Can I Bring a Power Bank On a Plane? Let’s Clear It Up!

You’re packing for your next trip and want to keep your phone, tablet, or earbuds charged on the go—so naturally, you ask, “Can I bring a power bank on a plane?” The answer is yes, you can, but with some important rules. Airlines and security agencies like CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) have specific guidelines for carrying power banks, mostly due to safety concerns with lithium-ion batteries. These portable chargers are allowed in your carry-on or personal item, but not in checked luggage. Knowing the rules ahead of time helps you breeze through security and keeps your devices powered up wherever you fly. With that in mind, let’s dig into the details so you never get caught off guard at the airport.

alt: Airplane passengers

Canadian Airline Regulations for Power Banks

When you consider, “can I take a power bank on a plane” in Canada, the CATSA provides clear guidelines. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew, primarily due to the lithium batteries within power banks. It's crucial to understand that power banks must always be packed in your carry-on luggage. You should never place them in overhead bins or in your checked baggage. This rule is a non-negotiable safety measure to mitigate any potential risks.

Power Banks Under 100Wh

If your power bank is rated at 100 watt-hours (Wh) or less, you're generally in the clear. Most standard power banks fall into this category and are permitted in your carry-on without requiring any special approval from the airline. These guidelines align with international aviation standards, making travel relatively straightforward for most devices.

Power Banks Between 100Wh and 160Wh

For power banks that fall within the 100Wh to 160Wh range, there's a slight but important difference. While still allowed in your carry-on, these higher-capacity power banks require explicit approval from your airline. It's always a good idea to contact your airline in advance to confirm their specific policies and obtain any necessary permissions before you travel.

Power Banks Over 160Wh

When it comes to power banks exceeding 160Wh, the regulations become much stricter. The CATSA guidelines do not explicitly detail allowances for power banks over 160Wh, implying they are generally not permitted. This underscores the importance of checking your device's capacity and your airline's specific policies well before your departure.

How to Calculate Watt-Hours of a Battery

Understanding the calculation of watt-hour of a battery is necessary to answer “can you bring power bank on plane” question. Many power banks list their capacity in milliamp-hours (mAh) and voltage (V), but the crucial metric for air travel is watt-hours. Fortunately, calculating this is quite simple.

To find the watt-hours (Wh) of your battery, you can use one of these formulas:

Watt-hours (Wh) = Volts (V) x Amp-hours (Ah)

If your power bank's capacity is listed in milliamp-hours (mAh), you’ll need to convert it to Amp-hours first:

Wh = Volts (V) x (milliamp-hours (mAh) / 1000)

For example, if you have a power bank that is 5 Volts and 20,000 mAh:

Wh = 5V x (20,000 mAh / 1000)

Wh = 5V x 20 Ah

Wh = 100 Wh

Knowing this calculation empowers you to quickly determine if your power bank meets the airline regulations without any guesswork.

Tips for Traveling with Power Banks

Ready to pack like a pro? Here’s how “can you take a power bank on a plane” without drama:

• Carry-on is king: Always, and we mean always, pack your power banks in your carry-on luggage. Never put them in checked baggage or in the overhead bins during your flight.
• Charge before you go: To avoid any last-minute charging scramble, fully charge your devices and power banks before heading to the airport. This ensures you're ready to go as soon as you land.
• Know the limits: Keep in mind the general limits: up to 100Wh is usually fine, and 100Wh to 160Wh needs airline approval.
• Stay updated: Airline policies, especially concerning lithium batteries, can change. Before each trip, take a moment to check your specific airline's website for their latest guidelines.
• Protect your batteries: To prevent accidental short-circuiting, place each power bank in a protective case, a clear plastic bag, or keep it in its original packaging. You can also tape over the battery's contact points (the + and – symbols) for added safety.
• Handle with care: Avoid dropping, crushing, or puncturing your power banks. Physical damage can lead to internal short-circuits and overheating, posing a significant risk.

