Doesn’t Overheat

Sometimes, it’s not enough to stay under the allowed limit. You should also consider a power bank that’s designed with heat control in mind. The best example here is the Anker MagGo Power Bank 10K, which features Anker’s Wireless PowerIQ technology. This model features an exceptional multilayer heat dissipation system while charging twice as fast as normal power banks.

4. Check Airline Rules Before Flying

Before your flight, visit your airline’s official website or contact customer service to review their specific rules for carrying power banks. If your device falls within the special approval range, most airlines require you to request permission in advance by calling their hotline or submitting a form through their online help desk.

5. Keep Your Power Bank in Your Carry-On

Airlines do not allow power banks in checked luggage due to fire safety concerns, so they must be placed in your carry-on bag. Since you will put it in your carry-on, select a compact power bank that doesn’t take up too much space and is just enough to power your devices.

The most compact models are pocket-sized power banks, like the Anker Nano Power Bank. It’s a 5000mAh charger that plugs directly into your Android phone or iPhone 15 via its built-in USB-C connector and is small enough to fit in your pocket.

6. Bring Only the Number of Devices You Need

It’s tempting to bring extra power banks, but that n lead to delays or even confiscation. Most airlines allow a limited number, especially for larger capacities between 100Wh and 160Wh. Stick to one or two reliable ones instead of overpacking. This keeps your trip lighter and ensures you stay within the maximum allowed power bank in flight.

Conclusion

The maximum allowed power bank in flight is typically 100Wh, with limited approval allowed for those between 100Wh and 160Wh. Anything over 160Wh is strictly prohibited on passenger planes. To avoid issues at airport security, it’s important to calculate your power bank’s watt-hour rating and make sure the label is clearly visible. The rules and regulations are made for a reason, and that is to ensure battery safety during flights. Choosing a compact, high-quality power bank and keeping it in your carry-on helps you comply with these regulations. By following these guidelines, you can charge your devices safely while flying without unnecessary delays.

FAQs

Can I take a 20000mAh power bank on a plane?

Yes, in most cases you can. A 20000mAh power bank has a capacity of around 74Wh, which is below the maximum allowed power bank in flight. You can bring it in your carry-on without needing airline approval, as long as the watt-hour rating is visible on the label.

Can I bring a 100W power bank on a plane?

Yes, a 100Wh power bank is within the limit set by IATA and Transport Canada. You can carry it in your hand luggage without special approval, but not in checked baggage. Just make sure the power bank is clearly labeled with its capacity.

What is the largest power bank allowed on a plane?

The maximum power bank size on a plane allowed without approval is 100Wh. You can bring up to 160Wh only with airline approval. Anything over 160Wh is not permitted on passenger flights.

What is the capacity of a 100Wh power bank?

A 100Wh power bank is typically around 27000mAh if it operates at 3.7V. Always check the voltage and mAh rating to confirm its Wh capacity.