Airline-Specific Policies

Different carriers tweak the rules, so here’s a quick glance at some of the major Canadian airlines—so you know exactly “can you take portable chargers on a plane” with each.

Airlines	<100Wh rating	100–160 Wh rating	>160Wh rating
Air Canada	OK in carry-on.	Requires online or phone approval.	Prohibited
WestJet	OK in carry-on	Requires online or phone approval.	Prohibited
Porter Airlines	OK in carry-on	Requires online or phone approval.	Prohibited
Canada Jetlines	OK in carry-on	Requires online or phone approval.	Prohibited
Air North	OK in carry-on	Requires online or phone approval.	Prohibited

alt: Air Canada airplane

Best Portable Power Chargers Allowed on Airplanes

Let’s explore top picks that stay within Canada’s carry-on rules. All these power banks are under 100 Wh, so no extra approvals needed.

Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim)

Time to slim down your carry-on. The Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) packs a 10,000 mAh capacity into a sleek 14.7 mm-thin body—perfect for slipping into any pocket. You get:

• Ultra-fast 15W wireless chargingfor quick top-ups.
• ActiveShield™ safety monitoringto keep temps below 104 °F.
• Ergonomic slim design that feels feather-light at just 200 g.

Why it rocks on planes: the magnetic Qi2 pad snaps onto MagSafe iPhones so you can charge hands-free during layovers. Plus, the slim profile means it won’t drown your bag.

alt: Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim)

Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K)

Craving extras? This slightly thicker Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) with 10,000mAh battery capacity brings a smart display and even faster wireless speeds. Standout perks:

• Qi2 certified charging delivers a consistent 15W.
• Informative smart display shows battery % and charge time.
• Two times fast wired charging with 27W USB-C port.

A built-in kickstand turns it into a phone prop—ideal for watching in-flight entertainment at a comfy angle.

alt: Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K)

Anker Nano Power Bank

Need something petite? The Anker Nano Power Bank charger slips right into your palm yet still packs a punch:

• Built-in foldable USB-C connector—no extra cable required.
• Dual-port fast charging to juice two devices at once.
• Eco-friendly PCR exteriormade from 75% recycled plastics.

It’s just 100g and under 100Wh (5,000mAh), so you won’t need any airline nod. Clip it to your keychain or toss it in your pocket—it’s that tiny!

alt: Anker Nano Power Bank

Conclusion

So, can I bring a power bank on a plane? The answer is a resounding yes, but with crucial caveats. Remember, safety regulations are there for everyone's benefit. With the right knowledge and a suitable power bank, you can keep your devices charged and enjoy a seamless travel experience across Canada and beyond. Safe travels!

FAQs

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

Yes, you can take a 20,000mAh power bank on a plane—as long as it’s in your carry-on. Most 20,000mAh power banks are around 74Wh, which is under the 100Wh limit set by CATSA. Just make sure it’s not packed in your checked luggage!

Can I bring a 30000mAh powerbank on a plane?

Yes, you can bring a 30,000mAh power bank on a plane—but only if it’s under 160Wh and you get airline approval first. At 3.7V, it’s around 111Wh, which is over the standard 100Wh limit but still within the allowed range with permission. Always pack it in your carry-on and check your airline’s specific policy before flying.

Which power bank is not allowed in flight?

Power banks over 160 watt-hours (Wh) are not allowed on flights in Canada. This limit is set by aviation authorities for safety reasons. If your power bank exceeds 160Wh, it won’t be accepted in either carry-on or checked baggage. Always check the label or calculate the watt-hours to ensure your device meets airline regulations before flying.

Can I bring a powerbank in hand carry?

Yes, you can bring a power bank in your hand carry—in fact, it’s required. Airlines do not allow power banks in checked baggage due to safety regulations. Always pack your power bank in your carry-on and make sure it meets the airline’s watt-hour limits (typically under 100Wh, or up to 160Wh with approval).